"The Kalevala" is an epic poem that compiles Finnish and Karelian folklore into a cohesive narrative. It is centered around the hero Väinämöinen, a shamanistic figure with magical powers, and his adventures with other characters such as the blacksmith Ilmarinen and the reckless Lemminkäinen. The book covers a wide range of themes, from creation myths and heroic quests to romance and revenge, providing a rich tapestry of ancient Finnish culture and mythology.

The novel follows the life of a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. Settling in the bustling city of Mumbai, he assumes a new identity and immerses himself in the local culture, forming a close bond with the people in a slum. As he navigates his new environment, he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, including running a free health clinic, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting in Afghanistan. Throughout his journey, he grapples with love, forgiveness, and his quest for redemption, all while exploring themes of good and evil, friendship, and the complexities of the human spirit.

"The Living and the Dead" is a novel that explores the lives and relationships of the Standish family living in London. The story delves into the complexities of the human condition, as it portrays the characters' struggles with their identities, societal expectations, and the inherent loneliness of existence. The narrative is characterized by its rich, introspective, and often satirical examination of the upper-middle-class life, the disillusionment of youth, and the search for meaning.

"The Manila Rope" is a novel that explores the experiences of a group of Finnish soldiers during World War II. The narrative follows the soldiers as they are tasked with transporting a massive, cumbersome coil of rope across challenging terrains, a task that becomes increasingly absurd and futile as the story progresses. The book uses this premise to delve into the harsh realities and absurdities of war, highlighting the human capacity for resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity.

A burnt-out journalist on assignment in the Finnish countryside hits a hare with his car, leading to a life-changing experience. He decides to leave his job, wife, and mundane life behind to live in the wilderness with the injured hare he has nursed back to health. The story follows his humorous and sometimes philosophical adventures as he adapts to his new life, meeting a variety of eccentric characters along the way.

"The Commandant" is a historical novel that explores the life of Frances Forbes, the wife of Commandant Patrick Logan, who was a penal colony superintendent in Australia during the 19th century. The story, narrated by Frances, provides a detailed account of their life in the colony, including the harsh conditions, the social hierarchy, and the relationships between the convicts, soldiers, and officers. The narrative also delves into Frances' personal life, her loneliness, her relationship with her husband, and her struggle to maintain her sanity amidst the harsh and isolated environment.

"The Children's Bach" is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of happiness. Set in Melbourne, the story follows a group of interconnected characters as they navigate their relationships, dreams, and disappointments. Through beautiful prose and keen observations, the author delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in everyday life, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

This novel delves into the profound impacts of World War I on the Finnish countryside, focusing on the life of a soldier who returns home to find his world irrevocably changed. Through his eyes, readers experience the struggle of rural Finns as they navigate the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, grappling with loss, change, and the challenge of rebuilding their lives. The narrative beautifully captures the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of community ties in the face of adversity, offering a poignant exploration of the themes of survival, identity, and the search for meaning in a transformed world.

This classic novel from Finnish literature tells the story of seven brothers who struggle with societal norms and expectations in 19th-century Finland. The brothers, living on their ancestral farm, are unruly and resistant to education and religious conformity, leading them into conflicts with local villagers. Opting for a life of independence and freedom, they retreat into the wilderness, where they face the challenges of survival and the process of self-discovery. Through their adventures and misadventures, the novel explores themes of individualism, brotherhood, and the tension between civilization and nature, all while celebrating the Finnish language and landscape.

The novel is a sweeping historical epic set in ancient Egypt, following the life of Sinuhe, a physician who rises from humble beginnings to become a trusted confidant of pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's eyes, readers experience the political intrigue, war, and religious turmoil of the time, as he travels across known civilizations, from Babylon to Crete, engaging with historical figures and experiencing the cultural richness of the era. His personal journey of love, betrayal, and search for meaning is set against the backdrop of the fall of the Egyptian empire, providing a vivid tapestry of the human condition and the ebb and flow of destiny.

The novel is a sweeping historical narrative set in ancient Egypt, following the life of a physician named Sinuhe from his humble beginnings to his rise through Egyptian society. As a witness to the political machinations and cultural shifts of his time, Sinuhe encounters love, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten and the religious revolution he instigated. Through his travels and experiences, Sinuhe reflects on the nature of fate, power, and the eternal search for meaning in a changing world.

This mystery novel centers around Inspector Bonaparte, who investigates the disappearance of stockman Jack Anderson from a cattle station in the Australian Outback. As he delves into the case, Bonaparte faces a unique challenge: he's been cursed by an Aboriginal wizard. As his health declines, he must solve the mystery before the curse takes its toll. The narrative weaves elements of detective fiction with insights into Aboriginal culture and the harsh realities of life in the Australian Outback.

In "Death of a Lake", a young woman goes missing in the Australian Outback, causing a detective to suspect foul play when a local lake begins to dry up and reveal disturbing secrets. The detective has to navigate treacherous environmental conditions, local superstitions, and a cast of eccentric characters to solve the mystery. As the water levels continue to drop, the tension rises, culminating in a dramatic climax that reveals the truth about the missing woman and the secrets hidden beneath the lake's surface.

The novel is a sprawling tale of deception, magic, and family history, narrated by a 139-year-old Australian con artist. He recounts his life's adventures, from snake handling to aircraft manufacturing, while weaving in the stories of his descendants. The narrative is a blend of historical fiction and tall tales, exploring themes of national identity, truth, and the art of storytelling itself. Through the protagonist's unreliable narration, the book challenges the reader to discern fact from fiction, all while painting a vivid picture of Australian society and its transformation over the 20th century.

"One Hundred Poems" is a collection that brings together a century's worth of evocative and diverse poetry, showcasing the author's mastery of language and form. The poems traverse a vast landscape of themes, from the deeply personal to the universal, reflecting on the nature of time, memory, and mortality. The poet's vivid imagery and innovative use of rhythm and sound create a rich tapestry of verse that resonates with readers, inviting them to explore the complexities of human experience and the beauty of the world around them.

Inland is a complex and introspective novel that explores the inner workings of the human mind and the concept of reality. The story is narrated by a man who is reflecting on his life, his relationships, and his experiences, using the vast landscapes of his native Australia as a metaphor for his inner world. The narrative is non-linear and often fragmented, reflecting the man's scattered thoughts and memories. The novel is a deep exploration of the human psyche, the nature of memory, and the power of the imagination.

This novel is a rich tapestry of themes and characters, interweaving the lives of four diverse individuals in post-World War II Australia. Each character, an eccentric Holocaust survivor, a reclusive heiress, a visionary Aboriginal artist, and a passionate washerwoman, is marked by intense spiritual experiences and a sense of being an outsider. Their paths converge in a narrative that explores the depths of human suffering, the potential for redemption, and the complex interplay between the sacred and the profane. Through their interconnected stories, the book delves into the moral and existential dilemmas of the human condition, offering a profound meditation on faith, meaning, and the possibility of transcendence amidst the harsh realities of everyday life.

The novel explores the complex and tragic relationship between the white owner of a cattle station in the Australian Outback and Coonardoo, an Aboriginal woman who grows up on the station. Despite their deep affection for each other, societal norms and racial prejudices of the early 20th century create an insurmountable barrier between them. The story delves into themes of love, race, and the harsh realities of life in the Australian wilderness, while also providing a poignant critique of the treatment of Aboriginal people and the destruction of their culture by white settlers.

"Stradbroke Dreamtime" is a collection of autobiographical stories and traditional Aboriginal tales that weave together the personal experiences of an Indigenous Australian woman with the cultural heritage of her people. The book offers a window into the author's childhood on Stradbroke Island, sharing memories of family life, the natural world, and the impact of colonialism. Alongside these reflections, the work preserves a number of Dreamtime stories, which are central to Aboriginal spirituality and identity, passing on the wisdom and traditions of her ancestors through narratives that celebrate the connection between the land and its inhabitants.

In "Beat Not The Bones" by Charlotte Jay, an Australian journalist named Lewis Hall travels to the remote Pacific island of Aldabran to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow journalist. As he delves deeper into the island's secrets, Lewis uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and cultural clashes that threaten to consume him. With the help of a local woman named Dr. Claire Hayden, he must navigate the treacherous terrain of Aldabran society to uncover the truth and save his own life.

"The Little Hotel" is a novel that revolves around the lives of the guests and staff of a small Swiss hotel post-World War II. The narrative delves into the interactions, secrets, and complexities of its diverse characters, who range from exiles and refugees to tourists and the hotel's proprietors. Through a series of vignettes, the book paints a vivid picture of the human condition, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the search for stability in a rapidly changing world. The hotel serves as a microcosm of society, where personal dramas and the echoes of global events intermingle, revealing the nuanced tapestry of post-war Europe.

"Moominland Midwinter" follows the adventures of Moomintroll, a curious and adventurous creature who wakes up from his winter hibernation to find himself in a snowy and unfamiliar landscape. As he explores this new world, Moomintroll encounters various characters, including a lonely squirrel and a mischievous creature called the Lady of the Cold. Together, they navigate the challenges of winter and discover the beauty and magic that can be found in unexpected places.

"Comet In Moominland" follows the adventures of Moomintroll and his friends as they embark on a journey to find out more about the approaching comet that threatens their peaceful Moominvalley. Along the way, they encounter various creatures and face challenges, all while exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of home. The book combines whimsical storytelling with beautiful illustrations, captivating readers of all ages.

In this whimsical tale, the Moomins embark on a thrilling adventure when they discover a magical hat that grants wishes. As they explore the mysterious Hat Valley, they encounter a wide array of eccentric characters, including a mischievous Hobgoblin and a wise Hemulen. Along the way, they navigate through enchanting landscapes and encounter unexpected challenges, all while strengthening their bond as a family. With its delightful blend of fantasy and heartwarming themes, "Finn Family Moomintroll" captivates readers of all ages.

"The Moomins And The Great Flood" is a charming and whimsical tale that follows the adventures of the Moomin family as they search for a safe and peaceful place to call home. Set against the backdrop of a world devastated by a great flood, the Moomins encounter a variety of endearing characters and face numerous challenges along the way. With its enchanting illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a delightful introduction to the beloved Moomin series.