Pre-order
1
of
1
The Travelling Library
The dazzlingly imaginative and moving new novel from the acclaimed author of A Country of Eternal Light, perfect for fans of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Brief Description
Magical, strange, original, tender and funny, The Travelling Library is a moving story of love and family and books, for fans of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and The Ministry of Time. Edinburgh, 1993: Fourteen-year-old Keely Jackson loves books, his best friend Josie, his mother, his...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Pre-order
Releases
2nd
March 2027
(Approx. Date)
Pre-order "The Travelling Library" now to secure your copy from our first shipment
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Travelling Library
$3799
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
Toys and Books for Pretend Play (Part 1)
From Hape to Melissa & Doug to Bluey, and a whole bunch more, there are...
New Reads to add to your TBR
Fiction and Non Fiction are both pulling some big punches this week with a number...
Talking all things Romantasy with John Campbell on RNZ!
The latest book in a viral series has had some New Zealanders queuing up at...
New Hero Alert! Meet Shannon - our new Warehouse Sidekick
Meet Shannon, one of our newest Warehouse Sidekicks! With a background in inwards goods and...
New Zealand Gothic and Some Wonderfully Atmospheric Novels from Aotearoa
We may be lacking in castles and moors, but we more than make up for...
See more
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
Magical, strange, original, tender and funny, The Travelling Library is a moving story of love and family and books, for fans of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and The Ministry of Time.
Edinburgh, 1993: Fourteen-year-old Keely Jackson loves books, his best friend Josie, his mother, his hamster and the travelling library that visits his housing estate every second Thursday. He also loves his father, despite his quick fists. Inspired by The Colditz Story and what sounds like a prophecy on mysterious reel-to-reel tapes, he's digging a tunnel; one he hopes might take him far away, to Australia - the birthplace of his former POW grandfather, Rex - where he believes he has to save a life.
Australia, 2053: Fortysomething widower Ashley Jackson loves his child Hope, his parents and their partners, all of whom live cheek by jowl in a 'subterrane' under the abandoned city of Melbourne. The present is dark and the future is uncertain, so he's gone back to the past: writing a memoir about being a fourteen-year-old in Melbourne in 2023, a magical year during which Ashley was sad about his parents splitting up, obsessed with his best friend Frankie and a controversial, short-lived multiplayer videogame, Sceptre of ShΕri, in which players fight each other to the death and journey through portals and tunnels to strange new lands.
When Keely and Ashley unexpectedly meet - father and son, both teenagers, connecting across space and time - they face a reckoning. Might they help each other overcome their perceived and very real enemies? What does it mean to be, or strive to become, a good man? How central to all of these - maybe all worthwhile questions - is love? And what stories matter most in the end?
Magical, strange, original, tender and funny, The Travelling Library is a moving story of love and family and books - and the importance of being there for each other, regardless of everything that gets in the way, in the fraught, confounding, but also bittersweet and beautiful journey from adolescence to early adulthood.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781460766422
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 March 2027
Country: Australia
Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Weight: 0g
Pages: 320
About the Author
Paul Dalgarno is an author and journalist. He was deputy editor of The Conversation (Australia) and a senior writer and features editor at the Herald newspaper group (UK). He has written for The Guardian, Archer and Australian Book Review, and is currently managing editor of ScreenHub. He is also the author of And You May Find Yourself (Sleepers, 2015), Poly (Ventura, 2020) and Prudish Nation (Upswell Publishing, 2023).
Also by Paul Dalgarno
View all-
Prudish Nation
From its early settler days and Federation to the extreme literary censorship of the 20th century, from the 2017 Marriage Amendment Act to present-day morality and identity politics, it's tempting to askβ is 'fun-loving, laid-back' Australia actually a bit, well, prudish? Interviewing more than 30 Australia-based authors and thinkers while examining his own journey towards being openly non-monogamous, Poly author...Paperback$3400Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
A Country of Eternal Light
An astonishingly inventive, playful, witty, poignant and deeply moving novel from one of Australia's most exciting writers. Shortlisted for THE AGE BOOK OF THE YEAR and THE READINGS NEW AUSTRALIAN FICTION PRIZE in 2023. Margaret Bryce, deceased mother of twins, has been having a hard time since dying in 2014. These days she spends time with her daughters - Eva...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
A Country of Eternal Light
An astonishingly inventive, playful, witty, poignant and deeply moving novel from one of Australia's most exciting writers. Shortlisted for THE AGE BOOK OF THE YEAR and THE READINGS NEW AUSTRALIAN FICTION PRIZE in 2023. Inventive, moving, superb The Australian Margaret Bryce, deceased mother of twins, has been having a hard time since dying in 2014. These days she spends time...PaperbackSold Out
More from General Fiction
View all-
Yesteryear
A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE β Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE β Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE β Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS β Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale β Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$3699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Theo of Golden
THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came fromβ¦His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance β...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
17% offThe Wedding People
'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people β but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseA Court of Splintered Harmony
Romance, danger, and intrigue await you in the breathtaking sixth book in the #1 bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series.What was broken will be remade.Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories,...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThreshing Day
The next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing DayΒ contains thirteen stories starring your favorite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-color illustrations by artist Joe Requeza.Β Β Rebecca Yarros is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing and In the...Hardback$6999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Assassinβs Apprentice
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
All five of the Court of Thorns and Roses paperbacks packaged together in a gorgeous box set. "Passionate, violent, sexy and daring." βUSA TODAY on A Court of Thorns and Roses Feyre is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month. But the life of a magical creature comes at...Set$9999Elsewhere:$12495Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThreshing Day
The next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing Day, contains thirteen stories starring your favourite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-colour illustrations by artist Joe Requeza and silver-gilded edges. *while stock lasts. Discover the beloved world of the record-breaking, multi-million-copy bestselling series where power always demands a price, secrets darken every hallway,...Hardback$4999Elsewhere:$5500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseChain Reaction
Jack Reacher, \"the coolest continuing series character\" (Stephen King), returns in a brand new, pulse-pounding read from Lee and Andrew Child. The worldβs bestselling hero is back in a brand new, high-octane adventure! βShe knew that finding Reacher would not be easy . . .β Washington DC. General Susan Turner needs help from the only guy she knows will get...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Things We Never Say
Internationally bestselling and prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout's new novel tells the story of a chance incident in a man's lifeβa poignant meditation on loneliness, friendship, and free will in a capsizing world. Artie Dam is a man with a secret. He spends his days teaching history to high schoolers, expanding their young minds, correcting their casual cruelties, and lending a...Hardback$3200Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas continues Feyre Archeron's epic journey in the world of the High Fae. Having survived the brutal trials under the Mountain, Feyre returns to the Spring Court. Though she now possesses the immortal powers of the High Fae, the traumatic experiences have left scars on her human heart. Haunted by the...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
A Court of Wings and Ruin
The third instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, the gripping third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre Archeron faces the ultimate battle for her world. Having returned to the Spring Court, she is determined to gather...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
General Fiction lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Fiction about Fathers
Here are some incredible stories that explore various angles of fatherhood and father figures in the most poignant and wonderful ways. Featuring...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
What to read now you've watched The Odyssey
Contemporary fiction, classical non-fiction, feminist retellings, and inspired stories that would make for an interesting read now that you're obsessed with The...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Kevin's listGeneral Fiction
The Odyssey & Trojan War Classics (and Retellings)
Long before Christopher Nolan turned it into a blockbuster in the summer of 2026, The Odyssey was the original epic. After a...View the list -
![Tsubaki Stationery Store]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Have You Tried ... Healing Fiction
Healing Fiction is a relatively new genre still finding it's place, and yet people are reaching for it without realizing, desperate for...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Lizzy's Favourite Picks for Winter Reading
These are the books that Lizzy loves to read in Winter, or that feel like Winter. A combination of fiction, some non-fiction,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listGeneral Fiction
Shirl's Favourite Books of 2026
The first half of 2026 has been packed with brilliant books, making it hard to choose favourites but here are a few...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Books to Escape a Reading Slump
A reading slump can be a frustrating feeling and hard to break out of, but we've gathered together a list of crowd...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![Star Shipped]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Lizzy's Pride Fiction Picks!
June marks Global Pride Month so in case you're looking for your next great fiction read, here's a list of some of...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Readersβ Top 100 Novels of All Time - from The Guardian
There was some controversy when The Guardian released their critics and authors list of the top 100 novels of all time, but...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listGeneral Fiction
Seasonal Reads - 10 Books for Autumn
If you haven't tried seasonal reading, Lizzy thinks you should. It's a way to romanticizing the current season rather than trying to...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Hannah's listGeneral Fiction
Gothic Reads for Dark Nights
With the advent of movie adaptations like Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, it looks like pop culture is seeing a revival of the...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
General Fiction
The 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Winners
Celebrate all the winners of the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Explore the powerful fiction of Ingrid Horrocks' 'All Her Lives',...View the list
