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 twisted humor wrapped in social satire is your jam, you could really sink your teeth into "Damned." Chuck Palahniuk, the same mind that brought us "Fight Club," delivers another offbeat gem, this time escorting us through the ludicrous inferno of Hell from a teenager's perspective. Dive in for a bizarre odyssey that's as insightful as it is irreverently funny.
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"Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger might just captivate you if you're drawn to the delicately supernatural and human exploration of love and loss. The idea of twins entangled in their deceased aunt's peculiar legacy provides a gothic backdrop that's rich with intrigue. You may enjoy the exploration of their mirrored identities unraveling in the heart of London, a city that doubles as a practically animate setting.
Chuck Palahniuk
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Vintage
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Damned: Life Is Short, Death Is Forever
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Goodreads rating: 3.41
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If you're a fan of Chuck Palahniuk's trademark dark humor and subversive storytelling, "Damned" might just be the next page-turner for you. Picture a sardonic twist on the afterlife, where the protagonist navigates the absurdities of hell with a wit that could cut through brimstone. As always with Palahniuk, expect the unexpected and a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
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If you're someone who leans toward the unconventional, "Cursed Bunny" could be right up your alley. Chung's stories are a tapestry of the fantastical and the macabre, woven with threads of dark humor. They're not just tales to unsettle or entertain but potent commentaries on issues that resonate with today's socio-economic struggles. Plus, the praise for Anton Hur’s translation suggests a smooth reading experience of Chung's evocative style.
Audrey Niffenegger
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Vintage
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Her Fearful Symmetry
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Goodreads rating: 3.27
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If you're drawn to the eerie yet beautifully written, "Her Fearful Symmetry" could captivate you. Audrey Niffenegger weaves a haunting narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, and identity, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of London's Highgate Cemetery. It's a modern ghost story that touches on familial bonds and the complexities of twinhood in a way that's both intimate and unsettling. An enthralling choice for those who delight in the supernatural mingled with rich, emotional storytelling.
Nora Roberts
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Piatkus
Blood Brothers
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Goodreads rating: 4.16
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"Blood Brothers" is a seductive blend of supernatural suspense and passionate encounters, perfect for readers who enjoy a touch of the eerie with their romance. Nora Roberts crafts a compelling tale that will keep you hooked with its hint of mystery and building tension as the town's dark secrets unfold. If you're after a story that combines the thrill of the unknown with the warmth of human connections, this book promises to deliver.
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If the digital underworld fascinates you, "The Dark Net" will provide a thrilling dive into its depths. Percy weaves technology and supernatural horror together, crafting a scenario where the online threats of today's dark web bleed into reality. It's for those who enjoy the rush of a techno-thriller with a twist of the occult and appreciate narratives that are as intelligent as they are fast-paced.
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If you're into dark humor with a twist on existential themes, "Doomed" could be a great pick for you. It's the kind of book that merges social commentary with otherworldly journeys. Imagine chuckling at the absurdities of an afterlife dominated by social media while pondering the implications for our own digital obsessions.
Will Self
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Grove
Press
How the Dead Live - Will Self
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Goodreads rating: 3.57
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If you’re into books that twist reality with a satirical edge, "How the Dead Live" might just be your unexpected match. The narrative takes a sharp knife to the concept of life after death, reshaping it with a blend of dark humor and a reflection on human flaws. Will Self isn't one to tread lightly; he dives into the deep end of existential questions with both wit and candor.
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This book is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and terror, combining the darkness of Stephen King with the cruel social dynamics of "Mean Girls." It will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning the boundaries of good and evil. Get ready for a chilling thriller that will make you question the darkness lurking within us all.
Nora Roberts
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Jove
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Blood Brothers - Sign of Seven
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Goodreads rating: 4.16
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If you're drawn to narratives where friendship intertwines with a supernatural battle against an ancient evil, "Blood Brothers" by Nora Roberts might just be your next favorite read. Imagine the mix of small-town camaraderie and eerie phenomena compelling the characters—and the reader—toward a dark and mysterious fate. The book weaves a tale that's perfect for those who love a bit of romance sprinkled over their suspenseful, otherworldly adventures.
Joanne Harris
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Black
Swan
The Evil Seed
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Goodreads rating: 3.01
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"The Evil Seed" blends the allure of a gothic mystery with the raw emotions of contemporary relationship drama. You might find it gripping if you've ever felt the sting of jealousy or the pull of an unsolved enigma. Joanne Harris weaves past and present, revealing how a deep-seated legacy can disrupt the present, making you question whether some fates are truly inescapable. The discovery of an old diary serves as a portal into a world where love intertwines with a dark history, promising a read that will both thrill and haunt you.
Daphne Gottlieb
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Soft
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Final Girl
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Goodreads rating: 3.99
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If you're into the gritty interplay between cultural critique and personal narrative, "Final Girl" may resonate with you. Daphne Gottlieb stitches together the horror genre's tension and thrill with intimate themes, crafting poetry that's as thought-provoking as it is eerie. With its raw emotion and cultural dissections, this book won't just chill your spine; it might also hijack your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.
Tim Bowler
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Oxford
Frozen Fire
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Goodreads rating: 3.63
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"Frozen Fire" could be a good read for someone who enjoys young adult mystery novels. The book has a unique and distinctive feature of having a mysterious boy who is both dying and elusive, creating an intriguing atmosphere. Tim Bowler expertly weaves together a complex and dangerous mystery that involves violent people, police, and a missing brother. The protagonist Dusty is a relatable character who is forced to confront her fears and past trauma while navigating a dangerous situation. Overall, "Frozen Fire" is a gripping page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
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If you're intrigued by the interplay of the spiritual and the real, "Second Glance" may just be the kind of novel that keeps you up at night. Jodi Picoult weaves a tale that is as much about second chances in love as it is about righting historical wrongs. Dive into this narrative if you're looking for a story that marries the thrill of a ghost story with the depth of historical fiction.
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"Study for Obedience" delves deeply into the psychological tangle of why individuals comply with authority, even when it betrays their own moral compass. It's a haunting exploration that will resonate with anyone fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature and the complex interplay between personal responsibility and societal pressure. The book's brevity does not shy away from delivering a potent, thought-provoking punch that will linger with you long after the last page.
Andrea Portes
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Harpercollins
This Is Not a Ghost Story
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Goodreads rating: 3.07
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If eerie tales with a side of sardonic wit speak to you, "This Is Not a Ghost Story" might just be your next page-turner. Andrea Portes delivers a narrative that's likely to keep you intrigued, turning the pages not just to witness the crescendo of its spooky elements, but also to appreciate the clever storytelling that will have you questioning every shadow. Just when you think you've grasped the story, expect a finale that prompts a second read—a rare find in the horror genre.
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If you're someone who enjoys a blend of supernatural mystery with a touch of romance, "Blood Brothers" by Nora Roberts could be a spellbinding choice. You'll find yourself intrigued by the ancient evil that plagues Hawkins Hollow, and wrapped up in the gripping connection between Cal and Quinn. It's a read that promises a blend of chills and warmth, as the characters battle darkness while discovering love and friendship. Roberts's storytelling weaves together an uncanny tension with human emotions that could keep you turning pages late into the night.
Will Self
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Penguin
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My Idea of Fun: A Cautionary Tale
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Goodreads rating: 3.53
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If you're drawn to stories that blend the macabre with biting satire, "My Idea of Fun" could intrigue you. Will Self delivers a tale that's as much about growing up as it is about the grotesque allure of mentorship gone awry. You might find it captivating how Self explores the darker sides of human desire and ambition through the eyes of a young, impressionable protagonist.
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If you're intrigued by the idea of a story that blends the dark, cliquish world of "Heathers" with the folk-horror atmosphere of "Midsommar", then "The Honeys" might just be your perfect match. Ryan La Sala's unique voice weaves a tale that's both unsettling and original, making it a standout choice for fans of young adult horror with a queer narrative twist. It's an invitation to a world where nothing is quite as it seems, and where the terror lies just beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic setting.
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Carolyn Jess-Cooke
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Piatkus
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The Boy Who Could See Demons
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Goodreads rating: 3.88
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If the supernatural and the intricacies of the human psyche intrigue you, 'The Boy Who Could See Demons' is right up your alley. It delves deep into the chilling overlap between mental health issues and the otherworldly. This novel by Carolyn Jess-Cooke will keep you guessing and might make you question what's truly real.
Carolyn Jess-Cooke
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Piatkus
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The Boy Who Could See Demons
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If you're drawn to stories that blend psychological depth with the supernatural, "The Boy Who Could See Demons" might pique your interest. It's a unique narrative that explores mental health through the compelling eyes of a young protagonist. You'll find yourself questioning the lines between reality and imagination as the book delves into the shadows of the mind.
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Katherine Dunn
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Random
House
Vintage
Geek Love : A Novel
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Goodreads rating: 3.96
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Geek Love is the story of the Binewskis, a carny family whose mater- and paterfamilias set out ― with the help of amphetamine, arsenic, and radioisotopes ― to breed their own exhibit of human oddities. There's Arturo the Aquaboy, who has flippers for limbs and a megalomaniac ambition worthy of Genghis Khan . . . Iphy and Elly, the lissome Siamese twins . . . albino hunchback Oly, and the outwardly normal Chick, whose mysterious gifts make him the family's most precious ― and dangerous ― asset.As the Binewskis take their act across the backwaters of the U.S., inspiring fanatical devotion and murderous revulsion; as its members conduct their own Machiavellian version of sibling rivalry, Geek Love throws its sulfurous light on our notions of the freakish and the normal, the beautiful and the ugly, the holy and the obscene. Family values will never be the same.
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Recommended for fans of ghost stories with complex characters and atmospheric settings, such as The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Niffenegger's use of the cemetery as a character adds depth to the haunting tale of love, loss, and identity.
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Raj Kamal Jha
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Macmillan
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Ltd
If You Are Afraid Of Heights
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Goodreads rating: 3.25
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If You Are Afraid Of Heights is a captivating book that weaves together multiple stories into one. It is a unique blend of reality and fantasy that will leave the reader wanting more. Recommended for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and are not afraid to explore the darker corners of life.
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Nora Roberts
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Piatkus
Blood Brothers
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Goodreads rating: 4.16
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"Blood Brothers" is perfect for those who love horror, mystery, and romance all wrapped into one. Nora Roberts weaves an eerie tale of a three-hundred-year-old curse that haunts a small town every seven years. The book delves into dark secrets, blood sacrifices, and a race against time to break the curse before the next cycle. The love story between Cal Hawkins and mysterious journalist Quinn adds a layer of heart to the thrilling plot. It's a must-read for fans of the supernatural and suspense genres.
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This book is perfect for fans of horror and the supernatural. The plot follows a museum owner whose life is turned upside down when a little leather book arrives which is stained with vampire blood. The arcane magic brings Bessie, the centrepiece of her museum show, to life and gives her boyfriend unimaginable power. With vampires taking over NYC and threatening to spread to London, Bessie and her new friends must stop them. This book will keep you hooked with its unique blend of horror, dark magic, and museum show thrill.
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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.