New Paperbacks for October Featuring Works by Zadie Smith, Thomas Pynchon, and Francis Spufford

Thomas Pynchon presents his latest novel, Shadow Ticket, a noir fiction piece set in prohibition-era Wisconsin. The story weaves a complex narrative involving a detective, a bomb, a cheese heiress, and connections to European paramilitary groups. At 88 years old, this marks Pynchon’s first novel in over a decade, maintaining his hallmark themes of conspiracy and American pop culture. The book features classic elements of a crime story intertwined with Pynchon's unique style.

Francis Spufford's fourth novel, Nonesuch, is a historical fantasy narrative unfolding in London as World War II looms. The protagonist, Iris Hawkins, embarks on a chaotic journey through a surreal film club, leading her to tangled interactions that include figures like Geoffrey Hale and Lady Lalage Cunningham. Spufford's writing combines romance and adventure with historical elements as Iris navigates a conspiracy involving time travel.

Iida Turpeinen's debut, Beasts of the Sea, recounts the story of Georg Wilhelm Steller, who discovers Steller’s sea cow after being shipwrecked in 1741. The novel explores the impacts of this creature’s eventual extinction on various historical figures tied to it, showcasing Turpeinen’s flowing narrative style.

Other People’s Fun by Harriet Lane tells the story of Ruth, a middle-aged woman grappling with envy and resentment. After reconnecting with a former classmate, her underlying frustrations bubble to the surface, culminating in a plot of revenge that strikes a modern chord in a divided society.

Issa Quincy’s Absence unfolds through the lens of memory, as the narrator reflects on a poem from childhood that intertwines with his life experiences shaped by family tragedies.

Harper Lee's posthumously published The Land of Sweet Forever includes a collection of her unpublished stories and essays, revealing early writing that is both charming and naïve.

Zadie Smith's Dead and Alive compiles a variety of her works from the past nine years, including speeches and essays. Among the new pieces is a reflection on the impact of social media, alongside her commentary on cultural appropriation and a recent controversial op-ed on the war in Gaza.

Jung Chang returns with Fly, Wild Swans, extending her narrative of three generations of women in 20th-century China, revisiting significant events from her acclaimed original.

Paul McCartney's Wings chronicles his journey post-Beatles, focusing on his creative reinvention with the help of Linda McCartney. This authorized oral history, curated by Ted Widmer, provides a glimpse into the band's dynamic during the 1970s, enriched with interviews and archival materials.