Supernatural encounters dazzle in Caribbean settings.
"Shape-Shifter" is a book that intertwines the fantastical with the mundane. If you're drawn to stories that transport you to the Caribbean and blend folklore with the complexities of modern life, this collection will captivate you. Pauline Melville's ability to lure you into worlds where the surreal feels at home alongside the daily grind makes this a uniquely mesmerizing read.
- Guardian Fiction Award (1990)
- PEN/Macmillan Silver Pen Award (1991)
- Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book Overall (1991)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
ISBN: 9780747549949
Authors:
Pauline Melville
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date of Publication: 2000-01-01
Format: Paperback
Goodreads rating: 3.63
(rated by 110 readers)
Description
A collection of short stories dealing with post-colonial life in the Caribbean, notably in the author's native Guyana, as well as of some stories set in London. Many of the characters, most of them displaced people from former colonies struggling to come to terms with a new life in Britain, attempt to find an identity, to reconcile their past and to escape from the restlessness hinted at in the title.
Condition guide
Book Condition Guide
Books in Like New Condition
This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Very Good Condition
This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Good Condition
We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Well Read Condition
This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Find out more about our process here.
Quantity selected exceeds current stock
Adding product to your cart
Supernatural encounters dazzle in Caribbean settings.
"Shape-Shifter" is a book that intertwines the fantastical with the mundane. If you're drawn to stories that transport you to the Caribbean and blend folklore with the complexities of modern life, this collection will captivate you. Pauline Melville's ability to lure you into worlds where the surreal feels at home alongside the daily grind makes this a uniquely mesmerizing read.
- Guardian Fiction Award (1990)
- PEN/Macmillan Silver Pen Award (1991)
- Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book Overall (1991)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Similar Reads
Uncover books linked by topic and theme
Literary Fiction Books
Leone Ross
|
Faber
&
Faber
This One Sky Day
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.82
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
"This One Sky Day" will sweep you off your feet into the vivid world of Popisho, where every character's journey through a single, transformative day feels as rich and exhilarating as a lifetime. If the intertwinement of love, magic, and soul-searching speaks to you, and you savor a novel that paints every moment with lyrical beauty, Leone Ross's storytelling is a canvas of wonders waiting to come alive within you.
Kylie Ladd
|
Allen
&
Unwin
Mothers and Daughters
Regular price
$5.90
$3.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.29
Regular price
$5.90
$3.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
87% off est. retail
This book provides an insight into the complicated but beautiful relationship between mothers and daughters. It shows how they can navigate through the rough waters of adolescence while strengthening their bond. The setting of a tropical paradise only adds to the beauty and complexity of the story. Readers who enjoy exploring complex familial themes with relatable characters will thoroughly enjoy this book.
New
F. Scott Fitzgerald
|
Vintage
Classics
The Great Gatsby
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.93
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
45% off est. retail
The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic known for its intricate portrayal of Jazz Age America. It is a good read for those who enjoy books that delve into the complexities of love, the dangers of obsession, and the seduction of wealth. Fitzgerald's writing style is captivating, using vivid prose to create a world that is both glamorous and tragic. This book is perfect for those who are interested in the Jazz Age and the American Dream.
New
Paulo Coelho
|
Harpertorch:
An
Imprint
Of
Harpercollins
Publishers
Veronika Decides to Die
$3.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.73
$3.90
- Unit price
- / per
75% off est. retail
"Veronika Decides to Die" isn't just another novel; it mirrors life's most profound questions through the lens of a young woman's crisis. It's deeply moving for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the monotony of life or trapped by societal expectations. Paulo Coelho's storytelling might just change the way you perceive madness, normalcy, and the fine line between the two. If you've been searching for meaning or need a reminder to appreciate each day, this book could be a soul-stirring companion.
New
$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.
Sebastian Faulks
|
Vintage
Where My Heart Used to Beat
Regular price
$10.90
$7.90
28% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.67
Regular price
$10.90
$7.90
28% off
- Unit price
- / per
59% off est. retail
If historical depth and personal introspection intrigue you, 'Where My Heart Used to Beat' offers a poignant exploration. As you follow Hendricks's journey, you'll find yourself immersed in a narrative that weaves through the complexities of a life marked by war and love. Faulks crafts a story that not only captures the haunting echoes of the past but also holds a mirror to the human experience. A thoughtful read for those who appreciate a blend of history, psychology, and rich storytelling.
New
Douglas Parmée, Jules Renard, Pierre Bonnard |
Nyrb
Classics
Nature Stories
$12.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.77
$12.90
- Unit price
- / per
56% off est. retail
If nature's theater enchants you, 'Nature Stories' by Jules Renard is a compendium you'd adore. Each miniature is a vignette that breathes life into the flora and fauna, revealing a world where critters and greenery speak and feel, yet remain shrouded in enigma. Renard's craft infuses anthropomorphic charm without stripping away the untamed spirit of the natural world. It's a delight for both literary connoisseurs and nature lovers.
Elena Ferrante
|
Text
Publishing
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay: The Neapolitan Novels, Book Three
Regular price
$16.90
$10.90
36% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.35
Regular price
$16.90
$10.90
36% off
- Unit price
- / per
This third book in Elena Ferrante's series further unravels the intricate lives of Lila and Elena. It's not just a tale of two women; it is an intimate map of their journey through the socio-political landscape of Italy, offering an immersive experience that feels very much real. You get to grow alongside the characters, facing life's gritty challenges and the bittersweet nature of change—perfect if you're drawn to stories of personal evolution and resilience.
Celia Fremlin
|
Faber
&
Faber
The Hours Before Dawn
Regular price
$8.90
$3.90
56% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.78
Regular price
$8.90
$3.90
56% off
- Unit price
- / per
75% off est. retail
Imagine you're so exhausted that reality begins to blur. That's Louise's life in "The Hours Before Dawn." Fremlin brilliantly paints a portrait of a woman on the edge, and the additional layer of an unsettling houseguest nests a thriller within a domestic shell. If you relish narratives that explore the psyche under pressure, dressed in the dark fabric of the '50s, this book will grip you, offering little reprieve until its conclusion.
New
O Thiam Chin
|
Math
Paper
Press
Love, Or Something Like Love
$9.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.51
$9.90
- Unit price
- / per
This book would be a good read for someone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally charged short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships. Each story in "Love, Or Something Like Love" offers a unique perspective on love, showcasing the raw emotions, hopes, and fears that come with it. O Thiam Chin's writing is both vivid and introspective, capturing the essence of love in all its forms, making this collection a must-read for anyone seeking a deep and insightful exploration of the human heart.
Historical Fiction Books
New
$14.90
- Unit price
- / per
54% off est. retail
If you're drawn to stories that intertwine personal quests with wider existential questions, McCarthy's "The Passenger" might resonate deeply with you. It's a tale that doesn't just tell a story but explores the very fabric of its characters' beings, muddling through their pasts, presents, and the enigmatic spaces in between. Expect prose that demands your attention and rewards it with a haunting, thought-provoking journey.
New
Clive Cussler, Graham Brown |
Berkley
Books
Devil's Gate
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.09
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
If you're a fan of maritime thrills and unexpected twists, "Devil's Gate" by Clive Cussler may just reel you in. With Cussler's signature blend of historical mystery and modern-day danger, the book promises a fast-paced ride on the waves of suspense and action. Dive into this oceanic adventure and sail alongside characters deftly navigating treacherous waters, both literal and figurative. The story is sure to ignite your love for nautical escapades with a side of explosive conflict.
Sena Jeter Naslund
|
Harpperen
Ahab's Wife
Regular price
$8.90
$5.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.03
Regular price
$8.90
$5.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
If you're drawn to narratives that richly weave a secondary character's journey into a tale as compelling as the original, then "Ahab's Wife" is poised to captivate you. Sena Jeter Naslund's work expands the world of "Moby-Dick" with lyrical prose and profound emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, and independence that resonate well beyond the sea's horizon. Opening a dialogue with a classic while standing firmly on its own, this book is a treasure for fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists.
$9.71
- Unit price
- / per
If you're intrigued by the resilience of the human spirit through challenging times, 'Giving Alms' could resonate deeply with you. The book's exploration of personal struggles and societal issues in Myanmar offers a rare glimpse into a world where human pain and hope coexist, all succinctly packaged in three short but powerful narratives. It might not just be a read; it could be an emotional and eye-opening journey.
$3.90
- Unit price
- / per
78% off est. retail
A Secret Affair is a tantalizing portrayal of love that defies societal conventions. The book explores the lives of Hannah and Constantine as they embark on a journey of passion, love, and desire. The author's vivid descriptions of the upper-class lifestyle and the struggles of the characters make this book a perfect read for those looking for a gripping story and a glimpse into the world of the 19th-century England.
New
Chloe Gong
|
Hodder
&
Stoughton
These Violent Delights
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.81
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
If you're taken by the allure of Shakespeare's tragedy but crave an electrifying new setting, "These Violent Delights" merges the familiar tale of forbidden love with the gritty, opulent sphere of 1920s Shanghai. Chloe Gong breathes fresh life into the age-old feud through the eyes of compelling young heirs who must confront a deadly mystery intertwined with their own complicated past. It's an epic clash of romance and loyalty sure to captivate anyone with a penchant for historical fantasy and reimagined classics.
Witch Hunter: King Slayer : Book 2
Regular price
$9.90
$7.90
20% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.79
Regular price
$9.90
$7.90
20% off
- Unit price
- / per
50% off est. retail
Witch Hunter: King Slayer, Book 2 by Virginia Boecker is a captivating and thrilling read that is perfect for fans of high-stake fantasy plots intertwined with a tantalizing mix of betrayal, romance, and magic. The book takes readers on an exciting adventure, as Elizabeth Grey navigates the unpredictable twists and turns of her former master's attempt to claim the throne. With her own life on the line and the fate of all Anglia at stake, readers will be on the edge of their seat as they follow Elizabeth's journey of self-discovery and determination to save the boy she loves from the clutches of dark magic. Overall, a must-read for anyone who loves an action-packed, magical adventure with a touch of romance.
$8.26
- Unit price
- / per
"Memoirs of a Geisha" opens the door to a captivating and often misunderstood slice of Japanese history. Sayuri's story is a tapestry of beauty, grit, and resilience that mirrors the complexity and ritual of geisha life. If you're entranced by rich cultural narratives and unyielding human spirit, this journey through the pleasure quarters of Kyoto could be as mesmerizing for you as it has been for countless others.
Patrick O'Brian
|
W.w.
Norton
H. M. S. Surprise - Aubrey/Maturin Novels
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.42
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
72% off est. retail
If you breathe the salty air of historical naval fiction, the H.M.S. Surprise will feel like coming home. Within its pages, Patrick O'Brian invites you to navigate through dangerous waters alongside Captain Aubrey, facing daunting foes and the promise of fortune. O'Brian's skill in crafting a vivid 19th-century setting is unforgettable, perfect for those who cherish authenticity and intricate adventure.
$9.90
- Unit price
- / per
55% off est. retail
Julian Barnes' "Arthur & George" is a brilliantly woven tale set in the intricate web of late-Victorian Britain. It's a masterful blend of historical fact and fiction that delves deep into themes of identity, justice, and societal norms. If you enjoy rich period detail and the interplay of two vividly drawn lives converging in unexpected ways, this nuanced narrative is sure to captivate you.