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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Anna Blundy
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Random
House
Uk
The Oligarch's Wife
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Goodreads rating: 3.33
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This book would be a good read for someone who loves dramatic narratives filled with complex characters. The Oligarch's Wife takes you on a journey into a world of immense wealth and ruthless ambition. The most captivating aspect is the entangled lives of the two women who must navigate their relationships with the enigmatic Oligarch. The book delves deep into the dark underbelly of power and poses intriguing questions about the cost of ambition. Prepare to be engrossed in this gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships.
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If you have a hunger for a tale that intertwires the intricacies of human desires with the lush tapestry of history, "A Share of Earth and Glory" might be your next great escape. Katherine Giles crafts a story where ambition is as potent as passion, set against a backdrop that breathes life into the romance. Perfect for a reader looking for a historical setting that doesn't skimp on the heat of a fervent love affair.
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Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is a heartfelt story of Dena Nordstrom, a young TV interviewer, who battles emotional struggles while navigating the ups and downs of the media industry. Fannie Flagg's witty writing style shines through the unforgettable cast of characters, making this a page-turner till the end. Highly recommended for those interested in the media industry or anyone looking for a heartwarming read.
Natasha Farrant
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Penguin
Group
The Things We Did for Love
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Goodreads rating: 3.55
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A poignant story of love and sacrifice amidst war. Arianne and Luc navigate a precarious romance in a village torn between resistance and collaboration with German forces. Farrant's writing immerses readers in the devastating effects of WWII, offering a nuanced portrait of what people do for love in the most trying of times.
Juno Dawson
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Hot
Key
Books
Margot & Me
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Goodreads rating: 4.19
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"Margot & Me" might surprise you with its depth. It's not just a tale of teen angst, but a layered exploration of how our perceptions of people change with understanding their past. As you follow Fliss uncovering her grandmother’s wartime secrets, you'll be drawn into a story that dances between eras and emotions, teaching about forgiveness, love, and the complexities of family ties.
Kate Walbert
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Scribner
The Gardens of Kyoto
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Goodreads rating: 3.43
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If you find the intermingling of personal memory and history fascinating, then "The Gardens of Kyoto" could be deeply resonant for you. Kate Walbert masterfully weaves a tale that explores the complexity of loss and love against the backdrop of war. This novel has a lyrical quality to it, with a narrative that's as delicate and intricate as the Japanese gardens it's named after. It's a journey through a landscape of the heart that might stay with you for a long time.
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This book would be a good read for someone who loves stories of transformation and empowerment. The most unique and distinctive feature of "Flowers For Mrs Harris" is the way it celebrates the power of a simple dream and the determination of a humble woman to make it come true. It takes readers on a journey from the post-war streets of London to the glamorous world of Paris fashion, showing how Ada Harris's pursuit of her dream not only transforms her own life but also touches the lives of everyone she encounters. This heartwarming and inspiring tale will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to pursue your own dreams.
Louis Begley
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Ballantine
Books
The Man Who Was Late
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Goodreads rating: 3.33
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This book would be a good read for those who appreciate introspective narratives that explore the complexities of love, identity, and the weight of the past. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, "The Man Who Was Late" delves into the enigmatic relationship between Ben, a Holocaust survivor, and Veronique, a married woman. The author's contemplative writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the characters' deep commitment and the emotional urgency of their stolen moments together. It is a poignant exploration of the human capacity for connection and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness.
Christina E. Kramer, Goce Smilevski |
Penguin
Books
Usa
Freud's Sister
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Goodreads rating: 3.49
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If you're intrigued by the intersection of history and fiction, "Freud's Sister" is a compelling dive into the often-unheard narrative of Adolfina Freud. The novel isn't just about what might have happened, it's about giving a voice to those overshadowed by greatness. You'll find yourself immersed in the cultural tapestry of early twentieth-century Vienna and moved by the poignant what-ifs that history often ignores. The emotional depth and historical context make it a thought-provoking read.
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"Violeta" is like stepping into a sweeping historical tapestry, woven by the masterful Isabel Allende. If you're someone who relishes diving into expansive sagas that span generations, exploring the depths of a character's life from youth to old age, this story will captivate you. It's for readers who find beauty in the resilience of the human spirit, set against the backdrop of historical events.
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Rachel Seiffert
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Heinemann
The Dark Room
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Goodreads rating: 3.72
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If you're interested in a nuanced exploration of war's perennial shadows, "The Dark Room" is a compelling read. Rachel Seiffert’s debut captures the inheritance of trauma with eloquence, sliding through time to reveal how the past persistently molds the present. The restraint in her prose magnifies the emotional impact, making it a powerful narrative that’s hard to shake off. It's thoughtfully constructed, certainly for someone who appreciates subtlety and the lingering ghost of history.
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Valerie Martin
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Abacus
Property
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Goodreads rating: 3.69
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Valerie Martin's "Property" offers a profound narrative that immerses you in the antebellum South, weaving a story that reveals the harrowing realities of ownership and autonomy. This gripping novel provides insight into the personal and societal chains that bind both owner and owned, delivering an enthralling and resonant experience that will leave you pondering long after the last page. With validation from literary giants like Toni Morrison, it promises substance that could challenge and captivate you in equal measure.
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If you're enticed by stories of grandeur and the intricate plays of high-stakes power, "The Raiders" by Harold Robbins could just be the book to captivate you. Robbins is known for weaving narratives that transport readers into worlds of opulent lifestyles and relentless ambition. The novel's exploration of wealth and influence makes it a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys a dive into the complexities of success and dominance.
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John Lanchester
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Faber
&
Faber
Fragrant Harbour
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Goodreads rating: 3.8
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If you have an interest in the ebb and flow of history as it affects individual lives, "Fragrant Harbour" might be right up your alley. It's more than just a story; it's an evocative tapestry of personal narratives set against the rich backdrop of Hong Kong's transformation. This book will draw you in with its deep dive into how a place's changing fortunes can shape destinies, offering a poignant look at the past century through intimate eyes.
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From small-town America to a world on the cusp of World War II, Wings is an uplifting story about one woman's fight to fulfil her dreams.From her family's dusty farmland airstrip near Chicago, Cassie O'Malley would look at the planes shimmering in the moonlight and feel the pull of taking to the skies. Her First World War veteran father Pat wanted his son to be a pilot, not his reckless red-haired daughter. But her father's partner Nick, fellow air ace, was willing to break all the rules and teach her to fly.When Cassie is invited to California to become a test pilot, her record-breaking flights make her a media darling. Risking her life, in a world preparing for the Second World War, she decides to chart her own course and pursue her own destiny, whatever it might cost her . . .
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Danielle Steel's fifty-first bestselling novel tells the story of an extraordinary man, the woman who loved him, and a bond so powerful it could never be broken. It is about finding the courage to let someone you love fly free....The phone call came on a snowy December afternoon. Kate was certain it was Joe, the brilliant, visionary man who had been her soulmate, her driving force since the night they met, almost thirty-four years before. What she got was the one call she had never wanted, and didn't expect. As the snow continued to fall, Kate's mind drifted back, to the moment when she and Joe first met. She had been just seventeen and he was young, powerful, dazzling, and different from any man she'd ever known.It was just days before Christmas, 1940. The war is raging in Europe when Kate Jamison makes her debut in New York City. In a room filled with the scions of East Coast society and the leading political figures of the day, it is Joe Allbright who catches Kate's eye. At twenty-nine, Joe is the brilliant protege of Charles Lindbergh, and already a legend in flying circles for his record-breaking speed and state-of-the-art airplane designs. All Kate sees is a tall, strikingly handsome man who seems at once awkward and larger-than-life, like a shining star -- just out of reach. Joe, too, is caught off balance by his response to Kate, seeing in this beautiful young woman vitality and youth, the lifelong soulmate he never expected to find. As the months pass, they will meet again, forging a bond that will set the course of both their lives. Kate will go off to study at Radcliffe. Joe will skyrocket to fame in modern aviation. Joe's planes are his life, his passion. But irresistibly drawn to her, like moth to flame, he always comes back to Kate. Even after the long, dark years of World War II, when Kate was sure she had finally lost him completely, Joe returns. Never willing to stay, always needing to fly away. As planes are for him, Joe is the passion in her life.When the war is over, at twenty-four Kate wants marriage and a family. Joe wants the world, his limitless horizons, and the unique aviation empire he is building. Unwilling to wait any longer, Kate moves on with her life. But when a chance encounter brings them together again, the time has finally come to make a choice, one that will have profound consequences for them both for the rest of their lives. Against a vivid backdrop of war and thrilling innovation, Danielle Steel breathes life into history, weaving an intensely human story that spans three decades, of two intensely different people who, in spite of themselves, are irrevocably woven into the fabric of each other's lives. With rare insight and emotional power, she brings to life a tale of unconditional love, sacrifice, and compromise -- the joining of two remarkable halves into a single, far more powerful whole. It is a novel of extraordinary grace and compassion from a master storyteller, perhaps the best story she has told.
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Sarra Manning
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Sphere
After the Last Dance : Two women. Two love affairs. One unforgettable story
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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Recommended for readers who enjoy unconventional love stories. Unique feature is the connection between two women separated by time and the unexpected events that unfold in their lives.
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Danielle Steel
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Delacorte
Press
Wings
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Goodreads rating: 3.93
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Wings is an inspiring story of courage and determination as Cassie O'Malley overcomes gender discrimination to pursue her dream of flying. Set in a time when women had few opportunities to break into male-dominated careers, this book is a reminder that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible. It's a perfect read for anyone who loves stories of overcoming obstacles to achieve one's goals.
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Radiance is a powerful novel that explores the aftermath of the atomic bomb through the eyes of Keiko, a survivor who is forced to confront her past and navigate a new life in America. The novel's most unique feature is its ability to delve into the intimate emotional experience of its protagonist, which allows readers to connect with and empathize with the trauma of war and its devastating effects on individuals. Readers who enjoy powerful, character-driven stories that explore complex themes such as guilt and healing will find Radiance to be an engaging and thought-provoking read.
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THE MATHEMATICS OF LOVE is a beautifully written novel that explores how love can transform even the most broken of people. The unique aspect of this book is the use of mathematics to understand relationships. This book is recommended for anyone who loves a passionate love story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
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Gwyn Hyman Rubio
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Penguin
Books
Icy Sparks
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Goodreads rating: 3.7
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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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Lucinda Riley
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Penguin
Hothouse Flower
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Goodreads rating: 4.01
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Hothouse Flower is a heart-warming tale of love, loss and healing that takes you on a journey through different countries and time periods. The novel's most unique feature is its vivid descriptions of exotic flowers and locations, which are sure to transport readers to another world. If you enjoy historical and romantic fiction, Hothouse Flower is a must-read.
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Sara Gruen
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Hodder
Paperback
Water for Elephants : a novel for everyone who dreamed of running away to the circus
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Goodreads rating: 4.11
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Water for Elephants could be a good read for someone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of romance and adventure. The book offers a unique insight into the life of circus performers during the Great Depression, and the bond between Jacob and Rosie the elephant is heartwarming. The book also deals with heavy themes such as animal cruelty and abuse of power, making it a thought-provoking read. Overall, the book's vibrant and realistic portrayal of circus life makes it a captivating page-turner.
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Kate Atkinson
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Black
Swan
A God in Ruins
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Goodreads rating: 3.95
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If you're drawn to stories that blend historical depth with personal narratives, "A God in Ruins" could captivate you. Kate Atkinson's talent shines through in her portrayal of Teddy Todd's life, spanning the heroics of war to the challenges of peace. The book's celebrated prose and the emotional resonance it carries could make it not just a novel but an experience for you, as it delves into the burdens carried by those who survive and the generations that follow.
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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.