Independent Publishers

If you’re seeking literature from independent publishers that challenge the boundaries of storytelling, these three remarkable books are a must-read.

“A Map for the Missing”, published by Profile Editions, offers a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the pull of home. Set in China, this moving novel follows a man who returns to his homeland after decades abroad to search for his estranged father. As he grapples with personal and political histories, the book paints a deep portrait of family ties and cultural displacement, characteristics of Profile Editions' focus on thought-provoking, historically grounded fiction.

Meanwhile, Deep Vellum brings us the highly acclaimed “Solenoid” by Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu. This experimental novel, known for its philosophical depth and surreal narrative style, immerses readers in a dreamlike universe. Cărtărescu’s use of Romania’s late 20th-century sociopolitical landscape as a backdrop adds layers of complexity to his exploration of existence, art, and other dimensions. Deep Vellum's commitment to translating global avant-garde works into English shines through in this stunningly complex novel, opening up a world of literary innovation to English-speaking readers.

For a more introspective, intimate narrative, Olga Ravn’s “My Work”, published by Lolli Editions, is an unforgettable meditation on motherhood, identity, and the creative self. Mixing memoir, fiction, and poetry, Ravn crafts a visceral portrayal of postpartum life as her protagonist grapples with depression and the pressures of modern motherhood. Lolli Editions, known for its boundary-pushing literary voices, offers yet another example of how independent publishers are curating powerful, original narratives that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

Each of these books reflects the unique perspectives and daring literary approaches that independent publishers are renowned for. Take a risk with your reads, grab any of the above at the shop now!