In his c - novels, one common theme is the exploration of the self. For example, in 'Remainder', the protagonist is constantly trying to reconstruct his sense of self through re - enacting past events. Another theme is the relationship between humans and their environment, both physical and cultural.
A remainder novel is simply a novel that is part of the surplus stock of a publisher. It often occurs when the demand for a particular novel is lower than what was predicted during the production process. For example, if a publisher prints 1000 copies of a novel expecting to sell 800 but only manages to sell 500, the remaining 300 copies are remainder novels. Bookstores might then mark them down to clear the inventory. They can offer an opportunity for readers to discover hidden gems that might not have had a large marketing push but are still of high literary quality.
Tom McCarthy's 'Remainder' is a notable work. It's a complex and thought - provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, memory, and the relationship between the self and the physical world. The narrative structure is quite unique, which keeps the readers engaged as they try to piece together the fragmented story.