Free delivery on all orders above $30
Get 10% off all year round! Join Thryft Club
Get 10% off all year round and $10 off your next order! Join Thryft Club
Buy 3 Get Another Free On All Under S$10

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Check out these collections!

Bestselling Fiction
Bestselling Nonfiction
Bestselling Books for Children
Vintage and Rare Books
Vinyl Records
Women's Clothing
Men's Clothing

Stay in touch and win free books

Keep up with our latest sales and events, and receive
recommendations direct to your inbox. We'll only send the good stuff, promise!

By completing this form, you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time

War

33 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!
Magical Realism
Clear all

33 Results

No results

Magical Realism
Clear all
The Labyrinth of the Spirits
Lucia Graves, Carlos Ruiz Zafón  | W&n

The Labyrinth of the Spirits

$9.90 from $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.53

$9.90 from $4.90 51% off

71% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

This book is a mesmerizing journey that will transport you into a world of intrigue and secrets. With its richly imaginative storytelling and complex characters, this labyrinthine tale will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Daniel and Alicia on their quest to uncover the dark secrets of their past, navigating through the twists and turns of a mesmerizing historical backdrop. Get ready for a gripping and hauntingly beautiful story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Dovekeepers - Thryft
Alice Hoffman | Pocket Books

The Dovekeepers

$6.90 from $4.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$6.90 from $4.90 29% off

60% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Dovekeepers" is for anyone enamored by the strength found in storytelling and history. Hoffman weaves a tapestry of four complex and intricately connected lives against the harrowing backdrop of historical conflict. The richness of the characters and the intersections of their secrets and hopes offer a deeply human perspective on an ancient tale, making it ring true across the ages. It's a book that valorizes the resilience and resourcefulness of women in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders | Random House

Lincoln in the Bardo

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

from $8.90

58% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"Lincoln in the Bardo" is one of those rare reads that merges the sorrow of loss with an unexpected comedic touch. It's perfect if you're intrigued by history yet open to an inventive twist on the Lincoln legacy. Witnessing Abe Lincoln's anguish through a chorus of ghostly voices provides a multifaceted perspective that's both poignant and oddly entertaining. As Saunders weaves this supernatural narrative, you'll find yourself pondering the profound alongside the afterlife's absurdities.
The Cottingley Secret
Hazel Gaynor | William Morrow

The Cottingley Secret

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

74% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to stories that intertwine past and present, "The Cottingley Secret" could be a remarkable journey for you. It gracefully weaves the historical intrigue of a real-life mystery with a modern woman's quest for truth. The blend of history and personal growth may just have you questioning where the lines between reality and fantasy lie, much like the characters within its pages.
All Our Shimmering Skies
Trent Dalton | Harpercollins - Au

All Our Shimmering Skies

$22.90 from $16.90 27% off

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$22.90 from $16.90 27% off

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to tales that blend the harsh realities of history with the whimsy of magic, "All Our Shimmering Skies" could be a mesmerizing journey for you. Through the perilous adventures of Molly Hook in war-torn Darwin, you’ll find the pure resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of both historical and magical elements, woven together by Trent Dalton’s vibrant prose. It’s a compelling mix that could satisfy both a love of gritty historical context and lyrical storytelling.
The Prisoner of Heaven - The Cemetery of Forgotten Books - Thryft
Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Lucia Graves  | Phoenix

The Prisoner of Heaven - The Cemetery of Forgotten Books

$8.90 from $4.90 46% off

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$8.90 from $4.90 46% off

72% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Prisoner of Heaven" envelops you in a world that feels both enchanting and dark, with a touch of the gothic allure that Barcelona of the 1950s exudes. If you enjoyed "The Shadow of the Wind," this novel not only builds on that rich tapestry of characters and intrigue but adds a layer of depth to Fermín Romero de Torres, one of the most charismatic figures in the series. It's the perfect blend of suspense and a love letter to literature, connecting past and present in a narrative that promises to haunt and enthrall.
Tyll: A Novel
Ross Benjamin, Daniel Kehlmann  | Pantheon

Tyll: A Novel

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

76% off est. retail

In stock: Like New

"Tyll" is a fascinating blend of history and myth, tying in the charisma of a legendary trickster to the rich tapestry of 17th-century Europe. Daniel Kehlmann's narrative skill breathes life into Tyll's adventures, making for a vibrant tale where humor and the grim reality of the Thirty Years' War coalesce. If you enjoy stories that transform folklore into a deeply human experience, Tyll's journey through a landscape of historical figures and enchanting episodes will capture your imagination.
Imagining Argentina
Lawrence Thornton | Arrow Books

Imagining Argentina

$8.90 from $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.90 from $5.90 34% off

In stock: Very Good

"Imagining Argentina" stirs the heart with its blend of painful historical truths and the faint whisper of magical realism. Centering on the grim reality of the 1970s Argentine dictatorship, it manages to weave hope into the narrative in a way that's both lyrical and profound. If you're drawn to stories that make sense of the senseless and find beauty in the darkest of times, this book could be a deeply moving experience for you.
All Our Shimmering Skies
Trent Dalton | Harper Collins

All Our Shimmering Skies

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

47% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"All Our Shimmering Skies" is a beacon of hope and beauty amid the backdrop of WWII Darwin. Dalton's prose intimate with nature's mysticism will transport you. If you crave a story that marries the gritty reality of war with the metaphysical, this novel could well become the next cherished piece on your shelf. It's for those who seek an immersive escape into the depths of human resilience and the awe of the natural world.
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders | Random House

Lincoln in the Bardo

$13.90 from $9.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$13.90 from $9.90 29% off

In stock: Well Read

Imagine stepping into a vivid tapestry woven with historical threads and spectral whispers. "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders does just that, blurring the lines between life and death through the eyes of grieving Abraham Lincoln. It's a narrative symphony that respects the somberness of loss while also sewing in moments of light and levity. For lovers of history, the supernatural, or simply those who appreciate innovation in storytelling, this book is an unforgettable dance with the ephemeral.
The Visitors - Thryft
Rebecca Mascull | H&s Fiction

The Visitors

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

86% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to stories that weave historical settings with a touch of the supernatural, "The Visitors" by Rebecca Mascull offers a unique journey. Adeliza's challenges in late Victorian England are met with the extraordinary – ethereal entities that become her solace and gateway to communication. This novel isn't just a tale about overcoming the odds; it's a heartfelt exploration of human connection through an unconventional lens.
The Gallows Curse
Karen Maitland | Michael Joseph

The Gallows Curse

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.79

from $8.90

66% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're intrigued by the blend of historical detail and dark folklore, "The Gallows Curse" delivers a compelling journey into England's past. The times of King John are fraught with intrigue and terror, and Karen Maitland knows just how to weave a tale that's as rich in history as it is in chilling supernatural elements. Elena's struggle will resonate with you, drawing you into the haunting fears of a bygone era where every shadow could hide a curse or a secret.
Simple Prayers - Thryft
Michael Golding | Grand Central Publishing

Simple Prayers

$21.90 from $8.90 59% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$21.90 from $8.90 59% off

86% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

Michael Golding's "Simple Prayers" is a bridge across time, mingling the mystical aura of a medieval past with the poignant echoes of the modern AIDS crisis. It's a novel that weaves together the human experiences of love, loss, and the dire need for understanding amidst calamity. The novel's multifaceted narrative not only transports you to a different era but also offers a reflection on contemporary issues, making it a compelling read for both lovers of historical fiction and those seeking deeper insight into humanity's ongoing struggles with epidemics.
Lincoln in the Bardo
Sold out
George Saunders | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Lincoln in the Bardo

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

from $8.90

Out of stock

"Lincoln in the Bardo" is a book that transcends typical narrative forms, perfectly blending the historical with the supernatural. The vivid imagination of George Saunders brings to life a transitional world that's equal parts heart-wrenching and humorous. It's a poignant exploration of a father's love that manages to be innovative in its storytelling. If you're ready to dive into a tale that's as much about the afterlife as it is about human emotions, you'll find this Man Booker Prize winner a fulfilling read.
Frankenstein in Baghdad : SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE 2018 - Thryft
Sold out
Ahmed || Wright Jonathan Saadawi | One World

Frankenstein in Baghdad : SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE 2018

from $8.44

Goodreads rating: 3.58

from $8.44

Out of stock

This book would be a good read for lovers of horror, satire, and political commentary. It brilliantly captures the absurdity of war and the human tendency to create monsters in times of conflict, while exploring themes of identity, justice, and the consequences of violence. The author's style of writing is both humorous and dark, and the characters are complex and intriguing. Overall, a thought-provoking and captivating read.
Conjure Women: A Novel
Sold out
Afia Atakora | Random House

Conjure Women: A Novel

from $12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.89

from $12.90

Out of stock

If you're drawn to the power of stories that weave magic, history, and deep-rooted humanity, "Conjure Women" could resonate deeply with you. It captures the spirit and struggles of three mesmerizing characters, entangling you in a tapestry of the supernatural and the all-too-real challenges of the Civil War era. Afia Atakora's prose might just enchant you with its lyrical quality, as you delve into a world where curses and healing are two sides of the same coin.
The Mad Women's Ball
Sold out
Victoria Mas | Random House Uk

The Mad Women's Ball

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.78

from $8.90

31% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're drawn to historical novels with a gothic twist, "The Mad Women's Ball" could captivate you with its exploration of the blurred lines between sanity and society's expectations. It not only navigates the dark corridors of Salpêtrière asylum but also delves into the intensity of female bonds forged in adversity. The allure of a Parisian setting combined with the grim reality of 19th-century mental health practices makes this a gripping and poignant read.
The Tiger's Wife - Thryft
Sold out
Téa Obreht | Phoenix

The Tiger's Wife

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

82% off est. retail

Out of stock

"The Tiger's Wife" is a captivating novel that weaves together the myths and realities of a Balkan village through the story of Natalia's search for the truth about her grandfather. The novel's most distinctive feature is the haunting presence of the tiger, which serves as a powerful symbol of the region's past and present struggles. Fans of magical realism and historical fiction will find "The Tiger's Wife" a rewarding and unforgettable read.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Sold out
Susanna Clarke | Bloomsbury Publishing

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

from $8.90

Out of stock

Dive into Clarke's debut and you'll find yourself whisked away to a 19th-century England where magic is as real as the very pages you turn. With its intricate mythology and alternative historical narrative, this book offers an immersive experience packed with footnotes that color the world with unique whimsy. The rivalry between Norrell and Strange acts as a central dynamic, making it a curious blend of fantasy, history, and a satire of English society. For those with a penchant for magic and rich historical detail, it's a spellbinding journey.
Exit West : A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick - Booker Prize Gems - Thryft
Sold out
Mohsin Hamid | Penguin

Exit West : A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick - Booker Prize Gems

from $7.37

Goodreads rating: 3.76

from $7.37

34% off est. retail

Out of stock

"Exit West" takes you on a journey of love between two strangers who open a door to an uncertain but hopeful future. This is a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally riveting stories with a unique premise. The book's most striking feature is the portrayal of the impact of war on individual lives, making it a poignant read that will stay with you long after you've finished it.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Sold out
Shehan Karunatilaka | Sort Of Books

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida

from $10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

from $10.90

Out of stock

If you enjoy a blend of biting satire with a supernatural twist, "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" could be a thrilling choice for you. The book entices with its dark humor and a poignant exploration of life amidst conflict. Moreover, it uses a ghostly narrative to reveal the stark realities of 1990's Sri Lankan society, making it not just an inventive story, but also a commentary on political and personal struggles.
Shalimar the Clown - Thryft
Sold out
Salman Rushdie | Jonathan Cape

Shalimar the Clown

from $8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.9

from $8.26

68% off est. retail

Out of stock

La historia de un hombre amable que, en Cachemira, se convierte en terrorista a causa de una infidelidad amorosa. Los Ángeles, 1991. El embajador Maximilian Ophuls muere a plena luz del día ante la casa de India, su hija ilegítima. Lo apuñala su chófer musulmán, originario de Cachemira, quien se hace llamar Shalimar el payaso. Ophuls es un héroe de la resistencia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, un hombre de gran talento intelectual y fuerte atractivo erótico, ex embajador estadounidense en la India y jefe antiterrorista de Estados Unidos. A primera vista, el crimen parece de naturaleza política, pero pronto se descubre que el móvil no es tan simple# La crítica ha dicho...«Salman Rushdie ha escrito su obra maestra.»El País
The Kingdom Of This World - A Novel - Thryft
Sold out
Alejo Carpentier, Edwidge Danticat, Harriet de Onís  | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

The Kingdom Of This World - A Novel

from $5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.78

from $5.07

54% off est. retail

Out of stock

The Kingdom Of This World could be a good read for anyone interested in exploring the effects of colonialism, and the turbulent history of Haiti during the early 19th century. With its dark undertones, it presents an unflinching look at the ugly underbelly of a society built on slavery and exploitation. The depiction of voodoo practices and the mad, paranoid mindset of the ruling elite are particularly striking. Reviewed as a profound and haunting examination of the human condition.
The Tiger's Wife - Thryft
Sold out
Téa Obreht | Phoenix

The Tiger's Wife

$3.13 from $2.00 40% off

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$3.13 from $2.00 40% off

77% off est. retail

Out of stock

Weaving a brilliant latticework of family legend, loss, and love, Téa Obreht, the youngest of The New Yorker’s twenty best American fiction writers under forty, has spun a timeless novel that will establish her as one of the most vibrant, original authors of her generation.In a Balkan country mending from years of conflict, Natalia, a young doctor, arrives on a mission of mercy at an orphanage by the sea. By the time she and her lifelong friend Zóra begin to inoculate the children there, she feels age-old superstitions and secrets gathering everywhere around her. Secrets her outwardly cheerful hosts have chosen not to tell her. Secrets involving the strange family digging for something in the surrounding vineyards. Secrets hidden in the landscape itself.But Natalia is also confronting a private, hurtful mystery of her the inexplicable circumstances surrounding her beloved grandfather’s recent death. After telling her grandmother that he was on his way to meet Natalia, he instead set off for a ramshackle settlement none of their family had ever heard of and died there alone. A famed physician, her grandfather must have known that he was too ill to travel. Why he left home becomes a riddle Natalia is compelled to unravel. Grief struck and searching for clues to her grandfather’s final state of mind, she turns to the stories he told her when she was a child. On their weeklytrips to the zoo he would read to her from a worn copy of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which he carried with him everywhere; later, he told her stories of his own encounters over many years with “the deathless man,” a vagabond who claimed to be immortal and appeared never to age. But the most extraordinary story of all is the one her grandfather never told her, the one Natalia must discover for herself. One winter during the Second World War, his childhood village was snowbound, cut off even from the encroaching German invaders but haunted by another, fierce a tiger who comes ever closer under cover of darkness. “These stories,” Natalia comes to understand, “run like secret rivers through all the other stories” of her grandfather’s life. And it is ultimately within these rich, luminous narratives that she will find the answer she is looking for.
Lincoln in the Bardo : WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2017 - Thryft
Sold out
George Saunders | Bloomsbury Publishing

Lincoln in the Bardo : WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2017

$20.90 from $17.90 15% off

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$20.90 from $17.90 15% off

37% off est. retail

Out of stock

This is a deeply moving and unconventional novel that brilliantly blends historical fiction with the supernatural. Through a kaleidoscope of voices, George Saunders creates a rich tapestry of emotions, humor, and poignancy as Abraham Lincoln navigates the grief of losing his young son during the tumultuous time of the Civil War. The vividly imagined world of the bardo, a transitional realm between life and death, adds a thrilling and thought-provoking element to this unforgettable story. With its beautifully crafted prose and exploration of the human condition, Lincoln in the Bardo is a must-read for those seeking a unique and profound literary experience.
The Shadow of the Wind
Sold out
Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Penguin Books

The Shadow of the Wind

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.3

from $8.90

Out of stock

"The Shadow of the Wind" is a treasure for those who get pulled into tales that blend history, mystery, and a passion for books. Picture yourself weaving through Barcelona's shadowy streets, the intrigue of a forgotten book igniting a quest that stretches the boundaries of a conventional thriller. It's perfect for readers craving a narrative that melds the charm of a bygone era with a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.
The Tiger's Wife - Thryft
Sold out
Téa Obreht | Phoenix

The Tiger's Wife

from $8.19

Goodreads rating: 3.42

from $8.19

Out of stock

'Having sifted through everything I have heard about the tiger and his wife, I can tell you that this much is fact: in April of 1941, without declaration or warning, the German bombs started falling over the city and did not stop for three days. The tiger did not know that they were bombs...'A tiger escapes from the local zoo, padding through the ruined streets and onwards, to a ridge above the Balkan village of Galina. His nocturnal visits hold the villagers in a terrified thrall. But for one boy, the tiger is a thing of magic - Shere Khan awoken from the pages of The Jungle Book. Natalia is the granddaughter of that boy. Now a doctor, she is visiting orphanages after another war has devastated the Balkans. On this journey, she receives word of her beloved grandfather's death, far from their home, in circumstances shrouded in mystery. From fragments of stories her grandfather told her as a child, Natalia realizes he may have died searching for 'the deathless man', a vagabond who was said to be immortal. Struggling to understand why a man of science would undertake such a quest, she stumbles upon a clue that will lead her to a tattered copy of The Jungle Book, and then to the extraordinary story of the tiger's wife.
The Water Dancer
Sold out
Ta-Nehisi Coates | Hamish Hamilton

The Water Dancer

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

from $8.90

Out of stock

"The Water Dancer" pulls you into a vividly rendered antebellum South, where magic breathes life into Hiram's tale, crafting more than just a story, but an experience of resilience and the quest for freedom. Reading Coates' work is like watching history dance to the rhythm of fantasy, as you root for Hiram's journey from bondage to emancipation. It's a book that might change not just your perspective on the past, but also the power of memory and dreams.
The Divine - Thryft
Sold out
Asaf Hanuka, Boaz Lavie, Tomer Hanuka  | First Second

The Divine

from $8.23

Goodreads rating: 3.61

from $8.23

Out of stock

Mark's out of the military, these days, with his boring, safe civilian job doing explosives consulting. But you never really get away from war. So it feels inevitable when his old army buddy Jason comes calling, with a lucrative military contract for a mining job in an obscure South-East Asian country called Quanlom. They'll have to operate under the radar--Quanlom is being torn apart by civil war, and the US military isn't strictly supposed to be there.With no career prospects and a baby on the way, Mark finds himself making the worst mistake of his life and signing on with Jason. What awaits him in Quanlom is going to change everything. What awaits him in Quanlom is weirdness of the highest order: a civil war led by ten-year-old twins wielding something that looks a lot like magic, leading an army of warriors who look a lot like gods.What awaits him in Quanlom is an actual goddamn dragon.From world-renowned artists Asaf and Tomer Hanuka (twins, whose magic powers are strictly confined to pen and paper) and Boaz Lavie, The Divine is a fast-paced, brutal, and breathlessly beautiful portrait of a world where ancient powers vie with modern warfare and nobody escapes unscathed.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Sold out
Shehan Karunatilaka | Sort Of Books

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida

from $10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

from $10.90

45% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by the idea of a supernatural whodunit set against a very real and tumultuous backdrop, "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is for you. This is more than just a clever satire—it's a story with a poignant edge, seamlessly blending the spectral with the all-too-human struggles of love, secrets, and survival. The urgency of Maali's post-mortem journey to reveal the truth adds a compelling layer of suspense that's bound to keep you hooked until the very end.
The Dollmaker Of Krakow - Thryft
Sold out
R.M. Romero | Delacorte Press

The Dollmaker Of Krakow

from $3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.09

from $3.88

Out of stock

In the land of dolls, there is magic.In the land of humans, there is war.Everywhere there is pain.But together there is hope. Karolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Krakow, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with an unusual power and a marked past. The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner lead him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter--that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him. But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.
Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun
Sold out
Cornelia Funke, Guillermo del Toro  | Bloomsbury Publishing

Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun

from $12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.26

from $12.90

Out of stock

If you're fascinated by tales that seamlessly weave the rich tapestry of folklore into the stark threads of real-world history, "Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun" beckons. Guillermo del Toro's creation offers an escape not just into fantasy, but an exploration of the human heart amidst the savagery of war. As Ofelia's story unfolds, you’ll find yourself rooting for her innocence amidst the darkest of realities, losing yourself in the labyrinthine blend of the magical and the all-too-real.
A Skinful Of Shadows - Thryft
Sold out
Frances Hardinge | Pan Macmillan

A Skinful Of Shadows

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$8.90 from $4.90 51% off

50% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you've enjoyed stepping into historical settings with a supernatural twist, "A Skinful of Shadows" could be your next enthralling read. Frances Hardinge masterfully blends the terrors of the English Civil War with a young girl's ghostly encounters, immersing you in a story where inner battles are as fiercely fought as those on the field. The urgency and bravery of Makepeace's struggle offer a gripping tale calibrated with just the right touch of otherworldly intrigue.