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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Evie Wyld, Jackie Kay, Colin Grant |
Birkbeck
MIR 10
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Goodreads rating: 3.6
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"MIR 10" is like taking a world trip from your armchair, tapping into a vibrant tapestry of cultures, experiences, and emotions. The anthology breaks the mold, showcasing how diverse voices can weave unforgettable narratives that resonate with anyone looking for fresh, authentic storytelling. Each piece promises to challenge your views or tug at your heartstrings, making it a precious find for literary explorers.
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Barbara Davilman, Ellis Weiner |
Little,
Brown
And
Company
Yiddish With Dick And Jane
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Imagine the world through a Yiddish lens with this book. It's a playful twist on the childhood innocence embodied by Dick and Jane, infused with the expressive richness of Yiddish. It's not just for those with a penchant for linguistics or Jewish culture; anyone who appreciates a dash of humor mixed with a touch of nostalgia will find themselves chuckling page after page.
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Gabe Hudson
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Vintage
Dear Mr. President : Stories and a Novella
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Goodreads rating: 3.65
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If you're drawn to the surreal juxtaposition of gritty war realism and fantastical elements, "Dear Mr. President" would intrigue you. Gabe Hudson stitches together the absurdity of war-induced transformations—physical and psychological—through humor that's as unsettling as it is sharp. It's a read that promises to challenge your perceptions of war's impact with an imaginative twist.
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Alice Hoffman
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Chatto
&
Windus
Skylight Confessions
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Goodreads rating: 3.7
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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.
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Achmat Dangor
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Grove
Press,
Black
Cat
Bitter Fruit
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Goodreads rating: 3.31
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"Bitter Fruit" offers more than just a story—it's an immersion into South Africa's turbulent transition out of apartheid. If you're drawn to narratives that blend personal family dramas with sweeping political landscapes, this book will resonate with you. The nuanced portrayal of Silas and his family exposes the complex interplay between personal trauma and national healing, offering a profound commentary on the long shadow of history.
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Brice Particelli
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Persea
In The Between - 21St Century Short Stories
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Goodreads rating: 4.11
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Recommendation: This collection of short stories is a powerful exploration of the complexities of contemporary America. With diverse characters and compelling narratives, the book challenges societal norms and pushes readers to question their own identities and beliefs. The stories are beautifully written and emotionally charged, offering a unique and intimate perspective on the struggles and triumphs of individuals from different backgrounds. Whether you're seeking thought-provoking stories or a deeper understanding of the social fabric of America, "In The Between" is a must-read.
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J.M. Coetzee
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Vintage
Books
Disgrace
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Goodreads rating: 3.85
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This book could be a good read for someone who appreciates a brutally honest exploration of the human condition. The author delves into the depths of human nature, showcasing the complexities and flaws that exist within us all. Through the story of David Lurie, readers are confronted with uncomfortable truths and forced to reflect on the power dynamics, relationships, and societal issues that shape our lives. Coetzee's writing style is stark and unflinching, making "Disgrace" a riveting and thought-provoking read.
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Jennifer Weiner
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Washington
Square
Press
Fly Away Home
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Goodreads rating: 3.69
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Fly Away Home could be a good read for someone looking for a heartwarming story about the complexities of family relationships. This book beautifully explores the bonds between a mother and her two daughters, as they navigate through personal struggles and find solace in each other's presence. With its blend of heartbreak and humor, this story will resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for connection and forgiveness.
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K.K. Seet
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Times
Books
International
Old Truths New Revelations
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This book could be a good read for anyone interested in discovering the rich tapestry of literature from Southeast Asia. Each story transports you to a different country within the ASEAN region, offering unique perspectives and cultural insights. These prizewinning tales captivate with their vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. So if you're ready to embark on a literary journey through the diverse landscapes of ASEAN, this book is a must-read.
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Recommendation for User:
- If you're looking for a book that captures the vibrant and complex essence of modern London, then "NW" by Zadie Smith is a must-read. Set in the bustling city, this novel follows the lives of four individuals as they navigate through the challenges and choices of adulthood. With Smith's brilliant writing and vivid storytelling, "NW" is a funny, poignant and immensely relatable exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of urban life. Get ready to be immersed in the diverse and ever-changing streets of London.
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Fredrik Backman
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Penguin
Beartown
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Goodreads rating: 4.29
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Recommendation: This book is a gripping tale of a small town grappling with a shocking incident that threatens to tear it apart. With themes of loyalty, bravery, and the power of speaking up, Beartown will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Get ready to be completely engrossed in the battle between those who want to forget the past and those who are determined to fight for the truth.
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Elizabeth Strout
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Random
House
Trade
Paperbacks
Olive Kitteridge : Fiction
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Olive Kitteridge is a novel that focuses on the struggles of a retired schoolteacher in a small town in Maine. It gives insight into the human condition through Olive's character, who navigates through various relationships with her husband, son, and the people around her. The book offers a deep, emotional understanding of Olive's life, and readers will feel a deep connection with her character. Overall, Olive Kitteridge is a perfect read for anyone looking for an unforgettable and profound story.
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Jonathan Safran Foer
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Mariner
Books
Everything Is Illuminated / Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
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This book could be a good read for those who are interested in history and its profound influence on people's lives. Everything Is Illuminated tells the story of a young man's journey to Ukraine to discover the past of his Jewish grandfather, while Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close explores a young boy's journey of healing and self-discovery after losing his father in 9/11. Both stories intertwine in a cleverly crafted narrative that leaves readers with a deep appreciation of the human experience. Jonathan Safran Foer's writing is poignant and thought-provoking, always leaving readers with new questions to explore.
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David Foster Wallace
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Abacus
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men
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This book is not for the faint of heart. It's a collection of short stories that delve into the psyche of men who are so afraid of women that they become grotesque. It's a thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning societal norms and gender roles. If you're a fan of David Foster Wallace's writing, this is a must-read. However, if you're looking for a light-hearted read, this is not the book for you.
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Lorna Landvik
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Bantam
Books
Oh My Stars
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Oh My Stars can be a great read for anyone who enjoys novels that are filled with emotional depth and heartwarming stories. The book's most unique feature is its ability to evoke powerful emotions in readers, making them laugh, cry, and cheer for its characters. Landvik's masterful storytelling is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads this book.
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Edward St. Aubyn
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Picador
Patrick Melrose Volume 2 : Mother's Milk and At Last
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Patrick Melrose Volume 2 is a must-read for those who love family dramas and want to witness how the characters evolve over time. The novel's unique feature is its honest portrayal of the complexities of mastering the art of survival in familial relations with its painful realities, a mixture of tragedy, hilarity, and wit. Edward St Aubyn has a gorgeous writing style, which makes the reader feel unique and has the ability to encompass heavy human experiences with a sharp and at times humorous wit. Patrick Melrose is not an easy read, but it is a very rewarding one.
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"Jesus' Son" could be a good read for those interested in character-driven stories that explore the darker side of human nature. The unnamed narrator's struggles with addiction provide a gritty but honest lens through which to view the lives of the lost and forgotten. Johnson's prose captures the beauty and despair of these characters, resulting in a haunting and unforgettable collection of stories.
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Recommended for readers interested in social criticism. The book's unique feature lies in its satirical portrayal of the corrupt upper class and racial tensions in 1980s New York. It provides a scathing commentary on the societal decay of the era, making it a must-read for those who enjoy books that critique contemporary issues.
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Middlesex is a fascinating intergenerational saga about a Greek-American family that spans three generations. It is an illuminating narrative of the taboo subject of intersexuality. Eugenides artfully captures the emotions and identity struggle of an intersexual protagonist who battles with his/her gender identity as Cal explores his/her identity that transcends the constructs of conventional male and female. Recommended for readers who enjoy thought-provoking and poignant narratives on identity, culture and family.
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Roy Arundhati
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Penguin
Books
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
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Goodreads rating: 3.53
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The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is a powerful and poignant novel that weaves a complex web of unconventional characters in India. Anjum, a hijra who runs a guest house in an Old Delhi cemetery, and Tilo, an architect who falls in love with three different men, are two of the novel's most fascinating characters. When Tilo decides to adopt a abandoned baby, their paths cross and the story takes a new turn. This is a book for those who enjoy character-driven stories that celebrate diversity and that challenge traditional gender roles in a deeply insightful way.
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Grace Chia
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Math
Paper
Press
We R Family - An Anthology
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We R Family is a heartwarming and relatable anthology that celebrates the beauty of different types of families. The book features eight unique tales that showcase the joys and struggles of families from all over the world. The stories are beautifully written and will leave readers feeling grateful for the love and support in their own families. We R Family is perfect for anyone who loves heartwarming stories about love, family, and acceptance.
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Gwyn Hyman Rubio
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Penguin
Books
Icy Sparks
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This book would be a great read for someone interested in understanding the experience of living with Tourette's Syndrome. The novel provides an intimate portrayal of Icy's journey to self-acceptance and her struggles with being an outcast in her Appalachian community. The story also offers a poignant commentary on the importance of accepting others' differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique.
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"Indignation" is an insightful novel that explores the limits of parental love, the allure of youthful rebellion, and the haunting spectre of mortality. It's a perfect read for those interested in coming-of-age stories that capture the essence of uncertainty, discovery, and growth. Through the eyes of Marcus Messner, Roth weaves a compelling narrative that reflects the social upheaval and existential angst of post-World War II America.
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Hanif Kureishi
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Scribner
Intimacy And Midnight All Day - A Novel And Stories
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Goodreads rating: 3.58
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This book would be a good read for those interested in complex and raw depictions of love and its aftermath. Hanif Kureishi explores the darker sides of relationships and intimacy with unflinching honesty in both a novel and a collection of original stories. Readers can expect to be challenged and confronted with uncomfortable truths about the complexities of human connection.
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Elizabeth Berg
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Arrow
What We Keep
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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"What We Keep" would be a great read for someone who enjoys family dramas and stories of self-discovery. The author, Elizabeth Berg, beautifully depicts the complex relationships between sisters, mothers, and daughters. The book is centered around Ginny, who faces a painful confrontation about her choices in life and confronts surprising truths about those she thought she knew best. Berg's writing style is both emotional and compelling, leaving readers with a sense of intimacy with the characters.
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Ishmael Beah
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Sarah
Crichton
Books
Radiance Of Tomorrow - A Novel
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Radiance of Tomorrow could be a good read for those interested in post-war life and the struggles that come with trying to rebuild a community from the ground up. The novel offers a poignant look at the fragility of life and the importance of perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Ishmael Beah's hauntingly beautiful writing style transports readers to a distant world where two friends must summon the courage to navigate a new reality.
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Christos Tsiolkas
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Atlantic
Books
The Slap
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The Slap is a confronting and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationships between friends and family. The aftermath of a single slap ripples through the lives of those involved, forcing them to confront their own values and prejudices. This book is not for the faint of heart, but is a must-read for those who enjoy exploring the darker side of human nature.
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Dinaw Mengestu
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Riverhead
Books
How to Read the Air
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Goodreads rating: 3.26
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How to Read the Air is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family and identity. The author seamlessly weaves together the past and present, taking us on a poignant journey through Ethiopia and America. This book is perfect for those who enjoy introspective and emotionally resonant stories that explore themes such as love, immigration, and self-discovery. Readers will be left moved and inspired by the powerful portrayal of one man's quest for reconciliation and redemption.
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This book could be a good read for anyone interested in exploring the complex nature of sisterhood, cultural identity, and societal expectations. Through the parallel narratives of two sisters living in different parts of the world, the book examines how they navigate their cultural heritage while also forging their own identities. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make this a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
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Christos Tsiolkas
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Atlantic
Books
Barracuda
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Goodreads rating: 3.69
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"Barracuda" could be a good read for readers who enjoy introspective stories that delve deeply into the flawed psyche of a character. This book is unique in the way it portrays the world of competitive swimming, with the added dimension of class struggle and prejudices. The story also touches on themes of reconciliations and self-discovery, all the while providing vivid descriptions of swimming, which is refreshing and unusual. Overall, "Barracuda" is a poignant and moving book that will resonate with those who enjoy delving into the nuances of the human psyche.
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A Gate At The Stairs explores the complexities of growing up as Tassie adapts to a new environment while navigating through themes of race, class, and parenthood. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and layered metaphors will find Lorrie Moore's writing style particularly engaging.
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Yang-May Ooi
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Monsoon
Books
Pte.
Ltd.
The Flame Tree
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Goodreads rating: 3.68
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The Flame Tree is a great read for those interested in exploring themes of cultural identity and moral choices. This book offers an insider's look into the fast-developing country of Malaysia, while also exploring themes of East vs West. The protagonist's struggle to choose between her old life and new, and her cultural identity, is relatable and thought-provoking.
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Richard Yates
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Methuen
Revolutionary Road
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Goodreads rating: 3.92
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"Revolutionary Road" is a poignant novel that explores the fragility of the American Dream. Ideal for readers who appreciate complex characterizations and intense introspection, Yates's prose captures the profound psychological torment experienced by the protagonists, Frank and April Wheeler, as they confront the stark realities of their void existence. This book is a must-read for those who seek a sincere depiction of the hardships of married life and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a seemingly meaningless society.
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You might find "The Kite Runner" incredibly moving if you're interested in stories that weave personal redemption with the vivid backdrop of a nation's turbulent history. Khaled Hosseini's rich narrative reveals not just the bond and betrayal between two boys, but it also opens a window into Afghanistan's soul. It's one of those rare novels that captures heartbreak and hope, with characters that linger with you well after the last page.
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Andre Dubus III
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Vintage
House of Sand and Fog
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"House of Sand and Fog" unravels around the intensity of human emotions when two parties lay their most genuine claims to a single dream – a home. Andre Dubus III masterfully intertwines the struggles of Kathy and Behrani, evoking deep empathy as their paths converge. It's a poignant reminder of how our dreams and desperations can lock us in battles where everyone loses, making it a compelling read for anyone intrigued by complex character studies and moral dilemmas.
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"Middlesex" isn't just another novel; it's a grand tapestry weaving through one compelling character's discovery of their identity against the backdrop of a rich family saga. Its deep dive into the complexities of gender, heredity, and cultural change is both enlightening and deeply moving. If you're looking to get lost in a story that spans generations and contemplates the larger questions of who we are, this is a book that will stay with you.
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This book is a must-read for those who appreciate the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of navigating between personal desires and societal expectations. Zadie Smith's On Beauty delves into the intricacies of love, family dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness. With a blend of wit, intelligence, and emotional depth, the book presents a thought-provoking narrative that will leave you questioning the meaning of beauty and the choices we make in life. Whether you're interested in dissecting the moral dilemmas of our time or simply seeking a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of contemporary life, this is a book that will resonate with you long after turning the last page.
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This book is a thought-provoking and satirical exploration of race and identity. The main character, raised in a racially charged environment, takes on a mission to reclaim his hometown and challenge societal norms through outrageous actions. It challenges the reader to question the concepts of race, equality, and the impact of history on the present. If you're looking for a book that will make you reflect on social issues in a clever and entertaining way, this is for you.
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.