Set in the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the novel presents a panorama of Russian society and its descent into the chaos of war. It follows the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, their struggles, romances, and personal journeys through the tumultuous period of history. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life, as it weaves together historical events with the personal stories of its characters.

Set in the fictitious English town of Middlemarch during the early 19th century, the novel explores the complex web of relationships in a close-knit society. It follows the lives of several characters, primarily Dorothea Brooke, a young woman of idealistic fervor, and Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious young doctor, who both grapple with societal expectations, personal desires, and moral dilemmas. Their stories intertwine with a rich tapestry of other townsfolk, reflecting themes of love, marriage, ambition, and reform, making a profound commentary on the human condition.

This novel is a postcolonial prequel to "Jane Eyre," exploring the life of Mr. Rochester's mad wife, Bertha. Set in Jamaica during the 1830s, it follows the story of Antoinette Cosway, a white Creole heiress, from her youth in the Caribbean to her unhappy marriage and move to England. Caught in a society that both rejects and exoticizes her, Antoinette is ultimately driven into madness by her oppressive husband and the haunting legacy of colonialism.

Set in Italy and England, the novel tells the story of a young English woman, Lucy Honeychurch, who travels to Florence with her older cousin and chaperone. During her stay in Italy, Lucy meets and falls in love with a free-spirited man, but due to societal pressures, she becomes engaged to a wealthy but pretentious man back home in England. The novel explores themes of societal norms, personal growth, and the struggle between heart and mind as Lucy must decide between conforming to societal expectations or following her own desires.

"Adam Bede" is a 19th-century novel set in rural England that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and moral responsibility. The story revolves around a hardworking carpenter, Adam Bede, who is in love with a vain but beautiful dairymaid, Hetty Sorrel. However, Hetty is seduced by a young, thoughtless squire, Arthur Donnithorne, which leads to her becoming pregnant. When Arthur abandons her, Hetty leaves her baby in the woods, where it dies, and she is subsequently charged with infanticide. Adam, devastated by Hetty's actions, finds solace and eventually love with a devout Methodist preacher, Dinah Morris. The novel ends with Adam and Dinah marrying, finding happiness after the tragedy.

This novel is a romantic, magical realism tale set in turn-of-the-century Mexico. It chronicles the life of Tita, the youngest daughter in a traditional Mexican family, who is forbidden to marry due to a family custom that mandates the youngest daughter must care for her mother until death. Tita falls in love with Pedro, who in turn marries her elder sister to stay close to her. The story is uniquely structured around the twelve months of the year, each beginning with a traditional Mexican recipe. The protagonist's emotions become infused with her cooking, leading to strange effects on those who consume her culinary creations.

The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

The novel is a heartwarming tale of friendship and love that transcends the boundaries of time and age. Set in Alabama, it alternates between two storylines: one in the 1980s where an unhappy housewife befriends an elderly woman in a nursing home who tells her the story of an indomitable woman in the 1930s. The other story focuses on the life of that woman who runs a café with her sister-in-law, their strong bond, and the murder mystery surrounding them. The narratives intertwine to create a touching and inspiring story about the power of female friendship, resilience, and courage.

"A Lost Lady" is a story set in the American West, focusing on a beautiful and captivating woman who is married to a much older, wealthy railroad magnate. As her husband's health and fortune decline, she becomes involved with a younger man, which leads to scandal. The narrative explores themes of changing societal norms, the decline of the pioneer era, and the transformation of the American West.

Set in the industrializing England of the Napoleonic wars and Luddite revolts against mechanization, this novel centers on the contrasting lives of two women: the strong-willed Shirley Keeldar, who inherits her uncle's estate and assumes a traditionally masculine role as its manager, and the more timid Caroline Helstone, who lives with her uncle, a local clergyman. The narrative explores themes of gender, social class, and industrialization, as it follows the personal and romantic trials of these women. Their stories intertwine with the local mill owner, Robert Moore, who seeks to modernize his mill despite worker unrest, and the impact of these changes on the broader community. The novel examines the role of women in society and the ways in which they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations during a time of cultural and economic upheaval.

"The River Sutra" by Gita Mehta is a captivating novel that explores the intertwining lives of various characters along the sacred river Narmada in India. Through vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, the book delves into themes of spirituality, love, and the search for meaning in life. As the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, the river serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. With its lyrical prose and thought-provoking narrative, "The River Sutra" offers a profound exploration of the human experience and the timeless wisdom of ancient traditions.

This novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by war and fate. Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces from her bitter mother. When she is married off to Rasheed, her life becomes a nightmare. Later, she becomes a co-wife to Laila, a beautiful and educated girl who also ends up as Rasheed's wife due to a series of tragic events. Despite their initial rivalry, the two women form a bond and become sources of support for each other in the face of their husband's brutalities and the war-torn world of Kabul.

Set against the backdrop of a South American country under a military dictatorship, this novel follows the story of a woman journalist and her lover, a photographer, who, while working together, uncover a hidden mass grave in a remote part of their country. Their discovery leads them into danger as they try to expose the truth about the brutal regime ruling their country, while also dealing with their own personal issues and their growing love for each other. The story is a blend of romance and political drama, showing the power of love and courage in the face of oppression and fear.

This novel is a vivid portrayal of a young woman's sexual and personal awakening in the late 19th century England. The protagonist, a seaside oyster girl, is captivated by a male impersonator and follows her to London, where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through a series of transformative experiences in the underbelly of Victorian society, she explores the complexities of love and identity, navigating through various roles and relationships that challenge the era's norms and her own understanding of desire. The narrative is a rich tapestry of music halls, drag culture, and the hidden queer subcultures of the time, offering a poignant exploration of gender and sexuality.

Set in the 1920s in the Brazilian town of Ilhéus, the novel tells the story of a beautiful and charismatic migrant worker, Gabriela, who becomes a cook in the home of a wealthy bar owner. As the town, historically dominated by a few wealthy cacao planters, undergoes economic and social changes, Gabriela and her employer fall in love. Their relationship, however, is challenged by their different social statuses, the town's traditional values, and the employer's political ambitions. The story is a vivid portrayal of Brazilian culture, exploring themes of race, gender, class, and tradition versus progress.

The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

"The Lamplighter" is a 19th-century novel that follows the life of Gerty, a spirited and neglected orphan girl who is rescued from her abusive caretaker by a kind lamplighter named Trueman Flint. Under Flint's guidance, Gerty grows into a virtuous and pious young woman, despite the many hardships and emotional trials she faces. The novel explores themes of Christian redemption, the importance of kindness and mentorship, and the transformative power of love and perseverance. As Gerty matures, she navigates complex social relationships and personal challenges, ultimately finding her place in the world and the possibility of happiness.

The novel presents the story of a wealthy Chinese woman who, upon reaching her 40th birthday, decides to change the course of her life. She arranges a concubine for her husband to take over her marital duties and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Throughout the narrative, she explores the constraints of traditional roles and the possibilities of intellectual and spiritual freedom, forming a deep connection with a foreign missionary. This relationship challenges her beliefs and the societal norms of the time, leading her to question the very foundations of her existence and her place in the world.

The novel revolves around the life of a Russian nobleman who returns to his family estate after an extended absence. He finds himself entangled in the complex web of rural society, struggling with his own existential discontent and the changing social landscape of mid-19th century Russia. As he develops a tumultuous relationship with a captivating neighbor, the protagonist is forced to confront his own ideals, desires, and the harsh realities of serfdom that surround him. The narrative delves into themes of love, class, and the search for meaning, set against the backdrop of the Russian countryside with its rich descriptions and social critique.

"There Is Confusion" explores the complexities of African American life in the early 20th century, focusing on the intersecting lives of three young black protagonists from middle-class backgrounds. As they navigate the challenges of racism, societal expectations, and personal ambitions, the novel delves into themes of racial identity, class, gender roles, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of their experiences in New York City, highlighting the tension between assimilation and cultural heritage, and the struggle to achieve personal and professional success in a world rife with discrimination and prejudice.

The novel explores the complex emotional landscape of a young man who becomes infatuated with a married woman of higher social standing. Set in the French countryside and Parisian society of the 19th century, the narrative delves into themes of unrequited love, the pursuit of happiness, and the constraints of social class. As the protagonist navigates his passion and yearning for the seemingly unattainable woman, he experiences a profound personal transformation and a deep understanding of the bittersweet nature of human desires and relationships.

"Butterfly Burning" is a powerful and evocative novel set in Zimbabwe during the 1940s. The story follows the life of Phephelaphi, a young woman who dreams of escaping her small village and the confines of societal expectations. As she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and her own desires, Phephelaphi's journey becomes a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the quest for freedom in a deeply oppressive world.

The novel explores the intricate tapestry of women's experiences in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the coming-of-age story of a young woman as she navigates the challenges of friendship, love, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of the feminist and civil rights movements, the protagonist grapples with her desires for independence and artistic expression while confronting the constraints placed on her gender. Through her relationships with friends and lovers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately seeking to forge her own identity and a life that intertwines personal fulfillment with social activism.

The novel revolves around the complex emotional dilemmas of its protagonist, a young woman torn between the expectations of society and her own desires. She is engaged to a kind but unexciting man, yet she yearns for the excitement and passion offered by another, more volatile suitor. Her internal struggle is mirrored by the romantic entanglements of her cousin and his wife, who face their own set of social and financial challenges. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the narrative delves into themes of love, marriage, wealth, and the constraints imposed on women by societal norms, as the characters navigate the intricate web of their relationships and seek to reconcile their actions with their consciences.

Set in the late 19th and early 20th century Japan, the novel follows the life of a young American girl who, after a tragic twist of fate, finds herself orphaned in Kyoto. She is taken in by the family of a tea master, where she becomes deeply immersed in the culture and traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony. As she grows and navigates her complex identity and the societal changes of a rapidly modernizing Japan, her unique perspective as an outsider within a traditional world offers a poignant exploration of belonging, love, and the intersection of cultures.