Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box DSH1251

Secondhand Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box

Immerse yourself in the diverse narratives of contemporary life with this curated collection of secondhand fiction. From poignant character studies to biting social commentaries, these novels offer fresh perspectives and engaging stories that reflect the complexities of the modern world. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Rush Oh! by Shirley Barrett
   Set in an early 20th-century Australian whaling town, this charming and quirky novel tells the story of the Whales of Eden and the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature. It blends historical detail with a heartwarming narrative of community and unusual alliances.

2. 7 1/2 by Christos Tsiolkas
   A man escapes to a secluded house by the sea to write, but finds himself grappling with the raw, uncomfortable truths of existence, memory, and the act of creation. Tsiolkas delivers a powerful and introspective novel that explores the depths of the human psyche.

3. The Hourglass by Julie Parsons
   A crumbling old house holds a family's dark secrets and a long-buried history that begins to unravel when new occupants disturb its fragile peace. This atmospheric novel combines suspense with a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the weight of the past.

4. The Family Tree by Ilsa Evans
   When moving on means going back home, a woman finds herself confronting the tangled roots of her family history, revealing secrets and rediscoveries that challenge her understanding of her past and present. This novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics.

5. Dunster by John Mortimer
   A character-driven novel exploring the life and peculiar obsessions of a man named Dunster, whose mundane existence takes an unexpected turn, leading to an examination of morality, revenge, and the quirks of human nature. Mortimer delivers a witty and insightful social commentary.

6. The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated by Kyril Fitzlyon)
   A chilling psychological novella about a civil servant who encounters his exact doppelgänger, leading to a descent into madness and a profound exploration of identity, alienation, and the fragmentation of the self in bureaucratic society. Dostoevsky's genius for psychological depth is on full display.

7. Hand Me Down World by Lloyd Jones
   A powerful and poignant story of a woman embarking on a desperate search for her missing husband across an unforgiving, desolate landscape. This novel delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the universal human need for connection in a world that often feels indifferent.

8. Four Mothers by Shifra Horn
   A multi-generational saga centered around four women, each with their unique struggles and triumphs, whose lives intertwine through shared history and enduring bonds of family and heritage. Horn weaves a rich tapestry of love, loss, and tradition.

9. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard
   Set in post-World War II Japan and England, this lyrical novel explores the transformative power of love and unexpected connections amidst the ruins of war. Hazzard crafts a profound narrative of healing, hope, and the human spirit's capacity for renewal.

10. Worlds of You by Brad Tappin
    A collection of poetry and prose that delves into the intricate landscapes of human emotion, relationship, and self-discovery. Tappin's words invite readers into introspective journeys, exploring universal themes with depth and evocative imagery.

11. The Turning by Tim Winton
    A collection of interconnected short stories set in a coastal Australian town, revealing the lives of its inhabitants through moments of crisis, transformation, and unexpected grace. Winton masterfully captures the essence of human experience with raw honesty and lyrical prose.

12. Zoo Time by Howard Jacobson
    A darkly comic and intellectually sharp novel that satirizes modern literary life, relationships, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Jacobson's witty observations and biting satire make for a highly entertaining and thought-provoking read.

13. Falling Slowly by Anita Brookner
    A quietly powerful novel about the lives of two sisters, exploring themes of loneliness, aging, and the search for love and connection amidst the backdrop of a melancholic existence. Brookner's elegant prose captures the nuances of human experience with poignant insight.

14. The Catastrophist by Ronan Bennett
    Set in 1950s Congo, this novel follows an Irish writer caught in a web of political intrigue and personal betrayal as he navigates the complex landscape of anti-colonial movements and a crumbling relationship. Bennett delivers a compelling blend of history, suspense, and romance.

15. How to Be Good by Nick Hornby
    A witty and insightful novel about a woman who questions her cynical approach to life when her husband undergoes a sudden, inexplicable transformation into a truly "good" person. Hornby explores the complexities of marriage, morality, and the challenge of genuine altruism with his characteristic humor.

16. Swimming in Silk by Darren Williams
    A deeply atmospheric and evocative novel that weaves together themes of loss, memory, and the powerful pull of the past. The narrative explores how past events ripple through time, affecting present lives in unexpected and profound ways.

17. Ransom by David Malouf
    A reimagining of a pivotal moment from Homer's Iliad, exploring the human cost of war and the transformative power of compassion and empathy. Malouf's lyrical prose brings ancient myth to vivid, contemporary life, offering a profound reflection on reconciliation.

18. The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll
    The final book in the Glenroy series, this novel continues to explore the interconnected lives of ordinary Australians in a quiet suburb, delving into their relationships, reflections, and the passage of time. Carroll masterfully captures the nuances of everyday life with warmth and wisdom.