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.

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.

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

- Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li features a unique blend of heist thriller elements with introspective reflections on diaspora identity and the meaning of art, capturing the complexity of cultural inheritance.
- The book draws inspiration from real-life art heists, notably those involving the repatriation of looted Chinese art from Western museums, adding a layer of cultural commentary to its thrilling narrative.
- Grace D. Li was a medical student when she wrote Portrait of a Thief, balancing her burgeoning writing career with her studies, which demonstrates her multifaceted talents and dedication.

**Will Chen**  
A Harvard senior majoring in art history who struggles with balancing his American and Chinese identity and is driven by a passion for beauty and repatriating cultural artifacts.

**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**  
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**  
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**  
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.

Grace D. Li

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Portrait of a Thief reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Portrait of a Thief | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Portrait of a Thief and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Portrait of a Thief Summary and Study Guide

Background

Portrait of a Thief Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Act One”

Part 1, Chapters 1-11

Portrait of a Thief Part 1, Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 12-21

Portrait of a Thief Part 1, Chapters 12-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Act Two”

Part 2, Chapters 22-34

Portrait of a Thief Part 2, Chapters 22-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 35-46

Portrait of a Thief Part 2, Chapters 35-46 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Act Three”

Part 3, Chapters 47-58

Portrait of a Thief Part 3, Chapters 47-58 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 59-69

Portrait of a Thief Part 3, Chapters 59-69 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Portrait of a Thief Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Portrait of a Thief Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Portrait of a Thief Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Portrait of a Thief Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Portrait of a Thief Essay Topics

Portrait of a Thief

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Portrait of a Thief?

Reading Age

Book Details