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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Everybody's Fool : A novel - Thryft
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Richard Russo | 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.
The Casual Vacancy - Thryft
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J.K. Rowling | 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.
How to Read the Air - Thryft
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Dinaw Mengestu | Riverhead Books

How to Read the Air

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Goodreads rating: 3.26

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How to Read the Air is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family and identity. The author seamlessly weaves together the past and present, taking us on a poignant journey through Ethiopia and America. This book is perfect for those who enjoy introspective and emotionally resonant stories that explore themes such as love, immigration, and self-discovery. Readers will be left moved and inspired by the powerful portrayal of one man's quest for reconciliation and redemption.
Personal Effects - Thryft
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Carmel MacDonald Grahame | Uwa Publishing

Personal Effects

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Goodreads rating: 3.5

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If wanderlust blended with deep introspection speaks to you, "Personal Effects" is a book that might find a home on your shelf. Carmel Macdonald Grahame writes with a nuanced hand, capturing the essence of a life lived across continents and the emotional tapestry woven from such experiences. This book is a testament to the complexities of relationships and self-discovery amid constant change. A perfect read for anyone who relishes character-driven narratives and the poignancy of life's transitions.
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men - Thryft
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David Foster Wallace | Abacus

Brief Interviews With Hideous Men

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Goodreads rating: 3.84

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This book is not for the faint of heart. It's a collection of short stories that delve into the psyche of men who are so afraid of women that they become grotesque. It's a thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning societal norms and gender roles. If you're a fan of David Foster Wallace's writing, this is a must-read. However, if you're looking for a light-hearted read, this is not the book for you.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness : Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017 - Thryft
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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.
Mr Loverman
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Bernardine Evaristo | Penguin

Mr Loverman

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Goodreads rating: 4.2

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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.
The Slap - Thryft
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Christos Tsiolkas | Atlantic Books

The Slap

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Goodreads rating: 3.24

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The Slap is a confronting and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationships between friends and family. The aftermath of a single slap ripples through the lives of those involved, forcing them to confront their own values and prejudices. This book is not for the faint of heart, but is a must-read for those who enjoy exploring the darker side of human nature.
My Name Is Lucy Barton
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Elizabeth Strout | Penguin

My Name Is Lucy Barton

from RM33.13 MYR

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Goodreads rating: 3.58

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"My Name is Lucy Barton" is particularly resonant if you're drawn to nuanced family dynamics and the unwavering quest for self-understanding. Elizabeth Strout's deft storytelling pulls you into Lucy's world, where hushed hospital room conversations reveal deep-seated emotional truths. It promises a poignant look at the silent fissures in family life and the quiet strength needed to bridge them.
A Hologram for the King - Thryft
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Dave Eggers | 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.
Jesus' Son - Thryft
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Denis Johnson | Granta Publications

Jesus' Son

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Goodreads rating: 4.12

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"Jesus' Son" could be a good read for those interested in character-driven stories that explore the darker side of human nature. The unnamed narrator's struggles with addiction provide a gritty but honest lens through which to view the lives of the lost and forgotten. Johnson's prose captures the beauty and despair of these characters, resulting in a haunting and unforgettable collection of stories.
Waterland - Thryft
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Graham Swift | Vintage International

Waterland

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

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Waterland could be a great read for someone looking to explore the intersection of personal and collective history. Swift's vivid imagery and intimate storytelling put the reader on the banks of the Fen, while grappling with questions of knowledge, loss, and storytelling itself. This book is a must-read for fans of the historical fiction genre.
The Flame Tree - Thryft
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Yang-May Ooi | Monsoon Books Pte. Ltd.

The Flame Tree

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Goodreads rating: 3.68

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The Flame Tree is a great read for those interested in exploring themes of cultural identity and moral choices. This book offers an insider's look into the fast-developing country of Malaysia, while also exploring themes of East vs West. The protagonist's struggle to choose between her old life and new, and her cultural identity, is relatable and thought-provoking.
Beartown - Thryft
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Fredrik Backman | Penguin

Beartown

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Goodreads rating: 4.29

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Recommendation: This book is a gripping tale of a small town grappling with a shocking incident that threatens to tear it apart. With themes of loyalty, bravery, and the power of speaking up, Beartown will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Get ready to be completely engrossed in the battle between those who want to forget the past and those who are determined to fight for the truth.
The Sellout - Thryft
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Paul Beatty | Pan Macmillan

The Sellout

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Goodreads rating: 3.75

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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.
His Illegal Self - Thryft
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Peter Carey | 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.
The Colour of Memory - Thryft
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Geoff Dyer | Canongate Books

The Colour of Memory

from RM28.56 MYR

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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.
You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town - Thryft
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Zoë Wicomb | 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.
Everything Is Illuminated - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - Thryft
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from RM28.43 MYR

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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.
We R Family - An Anthology - Thryft
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Grace Chia | Math Paper Press

We R Family - An Anthology

from RM29.41 MYR

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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.

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.