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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Emma Straub
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Picador
Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures
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Goodreads rating: 3.27
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"Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures" is an invitation to immerse in the luscious era of old Hollywood and follow the transformative journey of Elsa Emerson into Laura Lamont. You get to taste the blend of glamour and the undercurrents of personal sacrifice that come with fame. It's a deep dive into a movie star's life, replete with triumphs and trials, and it might leave you reflecting on the delicate balance between public image and private reality. If you're enchanted by the golden age of cinema and relish stories of personal evolution, this book is your backstage pass to one woman's captivating life.
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J.K. Rowling
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Little,
Brown
And
Company
The Casual Vacancy
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Goodreads rating: 3.3
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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.
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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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The Sellout by Paul Beatty is perfect for those who enjoy edgy and thought-provoking literature. The author skillfully weaves satire and absurdist humor to raise issues on race and identity in American society. Readers will appreciate the candid social commentary and unique storytelling style, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh and funny perspective on modern times.
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Roy Arundhati
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Penguin
Books
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness : Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017
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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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Richard Russo
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Alfred
A.
Knopf
Everybody's Fool : A novel
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Goodreads rating: 4.11
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Everybody's Fool can introduce readers to a cast of characters who are flawed and relatable, making them all the more endearing. The book's humor and heart will keep readers engaged as they follow the lives of the residents of North Bath, who are struggling with various personal issues. Richard Russo's writing brings the town and its characters to life in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.
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Dave Eggers
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Penguin
Books
A Hologram for the King
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Goodreads rating: 3.29
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This book would be a good read for someone who seeks to understand the struggle and resilience of individuals in the face of a changing global economy. A Hologram for the King takes readers on a journey through different cultures and societal pressures, capturing the protagonist's relentless pursuit of redemption and family stability. Dave Eggers beautifully weaves a tale that reflects our contemporary struggles and provides a moving narrative of human perseverance.
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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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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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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.
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Peter Carey
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Vintage
(australia)
His Illegal Self
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Goodreads rating: 3.2
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His Illegal Self could be a good read for fans of coming-of-age stories that are rich in character development but with a nonlinear plot structure. The book's most distinctive feature is its use of vivid descriptions that bring to life the 60s counterculture scene and the Australian outback. Readers will find themselves drawn into the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and rooting for him as he confronts difficult truths about his life and family.
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Ralph Steadman, Hunter S. Thompson |
Vintage
Books
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas : A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
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Goodreads rating: 4.07
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This wild and crazy ride is not for the faint of heart. With its vivid and hallucinatory prose, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas takes you on a drug-soaked journey through the underbelly of American society. Hunter S. Thompson's fearless and unconventional style of journalism, known as gonzo, immerses you in the chaotic and darkly humorous world of excess and disillusionment. Strap in and get ready for a rollicking adventure that will leave you questioning the very foundations of the American Dream. It's a mind-bending experience you won't soon forget.
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"Mr. Loverman" hits close to home if you've ever grappled with self-acceptance. Imagine finding the courage to live your truth after decades of conformity, especially within a community where such truths are often kept in the shadows. Bernardine Evaristo crafts a narrative that's not just about coming out, but about the yearning for freedom that comes with age—a poignant read that charms with wit and resonates with the struggle for personal liberation.
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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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Emma Cline
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Vintage
The Girls
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Goodreads rating: 3.5
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"The This novel delves into the complex emotional landscapes of adolescence, entangling you in Evie's struggle to find identity and acceptance, all set against the sinister backdrop of a cult. Emma Cline's literary craft shines as she weaves a story that's both a chilling historical fiction and an insightful commentary on girlhood and longing. Transporting you to the 1960s with its evocative prose, 'The Girls' promises to haunt long after the last page.
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Phaswane Mpe
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University
Of
Kwazulu
Natal
Press
Welcome to Our Hillbrow
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Goodreads rating: 3.71
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Hillbrow is a microcosm of the changing South African psyche. This novel links Hillbrow, rural Tiragalong and Oxford, and contains the shattered dreams of youth, sexuality and its unpredictable costs, AIDS, xenophobia, suicide, the omnipotent violence that cuts short the promise of young people, and the Africanist understanding of the life.
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Zoë Wicomb
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Virago
You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town
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Goodreads rating: 3.57
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Zoë Wicomb's complex and deeply evocative fiction is among the most distinguished recent works of South African women's literature. It is also among the only works of fiction to explore the experience of "Coloured" citizens in apartheid-era South Africa, whose mixed heritage traps them, as Bharati Mukherjee wrote in the New York Times, "in the racial crucible of their country. "Wicomb deserves a wide American audience, on a part with Nadine Gordimer and J.M.Coetzee." - Wall St. Journal Wicomb is a gifted writer, and her compressed narratives work like brilliant splinters in the mind, suggesting a rich rhythm and shape."- Seattle Times "[Wicomb's] prose is vigorous, textured, lyrical. . . . [She] is a sophisticated storyteller who combines the open-endedness of contemporary fiction with the force of autobiography and the simplicity of family stories."-Bharati Mukherjee, New York Times Book Review For course use African literature, African studies, growing up female, world literature, women's studies Zoe Wicomb was born in 1948 and raised in Namaquland, South Africa. After 20 years voluntary exile, she returned to South Africa in 1991 to teach at the University of the Western Cape. She currently lives in Glasgow and teaches at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Marcia Wright is professor of history at Columbia University and a member of the executive committee for the Women Writing Africa series. Carol Sicherman is professor emerita of English at Lehman College, CUNY.
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Grace Chia
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Math
Paper
Press
We R Family - An Anthology
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Goodreads rating: 3.83
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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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Geoff Dyer
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Canongate
Books
The Colour of Memory
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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Recommended for readers seeking an insightful account of the marginalized, inner-city lives amidst a backdrop of Brixton's urban decay in the 80s. With a low-key writing style and sarcastic humor, this book is a must-read.
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Jonathan Safran Foer
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Mariner
Books
Everything Is Illuminated - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
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Goodreads rating: 4.22
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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.
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.