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!

138 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!

138 Results

No results

Life of Pi
Yann Martel | Canongate Books Ltd

Life of Pi

$8.26

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$8.26

Unit price
per

67% off est. retail
Life of Pi could be a good read for someone who loves stories that transport them to extraordinary worlds of adventure and self-discovery. The book's unique and distinctive feature lies in its ability to seamlessly blend reality and imagination, leaving the reader questioning the boundaries of truth and the power of storytelling. Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating narrative, the vivid descriptions of the vast ocean, and the deep emotional connection forged between the protagonist, Pi, and the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. Life of Pi will take you on a transformative journey that will make you believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of the unexpected.
Nobody Real - Thryft
Steven Camden | Harper Collins Children’s Books

Nobody Real

$3.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.25

$3.90

Unit price
per

77% off est. retail
"Nobody Real" is a unique and captivating YA novel that explores the power of imagination and friendship. The book offers a fresh perspective on the coming-of-age genre, with its compelling storyline and relatable characters. Readers will love how the author weaves together the real and imaginary to create a compelling tale that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. If you are looking for an imaginative and thought-provoking read, this book is perfect for you.
Empress & Aniya - Thryft

Empress & Aniya

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

74% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for you if you're a young adult looking for a captivating story that combines the magic of body swapping with the power of friendship. Empress & Aniya takes you on a journey of self-discovery, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of being a teenager. With its relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling, this book reminds us that true friendship is the most enchanting magic of all.
Before We Forget Kindness

$12.90

Unit price
per

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" takes you through a poignant journey within a seemingly mundane setting – a cozy Tokyo coffee shop. Imagine slipping into the lives of patrons who are offered a rare chance to traverse time, all to grasp at moments of kindness and connection they've lost or never had. This book could be a perfect companion for those who enjoy introspective exploration of human relationships wrapped in a gentle fantasy narrative.
If You Could See Me Now
Sold out
Cecelia Ahern | Harper Collins Promotion

If You Could See Me Now

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$8.90

Unit price
per

Imagine a story where love transcends the ordinary, making you question the boundaries between what's real and what's not. "If You Could See Me Now" is perfect for those seeking a heartwarming escape into a world where the impossible becomes possible, wrapped in a tale of love and personal discovery. It's a read that invites wonder and a touch of magic into the often too pragmatic world we live in.
The Gargoyle
Sold out
Andrew Davidson | Canongate

The Gargoyle

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$8.90

Unit price
per

"The Gargoyle" isn't just a story about surviving; it's a tale of transformation through an intertwining of history and fantasy that challenges our notion of what is real and what is imagined. If you're drawn to the idea of a love that transcends lifetimes and physical scars, this novel is a deep dive into redemption, history, and the healing power of stories themselves. As the grotesque and the beautiful collide, your perspective on love's power to change a life may be forever altered. Andrew Davidson weaves a narrative that not only grips your heart but also boldly explores the complexities of the human soul.
Every Day
Sold out
David Levithan | Knopf Books For Young Readers

Every Day

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$8.90

Unit price
per

"Every Day" is for you if you're drawn to unconventional love stories that question identity and true connection. The book's protagonist wakes up in a new body each day, which offers a fresh perspective on the lives of teenagers and the challenges they face. It's a thought-provoking read that tackles the complexities of love and the human experience in a unique way.
Chocolat
Sold out
Joanne Harris | Black Swan

Chocolat

Regular price $6.90 $4.90 29% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.96

Regular price $6.90 $4.90 29% off

Unit price
per

Imagine a quaint French village where the arrival of a single mother with a knack for making extraordinary chocolates stirs more than just the appetite for sweets. "Chocolat" is the battle of indulgence versus restraint, tradition versus change, and it's as delightfully tempting as the confections described within its pages. Harris's writing has a certain magic that turns food into a celebration of life, making this book hard to resist, much like a piece of fine chocolate.
Gingerbread
Sold out
Helen Oyeyemi | Picador

Gingerbread

Regular price $9.90 $6.90 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.05

Regular price $9.90 $6.90 30% off

Unit price
per

58% off est. retail
"Gingerbread" is like a confection for the mind, combining the sweetness of a well-crafted narrative with the spices of surreality that Helen Oyeyemi so skillfully blends. If you delight in stories that both comfort and challenge, where everyday life is rendered in magical hues, this book is your ticket to a world where imagination bakes the most extraordinary tales. Open it up and taste the quirky, heartfelt adventures of the Lee family.
Big Lonesome Stories
Sold out
Joseph Scapellato | Harper Perennial

Big Lonesome Stories

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$8.90

Unit price
per

59% off est. retail
If you're itching for tales that twist the familiar into the extraordinary, "Big Lonesome" could satiate that craving. Joseph Scapellato masterfully stitches together the American West, folding myth into reality, and examining masculinity with a sharp, yet oddball touch. It's a fresh take that while rooted in tradition, marches to the beat of its own wildly inventive drum. You might just find yourself lost in its unique storytelling, where cowboys and creatures grapple with existence in evocative ways.
Reckless Road - Torpedo Ink
Sold out
Christine Feehan | Berkley

Reckless Road - Torpedo Ink

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.35

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

77% off est. retail
If the thrill of motorcycles and the complexity of human emotion revs your engine, "Reckless Road" could be your next read. Christine Feehan dives deep into the life of a brooding biker with a tumultuous inner world, offering an intense romance that's as passionate as it is healing. It's a raw, gritty journey perfect for those who crave a love story with a touch of darkness and depth.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Sold out
Patrick Ness | Harperteen

The Rest of Us Just Live Here

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.68

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

If you've ever felt overshadowed by the heroic tales of others, "The Rest of Us Just Live Here" will resonate with you. Patrick Ness expertly marries the mundane struggles of adolescence with the absurdity of a world constantly on the brink of disaster. It's a refreshing take on the YA genre that highlights the importance of the ordinary person’s story, making it a compelling read that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Skylight Confessions
Sold out
Alice Hoffman | Chatto & Windus

Skylight Confessions

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.7

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

Alice Hoffman's "Skylight Confessions" is a mesmerizing tapestry interlacing the supernatural with the intricate emotions of familial bonds. If you're drawn to tales that inject the mystical into the everyday struggles and triumphs of family life, this novel delicately explores the spaces between love and loss with a touch of magic realism. Delving into this story might feel like uncovering a family's secret history, while witnessing how the past shapes the living and the yet-to-come.
Night Theatre
Sold out
Vikram Paralkar | Serpent's Tail

Night Theatre

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$8.90

Unit price
per

49% off est. retail
Night Theatre by Vikram Paralkar is a unique blend of gritty realism and ethereal magic, set against a backdrop of rural India. If you're drawn to stories that weave the supernatural into the fabric of everyday life while exploring the profundities of existence, this might be just the book for your next immersive read. It's about life's paradoxes and the enigmatic bridge between endings and beginnings, making it a thought-provoking experience.
The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Sold out
Mitch Albom | Sphere

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.90

Unit price
per

70% off est. retail
If you found a touching resonance with "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," this book is a natural next step for you. Mitch Albom has woven another profound narrative that comforts and challenges, making readers ponder the interconnectedness of lives and the lasting impact of every action. Annie's journey is one that promises emotional depth, unexpected revelations, and a reassurance that every ending can lead to new beginnings.
The Time of My Life
Sold out
Cecelia Ahern | Harpercollins Publishers

The Time of My Life

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.86

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

72% off est. retail
Cecelia Ahern has a knack for weaving the extraordinary into the ordinary, making "The Time of My Life" a read that could resonate with you if you've ever wanted to confront your decisions and perhaps change course. It's about personal discovery and the transformative power of facing the life you've created head-on. If the idea of self-reflection wrapped in a bit of magic captivates you, this book is your next read.
Sharks in the Time of Saviors
Sold out
Kawai Strong Washburn | Canongate Books Ltd

Sharks in the Time of Saviors

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.84

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

63% off est. retail
For anyone drawn to family epics painted against a vivid cultural backdrop, "Sharks in the Time of Saviors" is an enriching choice. It drags you beneath the surface of modern Hawaii, showing you a world where myth and reality clash and commingle. Kawai Strong Washburn offers a narrative that's as tender as it is fierce, swimming with the complexities of kinship and identity. Imagine immersing yourself in a tale where miracles wrestle with the mundane, and where the lore of the land is as palpable as its struggles. It's a read that promises to leave you both haunted and heartened.
Quichotte - Thryft
Sold out
Salman Rushdie | Jonathan Cape

Quichotte

$11.45

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$11.45

Unit price
per

59% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary experiments and postmodern storytelling. Rushdie's "Quichotte" pays tribute to the timeless classic while offering a fresh and imaginative tale of love and family. The fusion of reality and fiction will leave readers questioning the boundaries of their own perceptions. Get ready for a wild and thought-provoking journey through a society on the brink of chaos.
The Room : A Novel - Thryft
Sold out
Neil Smith, Jonas Karlsson  | Hogarth

The Room : A Novel

$7.56

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.59

$7.56

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
This book is a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of individuality in a world that values conformity. Bjorn's discovery of a secret room at work becomes a metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations and living life on his own terms. With its absurd and surreal elements, "The Room" will make you question the boundaries of reality and leave you with a lasting impression of the power of individuality. So, if you are looking for a unique and mind-bending read, this book is for you.
Dear Reader - Thryft
Sold out
Mary O'Connell | Affirm Press

Dear Reader

$3.88

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 2.74

$3.88

Unit price
per

Dear Reader is an entertaining and heartwarming story that captures the transformative power of reading. Through Flannery's journey, readers are reminded of the magic of books, the way they can guide us through life and help us find our place in the world. Mary O'Connell's writing is both intelligent and witty, making this an enjoyable read for anyone who loves literature.
Grimus - Thryft
Sold out
Salman Rushdie | Trafalgar Square +

Grimus

$3.88

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.41

$3.88

Unit price
per

78% off est. retail
Grimus could be a good read for readers who enjoy a mix of genres with elements of science fiction, folktales, and adventure. The book takes readers on a journey through imagination, covering topics like immortality and alternate societies. Salman Rushdie's extraordinary writing style is characteristic of this book, making it a unique and interesting read.
A Wild Sheep Chase - Thryft
Sold out
Alfred Birnbaum, Haruki Murakami  | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

A Wild Sheep Chase

Regular price $12.90 $8.90 31% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.94

Regular price $12.90 $8.90 31% off

Unit price
per

63% off est. retail
A Wild Sheep Chase is a great read for fans of both literature and surrealism. Murakami's writing style is unique and immersive, making the reader feel like they are on a wild journey through Japan. The most distinctive feature of this book is its blend of the fantastical and the ordinary- Murakami creates a world that is both mundane and magical at the same time. Readers who enjoy books that challenge their perception of reality and take them on a surreal ride will find A Wild Sheep Chase to be an unforgettable reading experience.
Ghostwritten: A Novel in Nine Parts
Sold out
David Mitchell | Sceptre

Ghostwritten: A Novel in Nine Parts

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$8.90

Unit price
per

53% off est. retail
This book is perfect for readers who love stories that tie disparate characters together in unexpected ways. Mitchell's intricate web of characters and their relationships will keep readers engaged, as will his skillful exploration of themes like cause and effect and the power of storytelling. Overall, Ghostwritten is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted, thought-provoking fiction.
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
Sold out

$8.90

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is a must-read for fans of Murakami's surrealistic style. The novel's unique blend of detective story, science fiction, and post-modern manifesto makes for a thrilling read. Murakami's blending of Western and Eastern culture creates a refreshing perspective, while the heart-wrenching plot will leave you contemplating the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope : WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD - Thryft
Sold out
North Claire | Hachette

The Sudden Appearance of Hope : WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD

Regular price $6.73 $4.71 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.64

Regular price $6.73 $4.71 30% off

Unit price
per

76% off est. retail
The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a book for those who are looking for a unique and intriguing protagonist that will keep them hooked until the end. The story of Hope Arden, a girl who nobody remembers, is full of adventure, danger, and unexpected turns. Despite the unusual concept, Claire North manages to make the story believable, and the reader can't help but root for Hope's success. The book tackles deeper themes such as memory, identity, and existentialism, making it a remarkable read for those in search of something more profound.
Key of Knowledge - Thryft
Sold out
Nora Roberts | Berkley

Key of Knowledge

Regular price $5.17 $3.62 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.13

Regular price $5.17 $3.62 30% off

Unit price
per

76% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for someone who enjoys a blend of mythology, mystery, and romance. Nora Roberts creates a world where three women must work together to find three keys that unlock the souls of demigoddesses. The main character, Dana, is a passionate book lover with a dream of owning a bookstore. She is faced with a challenge that she must solve in four weeks. The book's most distinctive feature is the blend of mythology and modern-day challenges. Readers have described this book as an easy read that is difficult to put down.
Jewels of the Sun - Thryft
Sold out
Nora Roberts | Jove

Jewels of the Sun

Regular price $5.14 $3.60 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.22

Regular price $5.14 $3.60 30% off

Unit price
per

76% off est. retail
Jewels of the Sun could be a good read for anyone who enjoys a romantic novel with a touch of magic. This book is especially captivating in its portrayal of Irish mythology and how it influences the characters' lives. Aiden Gallagher, for instance, adds an extra flavor to the story with his knowledge and passion for his country's history and myths. Readers who love romance novels that are both emotionally and visually evocative would appreciate how the author brings Ireland to life with vivid imagery, details, and folklore.
Tears of the Moon - Thryft
Sold out
Nora Roberts | Berkley Books

Tears of the Moon

Regular price $5.22 $3.65 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Regular price $5.22 $3.65 30% off

Unit price
per

80% off est. retail
Tears of the Moon is a must-read for fans of romance and magic. Nora Roberts effortlessly weaves together a magical world with relatable characters, showcasing the power of unrequited love. The way she describes the beauty of Ireland and its folk music is sure to transport readers to the Emerald Isle. You'll find yourself rooting for the characters to find happiness and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage - Thryft
Sold out

$8.26

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
This book is a captivating story of a young man who is trying to overcome the pain of losing his friends and deals with his own insecurities. The book has a unique blend of reality and dreams that touches the reader's emotions. It is recommended for readers who enjoy reading thought-provoking books that deal with life struggles and self-discovery. The book's most distinctive feature is the beautiful writing style of the author, Haruki Murakami, which makes it an enjoyable read for anybody who loves literary fiction.
The Midnight Library
Sold out
Matt Haig | Canongate Books Ltd.

The Midnight Library

$8.26

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$8.26

Unit price
per

46% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the what-ifs in life. Matt Haig takes you on a thought-provoking journey with Nora, who gets to explore all the different lives she could have lived. The Midnight Library is beautifully written and will make you question your own choices and the meaning of a well-lived life. It's an uplifting and inspiring read that will leave you contemplating long after you've finished the last page.
Everything Under : Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize - Thryft
Sold out

$7.32

Unit price
per

58% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for those who enjoy dark and mysterious tales. With its unique blend of fantasy and reality, "Everything Under" takes readers on a haunting journey into the depths of family secrets. Daisy Johnson's insightful storytelling and unsettling twists will keep you hooked until the very last page. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, this novel is an absolute treasure for lovers of atmospheric and thought-provoking literature.
Landline
Sold out
Rainbow Rowell | Orion

Landline

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.54

$8.90

Unit price
per

"Landline" might just redefine your perspective on relationships. It's a witty, touching dive into the complexities of love and marriage, and how sometimes, we need a bit of magic to truly see what matters. Rainbow Rowell's insight into this couple's journey is as funny as it is profound – it could offer you a new way to think about the choices you make in love.
Bestiary
Sold out
K-Ming Chang | Harvill Secker

Bestiary

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.46

$8.90

Unit price
per

"Bestiary" could be a profound journey for you if the blend of magical realism and rich cultural heritage intrigue you. You'll explore the complexities of family and identity through the lens of Taiwanese American folklore, all wrapped in a poetically charged narrative. K-Ming Chang's vibrant storytelling will likely leave a lasting impression if you're drawn to tales that marry the mythic with the all-too-human desires and secrets.
Brida - Thryft
Sold out
Paulo Coelho | Harper Collins

Brida

$7.55

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$7.55

Unit price
per

81% off est. retail
Brida could be a good read for someone interested in spirituality and self-discovery. It seamlessly weaves together themes of love, passion, mystery, and spirituality to create an engaging story about a young woman's journey to learning about magic and discovering her true self. Paulo Coelho's writing is both captivating and thought-provoking, making this novel a must-read for anyone on a spiritual quest.
Brida - Thryft
Sold out
Paulo Coelho | Harpercollins Uk

Brida

$8.26

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$8.26

Unit price
per

50% off est. retail
The spellbinding novel from one of the world's best-loved authors, Paulo Coelho, recounting the story of Brida, and her pursuit of wisdom. This is the story of Brida, a young Irish girl, and her quest for knowledge. She has long been interested in various aspects of magic, and has taken courses in astrology, tarot, and numerology, but is searching for something more. Her search leads her to people of great wisdom, who begin to teach her about the world. Her teachers sense that Brida has a gift, but cannot tell what that is. Meanwhile, Brida pursues her course ever deeper into the mysteries of life, seeking to answer questions about who she is. She meets a wise man who dwells in a forest and teaches her about overcoming her fears and trusting in the goodness of the world and a woman who teaches her how to dance to the music of the world and how to pray to the moon. She seeks her destiny, as she struggles to find a balance between her relationships and her desire to become a witch. This enthralling novel incorporates themes fans of Paulo will love. It is a tale of love, passion, mystery and spirituality.
The Bone Clocks - Thryft
Sold out
David Mitchell | Sceptre

The Bone Clocks

Regular price $14.90 $10.90 27% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.84

Regular price $14.90 $10.90 27% off

Unit price
per

61% off est. retail
Recommended for fans of surrealist fiction and engaging narrative. Immerse yourself in a world of murderous feuds and precognition phenomena through the eyes of Holly Sykes, as David Mitchell delivers a spellbinding masterpiece that meditates on mortality and chronicles our self-devouring times.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Sold out
Mitch Albom | Sphere

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

$3.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$3.90

Unit price
per

81% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for anyone who is curious about the afterlife and the significance of their actions in the world. Through the protagonist's encounters with five people in heaven, the book delves into the profound questions of what our time on earth means and what we are meant to learn. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving exploration of life's purpose and the impact we have on others.
The Immortalists
Sold out
Chloe Benjamin | Penguin Random House Usa Ex

The Immortalists

$5.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$5.90

Unit price
per

77% off est. retail
"The Immortalist" could resonate with you if you're intrigued by life's existential questions and the ripple effects of our choices. The novel masterfully interweaves the stories of four siblings, each uniquely influenced by a single prophecy. Its rich narrative might make you ponder the tension between fate and free will, and how the belief in one's destiny can become self-fulfilling. It's a compelling read for anyone who appreciates family sagas and the mingling of life's what-ifs with reality.

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.