Contemporary Fiction
Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!
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If the eloquence of music and the intrigue of a mystery novel are what normally captivates you, "Symphony of Secrets" might just be your next favorite read. It's a thrilling investigation into the complex fabric of legacy, talent, and deception that weaves together the past and the present, pulling you into a quest for justice and truth. Dive in and join Bern as he challenges historical narratives, making it a resonant tale for those who love to unearth buried truths.
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If you crave a story that grips your heart tightly and lingers long after you've turned the last page, "A Little Life" is that emotionally heavy but profoundly moving read. It's an immersive journey that explores the complexities of human relationships, the weight of past traumas, and the enduring power of friendship. Just a heads-up: it's not a light read, so be prepared for a narrative that's as challenging as it is rewarding.
Will Self
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Penguin
Liver: A Fictional Organ With a Surface Anatomy of Four Lobes
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Goodreads rating: 3.38
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If you're someone who enjoys deeply metaphorical stories that play with both language and structure, "Liver" might just be to your taste. It's a uniquely crafted tale that delves into the human condition by exploring the liver as more than an organ—but as a landscape of life's complexities. You might find it's a read that lingers with you, much like a rich aftertaste, encouraging profound thought about the interplay of life and body.
Arundhati Roy
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Random
House
Trade
Paperbacks
The God Of Small Things
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Goodreads rating: 3.96
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"The God of Small Things" is a compelling tale that expertly weaves together the personal and political. Arundhati Roy's captivating prose invites you into the intricate world of a family's unraveling, set against the backdrop of societal taboos and political turbulence. If you're drawn to stories that delve deep into the heartache and beauty of human connections, and explore the impact of history on personal lives, this book's emotional depth and rich details will stay with you long after the final page.
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"Transcendent Kingdom" dives deep into the complexities of family, science, and faith. If you're seeking a raw and honest portrayal of the American immigrant experience and the impacts of addiction, this could be a stirring and poignant read for you. Yaa Gyasi's narrative is powerful in its exploration of grief and the quest for understanding – something that deeply resonates with anyone who has grappled with the aftermath of loss and the pursuit of purpose amidst chaos.
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Weather is a unique novel that explores the impact of climate change and the limitations of human capabilities. Lizzie, a librarian, is hired to answer letters from individuals concerned about the decline of western civilization and climate change. Through this, Lizzie realizes the extent of what she can do to help others. This book is recommended for those interested in climate change and human resilience.
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If this past year has left you reflecting on the unexpected turns life can take and the beauty in finding oneself amidst chaos, Jodi Picoult's "Wish You Were Here" could resonate with you. It's an evocative exploration of our times, wrapped in a story that promises both the warmth of humanity and the thrill of unforeseen adventure. Picoult's narrative could offer you a companionable mirror to your own thoughts and feelings about these uncertain times.
Tobias Wolff
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Ecco
Pr
In the Garden of North American Martyrs
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Goodreads rating: 4.12
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Tobias Wolff's mastery at painting life's complexities in short sharp bursts makes "In the Garden of North American Martyrs" a compelling read. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the human condition, revealing our shared vulnerabilities and moments of quiet desperation. If you intrigue on the subtleties of human behavior under duress, these stories might just echo long after you turn the last page.
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"Ned was beside me, his messages running easily through him, with space between each one, coming through him like water. He was the go-between, going between the animal kingdom and this one. I watched the waves as they rolled and crashed towards us, one after another, never stopping, always changing. I knew what was making them come, I had been there and I would always know."Meet Jimmy Flick. He's not like other kids. He finds a lot of the adult world impossible to understand - especially why his Dad gets so angry with him. Jimmy's mother Paula is the only one who can manage him. She teaches him how to count sheep so that he can fall sleep. She holds him tight enough to stop his cells spinning. It is only Paula who can keep Jimmy out of his father's way. But when Jimmy's world falls apart, he has no one else to turn to. He alone has to navigate the unfathomable world and make things right.Sofie Laguna's first novel, One Foot Wrong received rave reviews, sold all over the world and was longlisted for both the Miles Franklin and Prime Minister's Awards. In The Eye of the Sheep, her great originality and talent will again amaze and move readers. In the tradition of Room and The Lovely Bones, here is a surprising and brilliant novel from one of our finest writers.
Ferris Joshua Joshua Ferris
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Penguin
Books
Unnamed the Air Exp
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Goodreads rating: 3.33
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Imagine feeling trapped in your own body, compelled to walk without end. Ferris crafts a deeply human narrative surrounding Tim Farnsworth's life and strain on his marriage, as he's gripped by an inexplicable disorder. It's a raw exploration of the human condition, melding the absurd with the tragic. If you're drawn to character-driven stories that walk the fine line between reality and allegory, this might just resonate with you.
J.K. Rowling
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Little,
Brown
And
Company
The Casual Vacancy
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Goodreads rating: 3.31
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This book could be a good read for you if you enjoy gripping stories that delve into the complexities and conflicts of small-town life. With J.K. Rowling's masterful storytelling, "The Casual Vacancy" uncovers the hidden tensions and unexpected revelations that arise after the death of a beloved member of the community. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as you witness the power struggles, personal battles, and explosive secrets that shape the lives of the town's residents.
Jonathan Lethem
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Vintage
Contemporaries
The Fortress of Solitude
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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The Fortress of Solitude is the story of Dylan Ebdus growing up white and motherless in downtown Brooklyn in the 1970s. It's a neighborhood where the entertainments include muggings along with games of stoopball. In that world, Dylan has one friend, a black teenager, also motherless, named Mingus Rude. As Lethem follows the knitting and unraveling of their friendship, he creates an overwhelmingly rich and emotionally gripping canvas of race and class, superheros, gentrification, funk, hip-hop, graffiti tagging, loyalty, and memory. The Fortress of Solitude is the first great urban coming of age novel to appear in years.(back cover)
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Vernon God Little
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"My Name is Lucy Barton" is particularly resonant if you're drawn to nuanced family dynamics and the unwavering quest for self-understanding. Elizabeth Strout's deft storytelling pulls you into Lucy's world, where hushed hospital room conversations reveal deep-seated emotional truths. It promises a poignant look at the silent fissures in family life and the quiet strength needed to bridge them.
Kazuo Ishiguro
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Vintage
International
When We Were Orphans
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Goodreads rating: 3.54
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If you're drawn to narratives that blend personal quests with the intrigue of historical settings, "When We Were Orphans" by Kazuo Ishiguro will captivate you. The journey of Christopher Banks will take you through the complexities of the human heart against the backdrop of a turbulent Shanghai. It's an introspective read that entwines mystery with the nostalgia of a bygone era.
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This book is a heartwarming tale that explores the power of friendship and its ability to endure even the toughest of times. It beautifully portrays the bond between Lisa and Elliot, reminding us of the importance of having someone who always has our back. The emotional journey of these characters will leave you with a tear in your eye, but also a renewed sense of hope and the value of true friendship. A perfect read for those who appreciate stories about enduring connections and the resilience of the human spirit.
Just Arrived
Jonathan Safran Foer
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Penguin
Books
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
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Goodreads rating: 3.97
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This resonates deeply with anyone who's lost a loved one, as Oskar's journey is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Through his eyes, the bustling city of New York transforms into a labyrinth of memories and emotions, each lock he encounters acting as a metaphor for unraveling the complexities of grief. Jonathan Safran Foer masterfully paints a portrait of a young boy's determination and the impact of collective tragedy with a touch of innocence that's both profound and uplifting.
Just Arrived
Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami |
Vintage
Kafka on the Shore
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Goodreads rating: 4.12
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If you're drawn to the beautifully strange and enjoy losing yourself in stories that transport you beyond the mundane, "Kafka on the Shore" is a perfect match for you. Murakami's skill in weaving the surreal with the hyper-real ensures that you'll be questioning the nature of reality page after page. This book isn't just a read; it's an experience, one that combines the philosophical with the whimsical in a way only Murakami can achieve.
Michel Houellebecq
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Vintage
Books
The Map and the Territory
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Goodreads rating: 3.95
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If the blend of art-world satire and a peculiar crime narrative intrigues you, "The Map and the Territory" could be the captivating read you're looking for. Houellebecq's skill in weaving existential threads with dark humor offers an experience that's both intellectually stimulating and bizarrely entertaining. It's a book that's likely to linger in your thoughts, much like an enigmatic painting that keeps drawing you back for another look.
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If you're drawn to stories that blend the vibrancy of city life with the intricacies of family dynamics and the wonder of youthful creativity, "Gabriel's Gift" might just be your next favorite read. It offers a unique perspective on how a young mind navigates through challenges using imagination as both an escape and a tool for self-discovery.
Barbara Kingsolver
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Faber
And
Faber
Pigs In Heaven
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Goodreads rating: 4.0
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Pigs in Heaven is a poignant novel that explores the lengths a mother would go to protect her child. It highlights the complexities of family ties and the importance of individual perspectives. The book is a great read for those who enjoy heartwarming family stories blended with a hint of history.
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"The White Tiger" might surprise you with its raw, unfiltered dive into India's class struggles. Aravind Adiga doesn't sugarcoat his homeland's issues, and that honest storytelling could grip you from start to finish. Balram’s compelling narrative, from a life of servitude to a self-made entrepreneur, offers a perspective shift that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. If you enjoy stories that challenge the status quo with wit and suspense, this book is likely to be a memorable read.
Salman Rushdie
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Vintage
Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights
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Goodreads rating: 3.39
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Salman Rushdie's "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights" is an enthralling blend for those who relish in stories that transcend the ordinary. If you've got a taste for narratives that twist reality with fantasy, layering myths into modern-day scenarios, then this is a tale that promises to captivate your imagination. It’s a unique journey that dips into the rich lore of jinn, all while exploring the complexities of love and the power of stories within the vibrancy of New York City.
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If you enjoy the quirky charm of Woody Allen's films, "Mere Anarchy" offers similar delight in written form. These eighteen tales blend the surreal with the satirical, all penned with Allen's distinctive wit. Perfect for fans of intelligent humor and verbal gymnastics, this collection serves as a creative respite from reality, peppered with absurdity and insightful comedic twists.
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The Nest could be a good read if you enjoy family dramas with complicated relationships and financial turmoil. The characters are flawed and relatable, making it easy to dive into their stories. The novel's unique selling point is the tense relationship between the Plumb siblings, the importance of money in their lives, and their journey to redemption. Overall, this book is a great choice for anyone who loves gripping emotional dramas.
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Imagine life confined to a single room, with the only world you know being the one your mother has created for you. "Room" will make you reconsider what it means to be free and the power of a mother's love that can turn the darkest of places into a home. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that redefines the bonds of love and the spirit of survival in unimaginable circumstances.
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If you're intrigued by the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which art can both reveal and conceal our deepest selves, "Martin Sloane" might just resonate with you. It's a deep dive into the emotional intricacies of love, loss, and the mysteries that can define our connections with others. Michael Redhill delicately unpacks the layers of a relationship with profound empathy, crafting a narrative that's as haunting as it is beautiful. Give it a read if you're ready for a story that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally rich.
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If you're drawn to the raw and unfiltered aspects of the human psyche, especially through the lens of the early 1970s, "Weird Fucks" by Lynne Tillman won't disappoint. It's a candid portrayal that offers rich, provocative snapshots of one woman's encounters with an array of men, laying bare the complexities of sex, desire, and identity. This book beckons to those who appreciate a deep dive into personal narratives that are as eccentric as they are enlightening.
Jonathan Safran Foer
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Penguin
Books
Everything Is Illuminated
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Goodreads rating: 3.89
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If you're fascinated by the interplay between past and present, "Everything Is Illuminated" offers a deep, yet quirky exploration of ancestry. Foer's comedic and poignant narrative, woven through the perspective of a translator with a unique relationship to English, adds a layer of charming absurdity to the compelling quest of self-discovery. The blend of humor and pathos makes it a beautifully balanced read.
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If you've ever fallen in love, deeply and thought-provokingly, "The Only Story" might echo within you long after the final page is turned. Julian Barnes has a way of delving into the fabric of early romance and its long-term consequences that feels both universal and intimately personal. His narrative reflects on the complexities of love and memory, tempting you to question your own past experiences and the stories you tell yourself. This is not just a novel, it's a mirror onto the heart's intricate tapestry.
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Winter, by Ali Smith, is a beautifully written story about survival, history, memory, and warmth. The author's writing style is graceful and mischievous, infused with a much-needed humor, happiness, and hope. The book teaches us the importance of surviving harsh winter seasons with our loved ones, and how to stay strong during difficult times. It's a luminously beautiful story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Just Arrived
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"Norwegian Wood" resonates on a deeply emotional level, capturing the essence of young love and the pains of growing up. As you wander through Toru's life, you might find yourself reflecting on your own past, the bittersweet memories, and the everlasting marks of first love. Murakami's storytelling weaves a hauntingly beautiful narrative that stays with you, long after turning the last page.
Alan R. Clarke, Paulo Coelho; Alan R. Clarke |
Harpercollins
Publishers
The Pilgrimage
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Goodreads rating: 3.65
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This book would be a good read for someone who is seeking both adventure and spiritual enlightenment. Through Paulo Coelho's captivating storytelling, the reader is taken on a transformative journey across Spain, where the protagonist faces spectacular trials and encounters mystical mentors. The blend of mysticism, magical realism, and folklore creates a unique and thought-provoking adventure that will inspire and awaken the reader's own search for self-knowledge and purpose. Get ready to embark on a pilgrimage unlike any other.
Fiona Mitchell
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Hodder
&
Stoughton
The Maid's Room
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Goodreads rating: 3.67
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"The Maid's Room" takes you behind the polished façades of upscale homes, offering a perspective rarely focused on in contemporary fiction—the lives of domestic workers. If you enjoy narratives that cast light on the struggles and hidden stories of those often overlooked, this book brings that in spades, grounding you firmly in their world with intimate storytelling and rich character development. It's a poignant exploration of social dynamics and personal resilience that will resonate with anyone who appreciates a story with emotional depth and moral complexity.
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If you enjoyed "Pachinko," Min Jin Lee's "Free Food for Millionaires" might just captivate you with its sharp observation of Korean-American life juxtaposed with themes of ambition, class, and identity. Through the lens of a daughter of immigrants trying to find her way among New York City's elite, you'll explore complex characters that are both flawed and deeply human. It's a vivid social commentary with a heart, just waiting to resonate with you.
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If you found "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" endearing, "A Spot of Bother" offers a similar charm but within the sphere of adult family life. Mark Haddon returns with his keen insight into human nature, this time exploring the mental turmoil of a retiree against the backdrop of family dysfunction. It's poignant, darkly humorous, and profoundly relatable, making you chuckle and wince in equal measure.
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If you enjoy stories that blend the mundane with the extraordinary, "UFO In Her Eyes" could be your next great read. Xiaolu Guo creates a rich narrative that's as much about the invasion of modernity into a traditional village as it is about an alien encounter. It's a unique tale that speaks to the social and economic evolution within China, providing both satirical insight and a poignant look at the human experience when faced with the unknown.
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"The Namesake" resonates deeply for anyone who's ever felt caught between worlds. Lahiri's prose is exquisite and precise, capturing the nuances of the immigrant experience and the search for identity. It's a poignant read that eloquently explores the complexities of family, tradition, and belonging.
Zia Haider Rahman
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Picador
India
In the Light of What We Know
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Goodreads rating: 3.65
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If you find yourself drawn to narratives that weave together personal recollections with grand themes of knowledge and geopolitics, "In the Light of What We Know" could occupy your thoughts for days. The book's strength lies in its ability to connect intimate experiences with the complexities of the world at large, all through the voice of a compelling and introspective narrator.
Eko (Jia He Yi), Felix Cheong |
Marshall
Cavendish
Editions
In the Year of the Virus - A Poignant Look Back at the Time When the World Was Affected by the Coronavirus
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Goodreads rating: 3.05
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This book would be a good read for anyone looking for a unique and artistic perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the combination of poetry and comics, "In The Year Of The Virus" offers a poignant and thought-provoking look back at a time that affected the entire world. The author's innovative approach gives readers a new way to connect with and reflect on the challenges faced during this unprecedented period.
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If your curiosity leans toward how a rural setting grapples with the extraordinary, "UFO in Her Eyes" might just be the book for you. Xiaolu Guo intertwines the everyday with the bizarre, crafting a story that satirizes bureaucracy and transforms a simple farmer’s life into a spectacle. This mix of political commentary with a dose of the fantastic is sure to keep you pondering long after the last page.
Just Arrived
Kazuo Ishiguro
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Faber
And
Faber
Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
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Goodreads rating: 3.51
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"Nocturnes" could be the companion for your reflective evenings. Ishiguro's skillful storytelling intertwines music and twilight to delve into the human spirit's complexities. The book's lyrical prose and poignant exploration of time's passage extend an invitation to the reader—a chance to witness lives at crossroads within serene and thoughtful vignettes.
Haruki Murakami, Paul Theroux, David Foster Wallace |
Harvill
Pr
Birthday Stories
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Goodreads rating: 3.56
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"Birthday Stories" curated by Haruki Murakami is like a box of assorted chocolates for your mind. Each story provides a unique perspective on birthdays, contributing to the varied emotional landscape that this day can represent. The collection's beauty lies in its diversity, with each author's voice bringing a distinct flavor to the narrative feast. If you savor literary variety and the intrigue of human experience centered around a universal event, these stories are for you.
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"Sightseeing" is a journey through the heart and soul of Thailand, where each story unfolds a separate facet of life's complexities amidst cultural shifts. If you're drawn to narratives that weave together the personal and the societal, offering both a touch of humor and a profound examination of familial and romantic relationships, then Rattawut Lapcharoensap's poignant debut may resonate with you. It's not just a book; it's an immersion into an Edenic setting forever changed by modernity.
Jayne Allen
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Harper
Perennial
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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If you're looking to dive into a story that feels both current and candid, "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted" could be the book for you. Jayne Allen weaves a narrative that's both relatable and heartening, highlighting the strength found in friendship and perseverance amidst life’s unanticipated challenges. It's an affirmation of the modern black woman's experience, told with a blend of wit and wisdom you'll likely resonate with.
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"Swimming Home" seems to weave a delicate tapestry of human frailty and emotional turbulence. If you're drawn to stories that strip away the veneer of everyday life to expose the raw and sometimes painful reality beneath, this might resonate deeply with you. Levy's literary craftsmanship transforms a seemingly idyllic setting into a stage for psychological unraveling, making for an intense, yet beautifully written read.
Mohsin Hamid
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Riverhead
Books
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
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Goodreads rating: 3.81
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If you're intrigued by transformative tales that reflect both the economic dynamics of modern Asia and the timeless pursuit of love and meaning, "How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia" is a must-read. Mohsin Hamid's storytelling is inventive and his prose is engaging, offering a window into a world where ambition and humanity intersect in complex ways. It's a narrative that's as much about the soul as it is about society, and you'll find it to be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
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Bill Unwin, in his 50s, looks back over his life and past. From his university rooms, he studies old family diaries from the mid-Victorian era. Excerpts from the diaries throw light on his own life - his feelings of hurt, revenge and family betrayal.
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This introspective novel explores the complexities of dealing with childhood trauma and the repercussions it may have on one's adulthood. Alison Moore vividly captures the scenic landscapes Futh takes on his circular walk along the Rhine, while seamlessly interweaving memories of his childhood trauma and its impact on his personality. The Lighthouse is a must-read for those interested in introspective journeys of self-discovery.
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If you're keen on understanding the intricacies of our economic system and its impacts on social structures, "Capital" might just change the way you see the world. It's a deep dive into the heart of capitalist dynamics that's both enlightening and thought-provoking, perfect for someone who appreciates thorough analysis and critical perspectives.
Explore Modern Narratives
Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.
Contemporary Fiction refers to literature set in the current day, often exploring themes relevant to today’s societies, cultures and struggles. Contemporary Fiction mirrors the present world and its challenges.
Try Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami and Sally Rooney, whose works bring unique voices to the genre, capturing and offering diverse perspectives on modern life. Also we stock popular, bestselling contemporary authors such as Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jojo Moyes and Mitch Albom here!
Yes, definitely! We believe in highlighting local and regional voices. Explore our collection of Asian Contemporary Fiction for novels by Singaporean and Asian writers.