Other books that might interest you

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  The Crock of Gold

  James Stephens

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  One of the great novels in the Irish comic tradition, The Crock of Gold (1912) consists of six parts. Bringing together pagan gods, policemen, prisoners, leprechauns and animals, the narrative concerns a philosopher and his quest to find the most beautiful woman in the world, Cáitilin Ni Murrachu, who has been abducted by the god Pan. His journey takes him from dark forests to the spectacular heights of pagan gods, as he experiences encounters that will change him forever.With its unique combination of philosophy and Irish folklore, The Crock of Gold is full of humour, its central themes including the battle of the sexes and the difference between men and women.

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  The Man in the Moon

  Andrew Barrow

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  Are all aspiring stand-up comics as tragic as Baby Reindeer? If William is anything to go by, the answer is possibly ‘yes’. Nostalgic, razor-sharp and deliciously peculiar, this is a weird but wonderful comedy of manners by the award-winning author of The Tap Dancer. 
  William is a lonely young man on the loose in the late 1960s. A disastrous appearance as a stand-up comic in a pub called The Man In the Moon is only the start of his adventures, in which he consorts with theatrical types, frenzied advertising men and accident-prone lodgers. 
  William’s exploits lead him eventually to the consulting rooms of a Harley Street psychiatrist, where his delusions that he is a comic genius can finally be laid bare. 
  Andrew Barrow’s second – and so far last – novel, first published in 1996, is a hilariously bittersweet comedy that follows in the footsteps of last year’s sensational reissue of The Tap Dancer, which drew praise from Alan Bennett (‘my favourite novel’), Craig Brown (‘sublime comedy’) and India Knight (‘hilariously funny’). 
  In this classic, humorous narrative, William's coming of age journey is a top pick for those seeking a literary fiction that is both unique and engaging. His life, filled with theatrical types and frenzied advertising men, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of growing up. 
  For fans of Alan Bennett (The Laying On Of Hands), Anne Tyler (Vinegar Girl), Nina Stibbe (One Day I Shall Astonish the World), Rose Tremain (Absolutely and Forever), and India Knight (Darling). 
  HarperCollins 2024

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  Frankenstein; or the Modern...

  Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

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  Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus 
  In the early nineteenth century, English author Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) Shelley penned a novel that would forever alter literature. Born in 1797, Mary’s unconventional upbringing shaped her worldview. During a summer near Lake Geneva in 1816, she conceived the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but tormented scientist. 
  Driven by relentless ambition, Victor embarked on an unorthodox experiment: creating life itself. The result—the Creature, often called “Frankenstein’s Monster”—was stitched together from various body parts. Seeking understanding and acceptance, the Creature grappled with its existence and harsh treatment. 
  The novel delves into profound themes: ambition, nature vs. nurture, responsibility, and loneliness. Beyond horror, “Frankenstein” challenges us to consider science’s boundaries and creators’ roles. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against unchecked ambition and dehumanization. 
  Because of time, some words in the novel may have changed meanings.

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  The Garden Party

  Katherine Mansfield

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  The Garden Party is a 1922 short story by Katherine Mansfield. It was first published (as "The Garden-Party") in three parts in the Saturday Westminster Gazette on 4 and 11 February 1922, and the Weekly Westminster Gazette on 18 February 1922. It later appeared in The Garden Party: and Other Stories. Its luxurious setting is based on Mansfield's childhood home at 133 Tinakori Road (originally numbered 75), the second of three houses in Thorndon, Wellington that her family lived in.
  The wealthy Sheridan family prepares to host a garden party. Laura is charged with instructing the workers on the placement of the marquee. Her haughty air quickly disintegrates into an intimidating admiration for the workingmen, with whom she feels a personal connection.

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  Candide

  Voltaire

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  When Candide is cast out of his sheltered life, he embarks on a journey filled with war, natural disasters, betrayal, and heartbreak—all while clinging to the optimistic philosophy of his mentor, Pangloss. As he travels across Europe and the Americas, encountering a bizarre array of characters and suffering the harsh realities of life, Candide's faith in idealism is repeatedly tested.
  
  In this classic satire, Voltaire skewers the pretensions of philosophy, religion, and social systems, offering a compelling critique of human nature. A timeless classic, Candide is a powerful exploration of optimism, human folly, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

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  Breaking the Color Line - From...

  Annie McCary

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  The bookshelves of American literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From this continent their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Annie McCary.

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