Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box DSH1208

Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box

Unearth a treasure trove of contemporary fiction with this curated box, featuring a diverse array of voices and narratives that span genres and explore the intricacies of modern life. From poignant character studies to engaging historical retellings, these books offer fresh perspectives and compelling stories that will resonate long after the final page. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
   This sharp and witty novel follows Toby Fleishman, a newly separated doctor navigating the complexities of online dating and co-parenting in New York City, when his estranged wife suddenly disappears. As he grapples with unexpected single fatherhood and the mysteries of his past marriage, the narrative cleverly dissects modern relationships, identity, and the elusive nature of happiness.

2. Two Caravans by Marina Lewycka
   A vibrant and humorous novel that tells the story of two Ukrainian migrant workers, a man and a woman, who arrive in England seeking a better life. Forced to live and work in the bizarre and often exploitative world of strawberry picking, their journey is a poignant and often hilarious exploration of cultural clashes, human resilience, and the search for belonging in a strange land.

3. The Observations by Jane Harris
   This historical novel transports you to the year 1863, where Bessy, a young Irish maid, takes a position in a remote Scottish country house. Tasked by her eccentric mistress to record "observations" on the household, Bessy uncovers dark secrets and unsettling truths that challenge her perceptions of reality and her own past. The atmospheric setting and unreliable narration create a suspenseful and intriguing read.

4. Wild Cat Falling by Mudrooroo (Colin Johnson)
   Considered one of the foundational works of Indigenous Australian literature, this powerful novel is written from the perspective of an Aboriginal man recently released from prison. It offers a raw and unflinching look at life on the fringes of society, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the profound impact of racism and social injustice on one man's struggle for survival and self-acceptance.

5. Titmuss Regained by John Mortimer
   This satirical novel revisits the character of Leslie Titmuss, a ruthless and ambitious Conservative politician. Having achieved significant power, Titmuss finds himself embroiled in new personal and political battles, particularly regarding land development in the English countryside. Mortimer masterfully blends humor and sharp social commentary to critique ambition, class, and the changing landscape of British society.

6. Oyster by Janette Turner Hospital
   Set in a remote, isolated Australian town that becomes a haven for a charismatic, cult-like leader, this novel explores the dark undercurrents of communal living and psychological manipulation. As the community unravels, the narrative delves into themes of control, belief, and the desperate search for meaning, revealing the devastating consequences when utopian ideals turn sinister.

7. Sugar Street by Jonathan Dee
   This compelling novel follows a man who, after committing a serious crime, flees his past and assumes a new identity, settling into a quiet, anonymous life in a nondescript American suburb. As he attempts to disappear, the narrative explores the nature of guilt, the fragility of identity, and the quiet desperation of living a lie, all while hinting at the inevitable return of his past.

8. Corfu by Robert Dessaix
   A lyrical and introspective travel memoir and novel, Corfu blends personal reflection, historical exploration, and cultural observations as the author travels to the Greek island. Dessaix weaves together mythology, history, and his own experiences to explore themes of memory, desire, and the enduring allure of ancient landscapes, creating a rich tapestry of place and self-discovery.

9. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
   This enchanting and sensuous novel introduces Vianne Rocher, a mysterious chocolatier who opens a shop in a conservative French village during Lent. Her delicious creations and unconventional spirit challenge the rigid traditions of the community, stirring up desires and resentments, as she gently encourages the villagers to embrace pleasure and defy societal expectations.

10. Triage by Scott Anderson
    This gripping novel follows a war photographer who returns from Kurdistan severely traumatized by his experiences, particularly the horrific events he witnessed in a field hospital. His girlfriend struggles to help him cope with his psychological wounds, as he grapples with guilt, memory, and the moral ambiguities of war.

11. Camille's Bread by Amanda Lohrey
    This novel delves into the life of Camille, a woman seeking solace and meaning in the seemingly simple act of baking bread. Through her craft, she navigates personal grief, relationships, and a yearning for connection, discovering how the creation of something tangible can bring form and purpose to a life adrift. It is a contemplative story about resilience and the quiet pursuit of joy.

12. Spies by Michael Frayn
    This atmospheric novel transports the reader to the innocent summer of 1943 in suburban London, where two young boys, Stephen and Keith, embark on a childish game of spying on Keith's eccentric mother, convinced she is a German spy. Their innocent game soon unravels into a darker and more complex reality, revealing the hidden lives of adults and the loss of childhood innocence during wartime.

13. Lovesong by Alex Miller
    A deeply moving and exquisitely written novel that explores the profound connection between a reclusive artist, Ken, and his spirited former lover, Sanna. As Ken reflects on their intertwined lives, the narrative delves into the nature of love, creativity, memory, and the lasting impact of a singular relationship. Miller's prose is both precise and poetic, creating a poignant meditation on the human heart.

14. You Shall Know Our Velocity! by Dave Eggers
    This high-energy, philosophically charged novel follows two friends, Hand and Rock, who embark on a bizarre quest to travel the world in seven days, giving away a large sum of money. Their journey becomes a wild and often absurd exploration of generosity, poverty, friendship, and the meaning of existence, challenging their perceptions of charity and global inequality.

15. Ransom by David Malouf
    This profound and lyrical novel reimagines a key moment from Homer's Iliad: the encounter between Priam, the aged king of Troy, and Achilles, the grief-stricken Greek hero, as Priam attempts to ransom his son Hector's body. Malouf transforms this epic tale into a moving meditation on grief, humanity, and the redemptive power of compassion, highlighting the fragile bonds that can form even between enemies.

16. Mr. Darwin's Shooter by Roger McDonald
    This historical novel tells the story of Syms Covington, a young man who served as Charles Darwin's assistant and bird-stuffer during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. Through Covington's eyes, the novel offers a fresh and intimate perspective on Darwin's groundbreaking work, his personal struggles, and the profound impact his theories had on both science and faith, exploring the collision of scientific discovery with religious belief.

17. A River in a Country Full of Trees by Thomas Keneally
    This novel explores a defining moment in Australian history—the conflict between Indigenous Australians and European settlers over land and resources. It likely delves into the clash of cultures, the struggle for survival, and the profound impact of colonization on both sides, through the intertwined lives of individuals caught in this epic confrontation over the land.

18. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
    Set on the isolated, war-torn island of Bougainville, this poignant novel tells the story of Matilda, a young girl whose only connection to the outside world comes through her eccentric teacher, Mr. Watts, and his reading of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. As the conflict intensifies, Dickens's novel becomes a lifeline, offering escape and unexpected lessons about life, love, and loss in the face of brutal reality.