logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Portrait of a Thief

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Grace D. Li

Portrait of a Thief

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li follows five Chinese American college students recruited by a mysterious Chinese billionaire to steal looted Chinese artifacts from Western museums, blending action and suspense with explorations of art repatriation, diaspora, and the challenges faced by immigrant families in America. The novel discusses colonization and racism.

Mysterious

Inspirational

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.6

30,897 ratings

50%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Grace D. Li's debut novel, Portrait of a Thief, has garnered mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its exploration of cultural identity, clever heist plot, and engaging characters. Critics, however, note uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots. Overall, it's praised for its originality and the thought-provoking commentary on art repatriation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Portrait of a Thief?

Readers who enjoyed Ocean's Eleven, Crazy Rich Asians, and The Goldfinch will be captivated by Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. This novel appeals to those who appreciate heist stories, cultural commentary, and a diverse cast of characters managing intricate escapades.

3.6

30,897 ratings

50%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.