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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The Circle
Dave Eggers | Alfred A. Knopf - Mcsweeny's Books

The Circle

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Goodreads rating: 3.43

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In stock: Well Read

"The Circle" might resonate with you if the blend of modern technology with corporate culture intrigues you. Imagine a world where your every online move is linked, your privacy is a currency, and transparency is the mandate. It's both a thrilling and cautionary tale that nudges you to think about where we're headed with our tech-obsessed lives. Dave Eggers crafts a narrative that is all at once suspenseful, critical, and uncomfortably familiar to the digital native.
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047
Lionel Shriver | Harpercollins

The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047

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Goodreads rating: 3.7

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In stock: Well Read

If you've ever worried about a future where financial security becomes a myth, "The Mandibles" is chillingly relevant. Lionel Shriver crafts a tale that's more than just speculative fiction—it's a stark examination of familial bonds when the world's stability is swept away. Reading it, you might find yourself both entertained and disturbed, questioning the reliability of the economy and reflecting on what truly holds value when money loses its meaning.
God Is Dead
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Ron Currie Jr. | Penguin Publishing Group

God Is Dead

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Goodreads rating: 3.76

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In stock: Well Read

"God Is Dead" isn't your conventional narrative. It explores the consequences of a world suddenly devoid of divine presence, engaging with deep philosophical questions through a series of intertwined stories. You'll find this read provocative, perhaps even unsettling, but ultimately enlightening as it challenges your perceptions of society and spirituality.
J: A Novel
Howard Jacobson | Vintage

J: A Novel

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Goodreads rating: 2.93

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55% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good, Well Read

If you're intrigued by love stories that challenge the norms and make you question reality, "J: a Novel" could be a fascinating read for you. Howard Jacobson weaves a tale of romance amidst a deliberately forgotten catastrophe, creating a haunting dystopian setting. It's thought-provoking, and the mystery of the collective amnesia adds depth, inviting you to unravel the narrative's secrets alongside the protagonists.
The Midnight Library
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Matt Haig | Canongate Books Ltd.

The Midnight Library

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Goodreads rating: 4.0

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This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the what-ifs in life. Matt Haig takes you on a thought-provoking journey with Nora, who gets to explore all the different lives she could have lived. The Midnight Library is beautifully written and will make you question your own choices and the meaning of a well-lived life. It's an uplifting and inspiring read that will leave you contemplating long after you've finished the last page.
Rainbows End
Vernor Vinge | Torsf 1/1/2007 1/1/2007 1/1/20

Rainbows End

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Goodreads rating: 3.77

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If you're intrigued by the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the intricate web of human relationships, "Rainbow's End" is a title you should explore. Vernor Vinge masters the art of science fiction with a human touch, spinning a narrative that's as thought-provoking about our digital futures as it is grounded in the personal struggles of a family. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just love a good story that probes the fabric of society, this novel promises a compelling dive into a plausible tomorrow.
Being Invisible
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Thomas Berger | Penguin Books

Being Invisible

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Goodreads rating: 3.44

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Ever felt overlooked by the world? Fred Wagner's hilarious and touching foray into invisibility gives us both a laugh and a reason to pause. Thomas Berger captures the essence of feeling unseen in society with a mix of wit and depth that might resonate with anyone seeking a story that combines the existential with the absurd.
Super-Cannes - Thryft
J.G. Ballard | London: Flamingo

Super-Cannes

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Goodreads rating: 3.7

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"Super-Cannes" is for those who love probing beneath the glossy surface of utopias. Ballard's Eden-Olympia is a playground for the elite, but it slowly spirals into something much darker. It's a powerful social commentary on modern capitalism masked as a psychological thriller. If you're drawn to books that offer a razor-sharp dissection of the human psyche within seemingly perfect worlds, this one will grip you as the layers peel away to reveal the unnerving truth lying beneath.
Paprika
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Yasutaka Tsutsui | Vintage

Paprika

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Goodreads rating: 3.19

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If you're intrigued by the convergence of dreams and reality, "Paprika" should be your next read. Yasutaka Tsutsui crafts a narrative that's as intellectually stimulating as it is fantastical. You'll dive into a world where the subconscious is a battlefield, making it a treat for those who appreciate complex, imaginative storytelling that challenges the very notion of what's real.
Hello America - Thryft
J.G. Ballard, Tim White  | Triad/panther

Hello America

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Goodreads rating: 3.36

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Envision being on an expedition across a desolate America, rediscovered—a landscape transformed by climatic upheavals. J. G. Ballard's "Hello America" offers such an adventure wrapped in social commentary and vivid imagery. If the idea of exploring a world both familiar and alien excites you, where the ruins of a once-great civilization prompt reflection on our own, this book could seize your imagination.
Stone Spring - Thryft
Stephen Baxter | Gollancz

Stone Spring

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Goodreads rating: 3.57

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83% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

Stone Spring by Stephen Baxter is a captivating read that takes you on a journey back in time to an alternate world where a young girl's idea of building a wall to keep the sea out changes the geography of the world. The novel is a unique blend of historical fiction and science fiction that will keep you hooked until the very end. Baxter is a master in embedding human stories into grand historical events and concepts, making Stone Spring a thought-provoking read.
Hurricane Tamer - Thryft
unknown author | Macmillan Education Australia

Hurricane Tamer

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Goodreads rating: 0.0

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72% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

Recommendation: - This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy inspiring stories about overcoming challenges. "Hurricane Tamer" tells the story of Alexandra, a determined young scientist with cerebral palsy who faces adversity but goes on to become a leading meteorological expert. The book not only highlights the power of resilience but also provides an engaging insight into the fascinating world of weather science.
The Year's Best Science Fiction Twenty-Ninth Annual Collection
Gardner Dozois | St. Martin's Griffin (ny)

The Year's Best Science Fiction Twenty-Ninth Annual Collection

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Goodreads rating: 3.94

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If you love exploring diverse realms and complex ideas, this collection is a treasure trove. It's perfect for dipping into a variety of the year's top sci-fi narratives, handpicked for their creativity and vision. You'll be introduced to the forefront of speculative fiction, where each story offers a unique adventure that reflects the best the genre has to offer.
True
Michael Cordy | Bantam Press

True

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Goodreads rating: 3.81

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55% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're intrigued by the intersection of science and emotion, "True" could be a great pick for you. Michael Cordy takes you on a thrilling journey that explores the consequences of artificially induced love. It's a thought-provoking read that pokes at the ethics behind using science to control the most profound of human experiences. Dive in, and you'll be questioning what's real and what's manufactured in the matters of the heart.
Klara and the Sun : The Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year - Thryft
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Klara and the Sun could be a good read for someone who wants to explore the complexities of love and AI in a rapidly-changing world. Through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend with exceptional observation skills, the book delves into the concept of love and the challenges it poses in a society influenced by technology. Kazuo Ishiguro brings a unique perspective to this thought-provoking narrative, posing the question of what it truly means to love in a world where human emotions and artificial intelligence intersect.
In the Country of Last Things - Thryft
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Paul Auster | Faber And Faber

In the Country of Last Things

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

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This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. With its spare and ritualistic prose, it creates a chilling reflection of our own world. The author's masterful storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end, leaving an indelible impact on your mind. Prepare to be haunted by the vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes that this book presents.
The Marriage Act
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John Marrs | January 5, 2023

The Marriage Act

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Goodreads rating: 3.85

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"The Marriage Act" is a chilling portrait of governmental overreach into the most intimate aspects of our lives. If you're enraptured by the thought of a state that enforces matrimonial bonds and the high-stakes drama that unfolds from such a society's need for conformity, this book is likely to resonate with you. John Marrs crafts a gripping narrative that's both a love story and a cautionary tale, perfect if you enjoy exploring the impact of extreme policies on personal freedoms.
As She Climbed Across the Table : A Novel - Thryft
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Jonathan Lethem | Vintage

As She Climbed Across the Table : A Novel

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Goodreads rating: 3.67

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67% off est. retail

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As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem is an imaginative and quirky novel perfect for those who want to read a unique love story. The idea of a particle physicist falling in love with a void and having a love triangle with her ex-boyfriend is unconventional and refreshing. The story is filled with humor and mind-expanding concepts that will keep readers engaged till the end.
The Power
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Naomi Alderman | Little, Brown And Company

The Power

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Goodreads rating: 3.76

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73% off est. retail

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"The Power" by Naomi Alderman could be a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction with a radical twist. It turns societal norms on their head, giving women the ability to cause pain or even death with a flick of the fingers. This book will make you view the world through a startling new lens as it delves into the implications of a complete power shift between genders. It's a narrative that's as engaging as it is thought-provoking, perfect for readers looking for a story that challenges the status quo.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope : WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD - Thryft
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North Claire | Hachette

The Sudden Appearance of Hope : WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD

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Goodreads rating: 3.64

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The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a book for those who are looking for a unique and intriguing protagonist that will keep them hooked until the end. The story of Hope Arden, a girl who nobody remembers, is full of adventure, danger, and unexpected turns. Despite the unusual concept, Claire North manages to make the story believable, and the reader can't help but root for Hope's success. The book tackles deeper themes such as memory, identity, and existentialism, making it a remarkable read for those in search of something more profound.
Divided Kingdom - Thryft
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Rupert Thomson | Vintage

Divided Kingdom

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Goodreads rating: 3.48

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61% off est. retail

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Divided Kingdom is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that presents a unique take on political divisions and societal decay. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy exploring political and social issues through fictional narratives. Rupert Thomson's writing style is both engaging and vivid, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Blind Faith - Thryft
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Ben Elton | Bantam

Blind Faith

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Goodreads rating: 3.71

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Blind Faith is a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of a society that values tradition and conformity above rational thought and individuality. It challenges readers to question their own beliefs and to consider the consequences of blindly following authority. The book's most unique and distinctive feature is its blending of elements of dystopian and satirical fiction, resulting in a darkly humorous but unsettling read. If you enjoy books that make you think and challenge your assumptions, Blind Faith is definitely worth reading.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town - Thryft
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Cory Doctorow | Harper Voyager

Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town

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Goodreads rating: 3.51

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64% off est. retail

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The book blends sci-fi and magical realism, with winged characters and a protagonist with a family of inanimate objects. It also tackles themes of technology, activism, and redemption, making it a good read for fans of speculative fiction who are looking for something different and thought-provoking.

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.