"Passionate Journey" is a silent graphic novel that tells the story of a man's life and experiences through a series of woodcuts. Without the use of words, the book conveys a powerful narrative that explores the human condition, society, and the range of emotions that one encounters throughout life. The protagonist's journey is depicted in a sequence of compelling images that reflect on themes such as love, struggle, joy, and the search for meaning. The novel's visual storytelling invites readers to interpret and imbue the images with their own understanding, making it a unique and personal experience for each individual who engages with it.

"Red Lights" is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling of an American couple's marriage against the backdrop of a road trip from New York to Maine. As they set out to pick up their children from camp, the husband's penchant for alcohol and the couple's underlying tensions escalate. After a series of bar stops and a fateful decision to pick up an escaped convict, the journey spirals into a nightmarish ordeal. The narrative explores themes of existential dread, personal responsibility, and the search for redemption, as the characters confront their inner demons and the consequences of their choices under the strain of extraordinary circumstances.

"Collected Stories" brings together a diverse array of tales that blend the magical with the mundane in a uniquely evocative manner. The stories traverse a variety of settings and characters, each infused with the author's rich imagination and lyrical prose. Themes of love, violence, and destiny are explored through narratives that often blur the lines between reality and fantasy, capturing the complexities of human experience and emotion. This collection showcases the author's ability to illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary, making the familiar seem fantastical and the fantastical accessible.

"Malpertuis" is a gothic novel that weaves together the surreal and the macabre, telling the story of a mysterious and ancient house in Belgium that is as much a character as the people inhabiting it. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young man who becomes entangled in the enigmatic and often disturbing events within the walls of Malpertuis. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the house is a labyrinthine trap for a pantheon of gods who have dwindled in power and are now imprisoned in mortal forms by the dying will of an old and cunning man. The novel blends mythology, horror, and philosophy, creating an unsettling and dreamlike atmosphere that questions the nature of reality and the gods' place in the modern world.

The book chronicles the harrowing real-life experiences of several journalists who were kidnapped in Colombia in the early 1990s by the Medellín drug cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by the hostages and their families, while also exploring the complex political and social landscape of Colombia during this tumultuous period. Through meticulous reporting and personal testimonies, the book sheds light on the pervasive influence of drug cartels on Colombian society and the extreme measures taken by Escobar to leverage his power against the government's extradition policies.

"The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

"Catalina" is a historical novel set in the 16th century, which delves into the life of a young woman of noble birth in the Spanish colony of New Granada (modern-day Colombia). The narrative follows the titular character as she navigates the complexities of her social position, love, and the restrictive norms of the time. As she grows, she becomes increasingly aware of the injustices surrounding her, particularly those faced by the indigenous people and women. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and resistance, painting a vivid picture of colonial Latin America through the eyes of a character caught between the expectations of her society and her personal desires for freedom and self-expression.

The book is a poignant narrative set in the Chocó region of Colombia, where it delves into the harsh realities faced by Afro-Colombian communities. Through the eyes of its protagonist, the story explores themes of racial discrimination, poverty, and the struggle for survival in a society marred by social inequality. The protagonist's journey is one of resilience and determination, as he confronts the systemic barriers that oppress his community, revealing the often invisible suffering of marginalized groups in Latin America. The title itself, translating to "The Stars Are Black," serves as a metaphor for the obscured hopes and dreams of those living under the shadow of oppression.

In this gripping detective novel, the discovery of a headless corpse in a Parisian canal sets Inspector Maigret on a complex investigation. Without a head to identify the victim, Maigret must rely on his intuition and methodical approach to uncover the identity of the deceased and the motive behind the murder. His investigation leads him through the bistros and back alleys of Paris, drawing him into the lives of the colorful characters who inhabit them. As Maigret delves deeper, he unravels a web of deceit and secrets, challenging his perceptions of guilt and innocence. The story is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological insight, showcasing the detective's relentless pursuit of truth.

"Atlas" is a seminal work in the field of cartography, offering a collection of maps and scholarly texts that revolutionized the way the world was perceived in the 16th century. The author, a renowned geographer and cartographer, introduces an innovative projection system that allowed for more accurate representation of the spherical world on a flat surface. This work is not only significant for its geographical and cartographical contributions but also for its influence on the way subsequent generations viewed and navigated the world.

The book revolves around the final days of a Nobel Prize-winning author who, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, agrees to a series of interviews having shunned public attention for decades. Known for his misanthropy and biting intellect, the author engages in verbal sparring with the journalists, each encounter more intense than the last. However, when a particularly astute and persistent female journalist enters the fray, the conversation takes an unexpected turn, leading to startling revelations about the author's past and the true nature of his controversial works. The narrative delves into themes of truth, deception, and the power dynamics inherent in the creation and interpretation of literature.

This novel is a vibrant tapestry of African heritage and the diasporic experience, weaving together the rich history, mythology, and spirituality of the African continent with the brutal realities of slavery in the Americas. It follows the life of Changó, a powerful African king and deity in the Yoruba religion, who embodies strength, passion, and the struggle for justice. Through his journey, the narrative explores themes of resistance, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of African people as they navigate and influence the New World, all while maintaining a connection to their ancestral roots and traditions.

The novel follows a disillusioned urban couple who seek to escape the chaos and superficiality of city life by moving to a remote tropical coast in Colombia. Dreaming of a simpler existence and self-sufficiency, they purchase a decrepit estate, but their idealistic venture quickly deteriorates as they face a harsh reality. The couple's relationship strains under the pressures of the unforgiving environment, isolation, and the challenges of their new rural life, leading to a tragic culmination. The story is a profound meditation on the complexities of nature, the fragility of human ambition, and the illusory nature of utopian dreams.

"Strange Pilgrims" is a collection of twelve short stories that explore the lives of Latin American characters who find themselves in unfamiliar European settings. The tales, infused with magical realism, delve into themes of dislocation, love, death, and the surreal experiences of immigrants. The characters, often caught between their old world and the new, face unexpected situations and encounters that challenge their understanding of reality. The stories weave a tapestry of poignant, strange, and sometimes whimsical narratives that reflect the author's signature style of blending the fantastic with the ordinary.

Set in the Caribbean region of Colombia, the novel weaves a tapestry of stories focusing on the lives of women from different social backgrounds, spanning several decades of the 20th century. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the oppressive social norms that dictate women's lives. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the book delves into the personal struggles and intimate experiences of its characters, revealing the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal desires. The arrival of the December breezes serves as a metaphor for the winds of change, challenging the status quo and bringing to light the underlying tensions within this traditional society.

The book is a psychological exploration of the clash between Western and Eastern business cultures, as seen through the eyes of a young Belgian woman working for a major Japanese corporation in Tokyo. The protagonist's initial fascination with the company's traditional Japanese corporate culture turns into a harrowing psychological ordeal as she confronts extreme work ethic, rigid hierarchies, and the challenge of maintaining her identity in the face of overwhelming conformity. Through her experiences, the novel delves into themes of alienation, the search for self, and the often surreal nature of cross-cultural encounters.

The novel revolves around a man who returns to Bogotá from a business trip only to find his wife has succumbed to an inexplicable bout of madness during his absence. As he seeks to uncover the roots of her delirium, he delves into her past and the dark history of his country, encountering a tapestry of characters from various strata of Colombian society. The narrative weaves together personal and political elements, exploring themes of love, violence, and the impact of the drug trade, ultimately painting a portrait of a society where reality and madness are intertwined.

The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the early years of a young girl born in Japan to Belgian parents. It delves into the protagonist's experiences and perceptions from her infancy through her toddler years, presenting a philosophical and introspective look at the development of consciousness and identity. The narrative is characterized by its exploration of the Japanese concept of 'the third brother,' which symbolizes the child's pre-linguistic state of purity and potential, and the transition from this state to becoming a sentient individual with a unique character shaped by cultural and familial influences. The story is a blend of whimsy and depth, reflecting on the nature of being and the transformative journey of self-discovery from the earliest moments of life.

"Un Beso de Dick" is a poignant and intimate exploration of young love and self-discovery set in Colombia. The novel follows the life of a teenage boy who grapples with his emerging sexuality and the intense feelings he harbors for another boy. Amidst the backdrop of a conservative society, the protagonist navigates the complexities of friendship, passion, and the search for identity. The narrative delves into the emotional turmoil and the challenges faced by those who dare to defy societal norms, ultimately offering a narrative that is both tender and heart-wrenching as it reveals the transformative power of love and acceptance.

"War and Turpentine" by Stefan Hertmans is a historical novel that follows the life of the author's grandfather, Urbain Martien, who lived through both World War I and II. The book is divided into three parts: Urbain's childhood in poverty-stricken Belgium, his experiences as a soldier in WWI, and his life as a struggling artist after the war. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on individuals and society. Through Martien's story, Hertmans paints a vivid picture of a bygone era and the struggles faced by those who lived through it.

The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the complexities of cultural identity and love. It follows a young Belgian woman who, infatuated with Japanese culture, returns to Tokyo with the intention of immersing herself in the language and lifestyle. She begins a romantic relationship with a Japanese man, which becomes a conduit through which she explores the nuances of cross-cultural understanding and personal identity. As their relationship deepens, the couple navigates the challenges posed by their different backgrounds, leading to a poignant exploration of the intersection between desire, belonging, and the search for self amidst the backdrop of a bustling, enigmatic Tokyo.

In this detective novel, the famed French inspector investigates the murder of a seemingly ordinary man found stabbed on a Paris boulevard. As the inspector delves deeper, he uncovers a life filled with secrets, including a double life involving a mysterious woman and a hidden apartment. The case challenges the inspector to navigate through layers of deception to uncover the truth about the man's life and death, revealing the complexities of human nature and the unexpected connections between people in the bustling city of Paris.

The book explores the concept of time and its role in the physical sciences, presenting a new understanding of the universe as a dynamic, evolving entity. The author challenges traditional physics' emphasis on determinism and reversibility, arguing instead for a view of the world where irreversibility and the flow of time are fundamental to the laws of nature. Through a discussion of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and nonlinear dynamics, the book illustrates how the inclusion of time transforms our understanding of complex systems and leads to a new scientific framework that harmonizes the theories of classical and quantum mechanics.

The novel delves into the harrowing experiences of Ismael, an elderly retired teacher in a small Colombian town plagued by political violence. As he navigates the complexities of his daily life, which includes a deep affection for his garden and his wife, the town becomes increasingly engulfed by the chaos of warring factions. The narrative captures the sense of dread and the abruptness of violence as neighbors disappear and the social fabric unravels, revealing the profound impact of conflict on ordinary lives. Ismael's journey becomes a poignant exploration of the human condition amidst the terror of the unseen and the struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy and dignity in a world falling apart.

"Duermevela" is a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of human consciousness and the blurred lines between wakefulness and dreaming. The story unfolds through the experiences of its protagonist, who navigates a series of surreal and introspective episodes, challenging the reader's perception of reality. As the character's journey progresses, the novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the subconscious, weaving a tapestry of psychological intrigue that invites contemplation about the nature of our existence and the enigmatic state that exists between sleeping and being awake.