Free delivery on all orders above RM80 to Malaysia
Get 10% off all year round! Join Thryft Club
Buy 3 Get Another Free On All Under RM33

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

In the Pond

by Ha Jin
RM33.16 MYR
In the Pond
In the Pond

Satire meets defiance in provincial China.

If you appreciate narratives that blend humor with a sharp critique of societal structures, "In the Pond" could captivate you. Ha Jin's skill in portraying an underdog's rebellion against bureaucratic oppression not only gives you a sense of solidarity with the protagonist, Shao Bin, but also offers an illuminating glimpse into the complexities of life in a small Chinese town. The book's combination of wit and weight makes it a poignant and engaging read.

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.

In the Pond

by Ha Jin
RM33.16 MYR
ISBN: 9780375709111
Authors: Ha Jin
Publisher: Vintage
Date of Publication: 2000-03-01
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Related Topics: Asian Literature, Literature
Goodreads rating: 3.71
(rated by 1763 readers)

Description

National Book Award-winner Ha Jin's arresting debut novel, In the Pond, is a darkly funny portrait of an amateur calligrapher who wields his delicate artist's brush as a weapon against the powerful party bureaucrats who rule his provincial Chinese town. Shao Bin is a downtrodden worker at the Harvest Fertilizer Plant by day and an aspiring artist by night. Passed over on the list to receive a decent apartment for his young family, while those in favor with the party's leaders are selected ahead of him, Shao Bin chafes at his powerlessness. When he attempts to expose his corrupt superiors by circulating satirical cartoons, he provokes an escalating series of merciless counterattacks that send ripples beyond his small community. Artfully crafted and suffused with earthy wit, In the Pond is a moving tale about humble lives caught up in larger social forces.
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.

 

Satire meets defiance in provincial China.

If you appreciate narratives that blend humor with a sharp critique of societal structures, "In the Pond" could captivate you. Ha Jin's skill in portraying an underdog's rebellion against bureaucratic oppression not only gives you a sense of solidarity with the protagonist, Shao Bin, but also offers an illuminating glimpse into the complexities of life in a small Chinese town. The book's combination of wit and weight makes it a poignant and engaging read.

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.

Literary Fiction Books

Shop all
The Boys in the Bars
Christopher Davis | Knights Pr

The Boys in the Bars

RM29.44 MYR from RM21.99 MYR 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.27

RM29.44 MYR from RM21.99 MYR 34% off

48% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're intrigued by the transformation of social attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community, "The Boys in the Bars" could be a compelling read. It delves into the nuances of gay life and culture, offering a personal and historical perspective that's both enlightening and moving. It's a snapshot of a pivotal time, captured with authenticity that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of its era.
The Hand That First Held Mine
Maggie O'Farrell | Headline Review

The Hand That First Held Mine

RM33.16 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 64% off

Goodreads rating: 4.04

RM33.16 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 64% off

75% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

This book is a beautifully written exploration of love, motherhood, and the intertwining of lives across generations. With its vivid descriptions of 1950s Soho and the struggles of a contemporary artist, it offers a captivating story that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their identity or yearned for a deeper connection with the past. O'Farrell's exquisite prose and ability to capture the complex emotions of her characters make this a must-read for fans of literary fiction.
Postcards from the Edge
New
Carrie Fisher | Simon & Schuster Ltd

Postcards from the Edge

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.62

from RM33.16 MYR

38% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

You might enjoy "Postcards from the Edge" if you're into a mix of raw honesty and irreverent humor. Carrie Fisher translates her own experiences into the character of Suzanne Vale, creating a compelling and darkly witty take on Hollywood's underbelly and the struggle with addiction. It's the kind of book you'd pick up when you want laughter to mingle with a touch of pathos, all wrapped up in the chaotic glamour of show business.
The Dovekeepers
Alice Hoffman | Simon & Schuster

The Dovekeepers

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.06

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

57% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Dovekeepers" isn't just another historical fiction. It's a poignant exploration of human endurance, blending myth with raw emotion in the stories of four complex women. Hoffman's prose is as evocative as the desert setting, brimming with survival's essence. If you seek a narrative that honors the strength found in belief and love amid life's harshest trials, this book will resonate deeply.
Riverrun - A Novel - Thryft
Danton Remoto | Penguin Random House Sea

Riverrun - A Novel

RM21.99 MYR RM14.53 MYR 67% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

RM21.99 MYR RM14.53 MYR 67% off

88% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

This book would be a good read for someone who is looking for a captivating memoir that explores the rite of passage in the life of a young gay man. Riverrun stands out with its unique format, incorporating flash fiction, talk stories, vignettes, recipes, and poems, making it a vivid and diverse reading experience. Danton Remoto's global debut is a must-read for those interested in personal journeys and coming-of-age stories.
The Hours Before Dawn
Celia Fremlin | Faber & Faber

The Hours Before Dawn

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

50% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

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.
Please Look After Mom
New
Shin Kyung-Sook, Chi-Young Kim  | Knopf

Please Look After Mom

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.91

from RM33.16 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to stories that delve into the complexity of family relationships and the silent sacrifices of parenthood, "Please Look After Mom" is a poignant read. It holds up a mirror to our familial bonds, nudging us to think about the often-overlooked depths of a mother's life and love.
In the Pond
Ha Jin | Vintage

In the Pond

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.71

from RM33.16 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you appreciate narratives that blend humor with a sharp critique of societal structures, "In the Pond" could captivate you. Ha Jin's skill in portraying an underdog's rebellion against bureaucratic oppression not only gives you a sense of solidarity with the protagonist, Shao Bin, but also offers an illuminating glimpse into the complexities of life in a small Chinese town. The book's combination of wit and weight makes it a poignant and engaging read.
Blessings - Thryft
Anna Quindlen | Random House

Blessings

RM29.44 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 61% off

Goodreads rating: 3.63

RM29.44 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 61% off

89% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

This book is a heartwarming story about the power of community and the unexpected paths life can take. The unique appeal of "Blessings" lies in its exploration of the secrets of the past and how they shape the present. You'll be captivated by the beautifully crafted characters and their journeys of personal change. Anna Quindlen's masterful storytelling will leave you reflecting on the meaning of family and the choices that define us. Get ready for a touching and thought-provoking read that will warm your heart and remind you of the importance of love and forgiveness.
Life of Pi
New
Yann Martel | Canongate Books

Life of Pi

from RM30.79 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.93

from RM30.79 MYR

In stock: Well Read

"Life of Pi" isn't just a story about survival; it's a journey through the resilience of the human spirit, paired with rich religious symbolism. The relationship between Pi and the tiger offers a profound commentary on faith and the instinct to live against insurmountable odds. It's perfect for those who seek adventure laced with philosophical depth.

Historical Fiction Books

Shop all
Last Flight to Stalingrad - Spoils of War - Thryft
Graham Hurley | Head Of Zeus

Last Flight to Stalingrad - Spoils of War

RM33.16 MYR from RM18.26 MYR 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

RM33.16 MYR from RM18.26 MYR 51% off

61% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you've got an interest in the gritty realities of war and the complex web of propaganda it weaves, "Last Flight to Stalingrad" could be your next engrossing read. Graham Hurley masterfully captures the harrowing intensity of one of history's bloodiest battles through the lens of a flawed protagonist, offering a blend of historical authenticity and dramatic storytelling that promises to grip you until the last page.
The Prince's Boy
Paul Bailey | Bloomsbury Usa

The Prince's Boy

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.36

from RM33.16 MYR

67% off est. retail

In stock: Like New

If you've got a taste for a poignant coming-of-age story wrapped in the allure of 1920s Paris, "The Prince's Boy" promises a compelling read. Deeply intimate, it paints a vivid image of youthful exploration, against a backdrop of literary references and historical depth. This novel does not just tell a tale of love and loss; it immerses you in an era where sensuality and cultural exuberance dance hand in hand with introspection and the complexities of human connection.
The Lost Symbol
New
Dan Brown | Corgi Books

The Lost Symbol

RM29.44 MYR from RM21.99 MYR 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.74

RM29.44 MYR from RM21.99 MYR 34% off

63% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you reveled in the cryptic puzzles of "The Da Vinci Code," "The Lost Symbol" will grip you with its intellectual rigmarole set against the intriguing backdrop of Washington, D.C. Brown's knack for blending historical mystique with edge-of-your-seat suspense makes this book a thrilling escapade, resonating with fans of mystery and conspiracy alike. Enter its pages, and you're in for a high-stakes adventure that challenges the mind and stirs the imagination.
The Rice Mother
Rani Manicka | Hodder

The Rice Mother

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

65% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Rice Mother" unfolds as richly as a tapestry, with Lakshmi's poignant story etching itself into your heart. As you turn each page, you'll find yourself steeped in the vivid cultural backdrop of Malaya, wrestling with the complexities of familial devotion and the harsh realities of poverty. It's a narrative that's as resilient and powerful as the matriarch it portrays, sure to resonate with anyone who appreciates family epics told with raw honesty and lush detail.
The English Patient
New
Michael Ondaatje | Vintage Books

The English Patient

from RM29.44 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.87

from RM29.44 MYR

57% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The English Patient" is more than a historical novel; it's a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the personal aftermath of conflict. If you're drawn to lyrical prose and complex human relationships set against the backdrop of historical turbulence, this book will captivate you. Michael Ondaatje's writing will immerse you in the intimate lives of characters recovering from the ravages of World War II, each tied to a mysterious patient whose story becomes the heart of their healing.
Child 44
Tom Rob Smith | January 1, 2008

Child 44

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

RM33.16 MYR from RM25.71 MYR 30% off

In stock: Very Good

"Child 44" merges a gripping detective story with the oppressive atmosphere of Stalin's Russia—a combination that's both exhilarating and chilling. As you dive into the life of Leo Demidov, you'll feel the tension of the paradox: a loyal officer turned dissident, risking everything to solve unthinkable crimes the state won’t acknowledge. It's not just a journey through a series of dark crimes, but also through the very heart of human resilience and moral courage under a regime where such qualities are a dangerous liability. This book isn't just a page-turner, it's a thought-provoker, wrapping a history lesson in a murder mystery.
Sexing the Cherry
New
Jeanette Winterson | Vintage

Sexing the Cherry

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.84

from RM33.16 MYR

In stock: Well Read

"Sexing the Cherry" might just be the book to rock the boat of your imagination. Winterson masterfully weaves history with fantasy in a tale that questions the very fabric of time and reality. If you're a fan of storytelling that pushes boundaries while it entertains, blending the extraordinary with philosophical depth, this novel's for you. It’s like stepping into a vivid dream that stays with you long after you've woken up.
Salvaged From the Fall
Dawn Farnham | Penguin Random House Sea

Salvaged From the Fall

from RM33.16 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.5

from RM33.16 MYR

55% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If life's ever thrown a curveball your way, "Salvaged from the Fall" could resonate deeply with you. It's a tale of grappling with the unexpected and finding strength in devastation; a kind of story that might help you believe in the possibility of second chances and the enduring nature of the human spirit.
The Secrets Between Us - A Novel
Thrity Umrigar | Harper Perennial

The Secrets Between Us - A Novel

RM33.16 MYR from RM29.44 MYR 20% off

Goodreads rating: 4.5

RM33.16 MYR from RM29.44 MYR 20% off

44% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're drawn to stories of survival and resilience that tackle real-world issues, "The Secrets Between Us" could be the next book on your list. It paints an evocative picture of contemporary India, delving deep into the lives of women who defy the odds stacked against them. This book not only promises a journey of empowerment and companionship but also offers a moving exploration of forging new paths amidst adversity.
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae - Thryft

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae

RM25.71 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 62% off

Goodreads rating: 4.13

RM25.71 MYR from RM14.53 MYR 62% off

72% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

This book is perfect for those who enjoy steamy historical romances with a dash of adventure. With its strong-willed heroine and daring hero, readers will be swept away on a thrilling journey from a London ballroom to the rugged Scottish Highlands. Laurens's trademark sensuality and vivid descriptions of the era make for a captivating read that is sure to leave fans of the genre satisfied.