51 pages • 1 hour read
Grace D. LiPortrait of a Thief
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Modern Classic Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
LGBTQ
Values/Ideas: Win & Lose
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice