Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box DSH1159

Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of human experience with this selection of secondhand classic and contemporary literary works. From profound psychological dramas to biting social commentary, these books offer timeless insights and compelling narratives that will resonate deeply. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Sentimental Bloke by C.J. Dennis
   This collection of humorous poems, written in Australian vernacular, tells the story of Bill, a "larrikin" who finds love and attempts to reform his rough-and-tumble ways. It offers a charming and authentic glimpse into early 20th-century Australian culture and character. It's a heartwarming and witty read.

2. Cabin Fever by Elizabeth Jolley
   A poignant and darkly humorous novel about a woman's experiences during a long, isolated winter in a remote cabin. She grapples with solitude, memory, and the eccentricities of her own mind. This is a unique and introspective look at the human psyche.

3. Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
   A seminal collection of essays that capture the cultural and political landscape of 1960s America, particularly the counterculture movement in California. Didion's incisive prose and keen observations offer a vivid and often unsettling portrait of a changing society. It is a powerful work of new journalism.

4. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
   Set in the early 20th century American South, this powerful novel tells the story of Celie, a young black woman who endures abuse and hardship but ultimately finds her voice and strength. Through her letters, the novel explores themes of racism, sexism, and the transformative power of love and friendship.

5. Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
   Based on Solzhenitsyn's own experiences, this novel explores the lives of patients in a Soviet cancer ward in 1955. It uses their stories to metaphorically examine the oppressive nature of the Soviet system and the human struggle for dignity and survival. This is a profound and politically charged work.

6. The Turn of the Screw & The Aspern Papers by Henry James
   The Turn of the Screw is a classic gothic novella about a governess who suspects two children are being haunted by malevolent ghosts, leaving the reader to question the nature of reality. The Aspern Papers is a tale of literary obsession, where a scholar attempts to acquire the private letters of a deceased poet. Both stories are masterful psychological studies.

7. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
   Set in a small Southern town during the 1930s, this novel weaves together the lives of various isolated characters who confide in a deaf-mute man. It explores themes of loneliness, communication, and the longing for connection in a world that often alienates individuals. This is a deeply empathetic and moving work.

8. Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
   This classic political novel tells the story of Rubashov, an old Bolshevik revolutionary imprisoned during Stalin's purges. Through his interrogations and reflections, the novel explores the moral compromises and psychological torment of those caught in the machinery of totalitarianism. It is a chilling examination of ideology and power.

9. The Essential James Joyce edited by Harry Levin
   A curated collection of works by the influential Irish modernist writer, offering a comprehensive introduction to his groundbreaking style and themes. This volume provides key insights into Joyce's revolutionary approach to language and narrative, showcasing his profound impact on 20th-century literature. It is an indispensable guide to his complex universe.

10. Couples by John Updike
    This novel delves into the intertwined lives and sexual relationships of ten married couples in a small New England town during the late 1960s. It explores themes of infidelity, suburban ennui, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society. Updike's prose offers a keen observation of human behavior and desire.

11. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
    A seminal work of Russian literature, this novel follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a poverty-stricken student who murders an old pawnbroker and her sister. His subsequent psychological torment, moral struggles, and quest for redemption are explored with profound depth. It's a powerful and enduring examination of guilt, conscience, and faith.

12. Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov
    A humorous and poignant novel that chronicles the life of Timofey Pnin, a Russian émigré professor in an American university. Through a series of misadventures and academic struggles, the novel paints a portrait of an endearing and often clumsy man. Nabokov's wit and sharp observations create a memorable character study.

13. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
    An epic novel set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and subsequent civil war, following the life of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet. It explores themes of love, loss, art, and survival amidst immense historical upheaval. This sweeping narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

14. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
    This modernist novel tells the story of the Bundren family's journey to bury their deceased matriarch, Addie, in her hometown. Told through the perspectives of 15 different narrators, the narrative explores themes of death, family, and the complexities of human motivation. It is a challenging and rewarding literary experience.

15. Les Enfants Terribles by Jean Cocteau
    This novella explores the intense and destructive relationship between a brother and sister, Paul and Elisabeth, who create their own secluded and fantastical world. Their codependent bond becomes increasingly pathological, leading to tragic consequences. This work is a dark and poetic examination of innocence lost.

16. A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion
    Charlotte Douglas, a fragile American woman, finds herself in a politically unstable Central American country, caught between revolution and personal turmoil. The story is narrated by an anthropologist who attempts to piece together Charlotte's enigmatic life. This novel is a haunting exploration of isolation, delusion, and the search for identity.

17. Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth
    A controversial and groundbreaking novel presented as a monologue from Alexander Portnoy to his psychoanalyst. Portnoy recounts his upbringing as a Jewish-American boy, his sexual escapades, and his struggles with identity and his overbearing mother. It's a hilarious, often explicit, and deeply insightful work of psychological fiction.

18. Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man by Thomas Mann
    This picaresque novel follows the charming and unscrupulous Felix Krull, who uses his innate talent for deception and mimicry to ascend through society. From humble beginnings, he embarks on a life of luxury and adventure. This is a witty and sophisticated satire on class, ambition, and appearances.

19. A Bend in the River by V.S. Naipaul
    Salim, an Indian Muslim merchant, leaves his ancestral home on the coast of East Africa to start a new life in a fledgling town "at the bend in the river" in a newly independent African nation. The novel explores themes of post-colonialism, identity, displacement, and the challenges of forging a future amidst political instability.

20. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and Other Stories by Ernest Hemingway
    This collection features some of Hemingway's most celebrated short stories, known for their sparse prose and themes of courage, masculinity, and the struggle for dignity. The titular story explores a safari hunt in Africa and a man's attempt to reclaim his courage. These stories are quintessential examples of Hemingway's literary style.

21. The Vivisector by Patrick White
    Hurtle Duffield, a tormented and brilliant painter, navigates his life from impoverished childhood to acclaimed old age. The novel is a profound and often unsettling exploration of artistic creation, the nature of genius, and the complex relationships that shape a life. This is a powerful and challenging work of Australian literature.