Narrative theme: social issues / social problems

Book SynopsisNear the Kenya-Sudan border, a team of international health program evaluators are abducted and force marched under a desert moon. Their pasts and presents — and those of their abductors — unravel before them. An orphan named Money is one of 66 too hungry to sleep. A rich public health doctor is gradually losing his points of attachment. A driver tastes the river of wealth through the vehicles he’s provided. Some escape; others are recaptured; a few are held at ransom. All are lured into schemes that often lead to unexpected results.Because of Nothing at All is a story of choices, identity, and wealth, its richly drawn characters pitched into isolated and desperate circumstances. Born from the underbelly of the modern era of internationalism, Sunga’s vividly compelling novel depicts the inequities of a world gone awry, where the lines between madness and sanity, between justice and injustice, are blurred, if not erased.Trade Review“Paul Sunga has penned a thoroughly absorbing read: a deep dive into capitalism and foreign aid that lays bare the limits of the latter in the face of the former, and the absurdities of both. Big-hearted, ambitious, and incredibly funny, Because of Nothing at All is the novel everyone needs to read.” -- Sharon Bala, author of The Boat People“Few readers will know the Turkana territory of Because of Nothing at All, but they should recognize the ‘dry wasteland’ that is always at the periphery of our own prosperity. Conjuring a swirl of heat, dust, corrupted bodies, and lost dreams, Paul Sunga writes with a commanding narrative voice. His transparent and visceral prose lets us glimpse the uncertainty at the heart of much that we call evil.” -- Michael Kaan, author of The Water Beetles

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Book Synopsis‘A strange, original and unusual novel, which takes two unlikely worlds and yokes them together. Remarkable … I’ve never read anything quite like it’ Carlo GeblerDolly Considine runs a late-night drinking establishment catering to the needs of thirsty politicians and theatricals in Dublin's legendary drinking area, the Catacombs.Julian Ryder (aka Paddy Butler) is an eighteen-year-old aspiring writer in need of shelter from his bullying older brother.As the new live-in lounge assistant at Dolly Considine’s Hotel, Julian soon embroils himself in the shebeen’s gossip – and the guests’ bedsheets – and turns Dolly’s entourage into fodder for his literary ambitions. Reality quickly becomes difficult to separate from fantasy…Set against the run-up to the Pro-life Constitutional Amendment of September 1983 and moving fluidly between the 1950s of Dolly’s youth and Julian’s Summer of Unrequited Love, the hotel becomes a stage for farce and tragedy. Between Julian’s fictions, Dolly’s Secrets, and narrow party politics – and featuring a papier-mâché figure of Mother Ireland giving birth and clashing sword-wielding dancers – this rich cocktail threatens to blow them, and even Ireland itself, wide apart.Trade Review‘A strange, original and unusual novel, which takes two unlikely worlds and yokes them together. Remarkable … I’ve never read anything quite like it’ Carlo Gebler

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Book SynopsisRandom House presents the audiobook edition of Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak. Loved THE BOOK THIEF? take a look at this!Ten years in the making the epic new novel from the acclaimed, prize-winning, bestselling author of THE BOOK THIEFHere is a story told inside out and back to front:The five Dunbar brothers are living – fighting, dreaming, loving – in the perfect squalor of a house without grownups. Today, the father who walked out on them long ago is about to walk right back in.But why has he returned, and who have the boys become in the meantime?At the helm is Matthew, cynical, poetic; Rory, forever truanting; Henry, the money-spinner; and Tommy, the pet collector who has populated the house with dysfunctional pets, including Achilles the mule and Rosy the border collie. And then there’s Clay, the quiet one, his whole young life haunted by an unspeakable act.From a grandfather, whose passion for the ancient Greeks still colours their lives, to a mother and father fell in love over a mislaid piano, to a present day, where five sons dwell in a house with no rules, BRIDGE OF CLAY is an epic portrait of how a ramshackle family, held together by stories and by love, come to unbury one boy’s tragic secret. Markus Zusak's epic new novel BRIDGE OF CLAY is due out this October 2018Trade Review[Zusak] flings his readers straight into the deep end of his new vast, teeming novel . . . Warm and heartfelt . . . This is a tale of love, art and redemption; rowdy and joyous, with flashes of wit and insight, and ultimately moving. -- Kate Saunders * Times *If The Book Thief was a novel that allowed Death to steal the show... [its] brilliantly illuminated follow-up is affirmatively full of life. -- Alfred Hickling * Guardian *The wait is over. * New York Times *This vast novel is a feast of language and irony. There is sly wit on every page... it is hard not to fall a bit in love with it. -- Michael McGirr * Sydney Morning Herald *Bridge of Clay has been more than a decade in the making, and it shows: The characters are clearly loved, and the artistry of language will leave you gasping at times. * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisLavinia Greenlaw’s mesmerising debut novel about growing up in the surreal banality of mid-’70s Essex.Trade Review‘A poet’s eye clearly informs Greenlaw’s beautifully observed portrait of Seventies provincial life. In prose layered like paint, Greenlaw conjures up the period through details that will strike endless chords with readers who grew up at that time … This is a suggestive, elusive novel, which achieves a magical effect by the gradual accumulation of images.’ Vogue ‘This is a terrific first novel, a meteorological force in its own right.’ Evening Standard ‘A composed and sensuous first novel.’ Financial TImes ‘A spacious and compassionate read.’ Time Out ‘What is most impressive, ultimately, is the strength and solidity of the house Greenlaw builds around the reader: every brick carefully aligned, necessary and true.’ Independent on Sunday

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Book SynopsisFilled with warmth, wit and wisdom, ‘The Future Homemakers of America’ takes us to the heart of female friendship. A novel fans of ‘Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood’ will not be able to resist.Trade Review'She has wit and insight to match Nick Hornby, and the entertainment value of Helen Fielding, as well as depth. Her novel traces the lives of Peggy and five female friends – one British – from the 1950s to the present, against a background of landmark events. It amounts to a picture of the way women's lives have changed, without ever sacrificing the particular to the generalisation.' Nicolette Jones, Independent ‘Superlative. The writing sparkles from first to last’ David Robson, Sunday Telegraph ‘This novel crackles with energy and snappy American dialogue. Laurie Graham conjures up five tough, funny, mouthy women, thrown together at an American airbase in Norfolk. Kath, a typical Brit with a chilly exterior and warm heart, is drawn into their generous circle. Graham has pulled off an absolute triumph; the voice of her sassy narrator, the redoubtable Peggy, never falters as she unfolds 40 years of friendship.’ Georgia Metcalfe, Daily Mail ‘A wonderfully moving comedy.’ Alex Clark, Red 'The Future Homemakers of America is a warm, life-affirming novel that offers its readers pure pleasure.' Katie Owen, The Times 'This is an absorbing, funny, lively and sometimes moving story.' Sunday Times ‘Laugh-out-loud funny; intelligent; moving; has more delicious roll-off-the-tongue one-liners than Seinfeld. One of those books you buy six copies of to send to all your old friends.’ Julie Morrice, Scotsman

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Book SynopsisI've officially found the perfect holiday read in this book' Caroline CorcoranZoe has a special talent for saving lost causesbut she'll need a miracle to save herself from this mess!When her biggest advertising account cancels their contract, single mum Zoe Taylor's Good News Gazette Westholme's pre-eminent feel-good news source faces an uncertain future.Determined to save her paper, Zoe strikes a bargain with millionaire developer Daniel Lewis he'll help her find advertisers and in exchange she'll spearhead his campaign to save the Art Deco cinema from destruction.But with her boyfriend Sam no fan of her new business partner, an unexpected job offer from her old boss, and an unshakeable feeling that there's something more between her and Daniel than there should be, Zoe's future soon feels as uncertain as her paper'sand she'll be forced to make a decision that changes everything for her and her son Charlie.Trade ReviewReaders love The Good News Gazette: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderful, lighthearted novel…I loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my, I needed this book!! This was heart-warming and uplifting, and one of those fun reads where you just don't want to put it down!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A good, hopeful story that I loved reading’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Really heart-warming and uplifting…I couldn’t stop laughing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely joyous…The sense of community and friendship that runs throughout is just lovely!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Just the book I needed at the moment…Uplifting, happy,feel good and life-affirming’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautiful, comforting, feel good read!! Real curl up on the sofa stuff!’

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Book SynopsisDaring. Determined. Curious. Kind. More than 50 female Super Heroes from Marvel Comics take centre stage in this inspiring book for girls and women of all ages.How did Captain Marvel gain superhuman powers? When was Shuri crowned queen of Wakanda? From Gamora to Wasp, this beautiful illustrated book celebrates diverse female Super Heroes who use their strength, intelligence and courage to save the world. More than 50 character profiles explore the origins and achievements of fierce fan-favourites such as Ms Marvel, America Chavez, Squirrel Girl and Black Widow. With a foreword by Marvel Comics writer Kelly Thompson, DK''s Fearless and Fantastic! is the ultimate feminist tribute to Marvel Comics'' most powerful women and girls. This book will be a treasured gift for comic book fans and beginners, and fans of 2019''s hugely popular Captain Marvel movie.Illustrated with stunning comic book artwork, and featuring four chapters based on personal qualities - Trade ReviewA handy primer that helps you sort one Spider-Woman from another. * Total Film *Fearless and Fantastic presents bios and colourful artwork of Marvel heroines. * SFX *This volume provides a guide to over fifty female superheroes from the Marvel Comics universe who are more than capable of saving our vulnerable planet from invading aliens and nasty tyrants. * Starburst Magazine online *The ultimate tribute to Marvel's most powerful women and girls, and a must for comic fans. * Manchester Evening News *Small, yet perfectly formed, Fearless and Fantastic! provides a wonderful first encounter with the heroines of Marvel, tantalising the reader to venture deeper into the universe. * SciFiBulletin *DK has hit a home run yet again with this book. Again, it's another great volume to have in your collection. Not only does it celebrate the female superheroes, but it also brings some of the lesser known characters to the fore. It's great to meet them. * Future of the Force *

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Book SynopsisOne of the most talked about alternate Spider-Man stories of all time, SPIDER-MAN: REIGN, finally gets a sequel, written and drawn by its original creator Kaare Andrews!Award-winning writer/artist Kaare Andrews presents the long-awaited sequel to the landmark, genre-defying SPIDER-MAN: REIGN! But what fresh tragedies and triumphs await this older, grizzled Peter Parker? And who is the new Black Cat?! Meanwhile, Peter isn’t the only one who aged. Wait until you see what happened to Miles Morales! But when Old Man Peter has the chance to go back to the past, can he save the future—and, more important, Mary Jane? Not if Miles has anything to say about it!COLLECTING: Spider-Man: Reign 2 (2024) 1-5

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