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The Bus on Thursday

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( 2,779 ratings, 699 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Bus on Thursday by Shirley Barrett is a darkly comic novel following Eleanor, a young woman seeking a fresh start in a remote town after a breast cancer diagnosis and breakup. As she embarks on a teaching job at Talbingo, strange events and peculiar locals challenge her quest for normalcy. The story cleverly blends humour and mystery, keeping readers engaged as Eleanor navigates life's unpredictable twists.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy quirky and darkly comedic tales that blend elements of horror and satire, this book may appeal to you. Its engaging narrative, centring on a woman's journey through illness and new beginnings, offers a unique mix of humour, mystery, and the supernatural, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Bridget Jones meets The Exorcist in a devilishly funny new novel from the acclaimed filmmaker, screenwriter and author of Rush Oh!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

That's when I literally had thoughts of becoming a nun, because I thought, Well, I'm never going to have sex again. If I become a nun, I would at least have somewhere to live.

It wasn't just the bad break-up that caused Eleanor's life to unravel. It was the cancer. And the demons that came with it.

Freshly single and thoroughly traumatised from the ordeals of breast cancer, Eleanor Mellett starts a new job as a teacher in a remote mountain hamlet. It's certainly peaceful enough, almost too peaceful. But what's become of the previous teacher, the saintly Miss Barker, who has disappeared abruptly under mysterious circumstances? And what's with all those locks on the door? And what the hell is that bus doing idling outside her house late, late at night?

Bridget Jones meets The Exorcist in Twin Peaks. Darkly funny, deeply unsettling and surprisingly poignant, Shirley Barrett's The Bus on Thursday is a strange and wild ride for all fans of Helen Fielding, Maria Semple, David Lynch and Stephen King.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bus on Thursday by Shirley Barrett is celebrated for its dark humour and unique blend of horror and comedy. Reviewers have praised its unpredictable plot and the quirky, relatable protagonist, Eleanor. Some noted its exploration of themes like illness and isolation, while others enjoyed the novel's unexpected twists and satirical tone, though it may not suit everyone due to its unconventional narrative style.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760632250

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 September 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Shirley Barrett is best known for her work as a screenwriter and director. Her first film, Love Serenade, won the Camera D'Or (Best First Feature) at Cannes Film Festival in 1996. In 2010, the script for her film South Solitary won the Queensland Premier's Prize and the West Australian Premier's Prize. Shirley's first novel Rush Oh! was released in 2015 by Picador Pan Macmillan. The Bus on Thursday is Shirley's second novel. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

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