51 pages • 1 hour read
Portrait of a Thief
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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
30,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
30,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Irene Chen
Irene Chen
A junior at Duke studying public policy, known for her perfectionism and strong will, who navigates family expectations and loyalty to her brother.
Daniel Liang
Daniel Liang
A UCLA senior planning to attend medical school, driven by loyalty to his friends and grappling with a complicated relationship with his father and cultural identity.
Lily Wu
Lily Wu
A junior mechanical engineering student at Duke and talented street racer from Texas, she seeks a deeper connection to her Chinese heritage and belonging.
Alex Huang
Alex Huang
A skilled computer engineer who left MIT to work for Google, she is motivated by the promise of financial freedom to support her family and fulfill her ambitions.
384
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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