Portrait Of A Thief

Here is a brief synopsis of the book Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li: Portrait of a Thief is a thrilling contemporary heist story infused with Chinese history and cultural artifacts. The novel follows a group of elite Chinese American students who come from wealthy and influential families. Led by the charismatic Will Chen, these students form a secret society called the Hunters. They embark on a daring mission to reclaim their cultural heritage by stealing back ancient Chinese treasures that were looted from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing during the colonial era. The story centers around a young woman named Alexandra Wang, a student at New England's elite Harrison University. Alex, as she is known, is struggling with her identity as the daughter of a Chinese billionaire and feels like an outsider in both her American and Chinese worlds. She becomes entangled with Will Chen and joins the Hunters, participating in their heists across Europe. As the stakes rise, Alex must confront her own moral compass, her complex family history, and her growing attraction to Will. The book explores themes of colonialism, cultural identity, privilege, and the question of who owns history. It showcases the characters' passion for reclaiming their heritage while also delving into the ethical dilemmas of art theft. As the Hunters' heists become more audacious, they attract the attention of a powerful international art syndicate and the authorities, leading to high-stakes chases and narrow escapes. Portrait of a Thief offers a unique blend of adventure, romance, and historical reflection, shedding light on the enduring legacy of cultural artifacts and the lengths some will go to in order to reclaim their lost heritage.