Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box DSH1226

Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box

Dive into a captivating collection of literary fiction with this specially curated box. Each book offers a unique voice and perspective, inviting you to explore diverse narratives and compelling characters from acclaimed authors. Perfect for the discerning reader looking to discover their next favourite story. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. 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.

2. Redback by Howard Jacobson
   A darkly humorous and insightful novel that delves into the complexities of identity and exile through the eyes of a disillusioned Anglo-Jewish writer. Set in Australia, the protagonist grapples with his heritage, personal failings, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels absurd. Jacobson's sharp wit and profound observations make for a thought-provoking and engaging experience.

3. Here Is The Beehive by Sarah Crossan
   Told in poignant verse, this novel explores the aftermath of an affair and the profound grief experienced by a woman whose lover has died. It delves into the messy, complicated emotions of love, loss, and betrayal, as she navigates her secret connection to the deceased's family. The unique narrative style offers a raw and intimate portrayal of unspoken sorrow and yearning.

4. The God of Spring by Arabella Edge
   This historical novel reimagines the true story of William Dampier, an English explorer and buccaneer of the 17th century. It delves into his perilous voyages, his scientific observations, and his complex relationship with a mysterious Aboriginal woman he brings back to England. The book explores themes of colonialism, discovery, and the clash of cultures with vivid historical detail.

5. The Other Side of the World by Stephanie Bishop
   A haunting and evocative novel about a young English couple who emigrate to Australia in the 1960s, seeking a new life and escaping the past. As they settle into their isolated existence, the wife struggles with motherhood, identity, and the harsh realities of their new environment, leading to a profound sense of dislocation and longing for what was left behind.

6. Sunlight Hours by Caroline Caugant
   This novel delves into the intricacies of human connection and the quiet moments that shape lives. It likely explores themes of family, memory, and the passage of time through a series of interconnected narratives or observations. The title suggests a focus on fleeting beauty and the bittersweet nature of life's experiences.

7. White Boy Running by Christopher Hope
   A powerful memoir that reflects on growing up white in apartheid South Africa. Hope vividly recounts his childhood experiences, offering a unique perspective on the racial tensions, political climate, and personal compromises of the era. This insightful and often satirical account provides a crucial understanding of a divided nation's history.

8. The George's Wife by Elizabeth Jolley
   This novel explores the quiet desperation and unfulfilled desires within a marriage. A devoted wife cares for her invalid husband, George, in their isolated home, as her own life becomes increasingly confined and defined by his needs. Jolley's characteristic blend of melancholy and dark humor illuminates the complexities of domesticity and longing.

9. The Hamilton Case by Michelle de Kretser
   Set in colonial Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the 1930s, this intricate novel follows a British lawyer investigating a mysterious murder. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayals, and racial tensions that expose the underlying corruption and complexities of colonial society. The story is a rich tapestry of history, mystery, and social commentary.

10. Lovesong by Elizabeth Jolley
    A poignant and introspective novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. It likely explores the reflections of an elderly character on past relationships and the profound impact they have had on their life. Jolley's distinctive prose often creates a melancholic yet deeply human portrait of the human condition.

11. 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.

12. Town by James Roy
    Town is likely a collection of interconnected short stories or a novel told through multiple perspectives, all centered around a specific geographical location. It explores the lives of various characters, revealing their relationships, struggles, and the shared experiences that define their community. The narrative would offer a mosaic portrait of a place and its inhabitants.

13. His Illegal Self by Peter Carey
    Set in 1972, this novel follows Che Selkirk, a seven-year-old boy living with his grandmother in New York, who longs for his absent parents. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is whisked away on a bewildering journey, encountering various mysterious women who may or may not be his mother, as he becomes entangled in the political ferment of the era.

14. Girl from the South by Joanna Trollope
    This novel explores the contemporary challenges of love, family, and cultural differences as a young English woman falls for an American man from a deeply rooted Southern family. As she attempts to integrate into his world, she confronts the complexities of tradition, expectation, and the struggle to maintain her own identity.

15. The Golden Age by Joan London
    Set in post-World War II Perth, Australia, this novel tells the story of Frank Gold, a young Hungarian Jewish boy recovering from polio at a children's convalescent home called The Golden Age. It explores themes of displacement, resilience, first love, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma, beautifully capturing a tender period of recovery and awakening.

16. Amnesia by Peter Carey
    This sprawling and ambitious novel delves into Australian history, politics, and the digital age through the story of a cyber-terrorist, Gaby Baillieux, who releases a virus that liberates convicted criminals. A disgraced journalist is tasked with writing her story, leading to a complex exploration of national identity, technological power, and the nature of freedom.

17. Isobel on the Way to the Corner Shop by Amy Witting
    A collection of short stories that exquisitely capture the nuances of everyday life, relationships, and the quiet epiphanies of ordinary people. Witting's keen observation and compassionate insight illuminate the inner lives of her characters, revealing the humor, pathos, and small victories found in their seemingly unremarkable existences.

18. 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.

19. The Imaginary Gentleman by Helen Halliday
    This novel likely delves into a captivating narrative centered around a mysterious or elusive male figure. It could explore themes of illusion, perception, and the construction of identity, as characters grapple with the reality or fantasy of this gentleman. The story might weave together elements of romance, intrigue, or psychological depth, leaving the reader to ponder what is real.