The novel is a stark portrayal of small-town life in Scotland at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the Gourlay family, who are brought to ruin by the tyrannical and arrogant John Gourlay. Despite his initial success as a merchant, Gourlay's hubris and inability to adapt to changing times lead to his downfall, exacerbated by the malicious gossip and envy of his neighbors. The story is a grim depiction of the destructive power of pride and the often cruel nature of community life, where the failings of one family become a spectacle for public scorn and schadenfreude. The green shutters of the Gourlay's house come to symbolize the envy and the facade of respectability that hide the family's internal decay and disintegration.

This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide him through the underworld of the city, exposing him to the brutal realities of life in a place where human life has lost all value. The story is a bleak commentary on the devastating effects of drug trafficking and political corruption on 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.

"Shuggie Bain" is a heart-wrenching tale set in 1980s Glasgow, Scotland, centered on a young boy, Shuggie, who is struggling with his mother's deteriorating mental health and alcoholism. As he tries to navigate his own burgeoning sexuality in a harsh, unforgiving environment, he also strives to care for his mother, who is trapped in a cycle of addiction and abusive relationships. The book gives a stark portrayal of poverty, addiction, love, and the human spirit's resilience.

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 unfinished novel set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars tells the story of Archie Weir, a young man at odds with his stern father, Lord Hermiston, the Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland. Exiled to his family's rural estate, Hermiston, after expressing unpopular opinions in court, Archie falls in love with Christina Elliott, a spirited local girl. The narrative explores themes of justice, passion, and societal expectations, as Archie's personal growth and romantic desires clash with the harsh realities of his father's unyielding moral code. The novel's abrupt end, due to the author's untimely death, leaves the resolution of these conflicts to the reader's imagination.

"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.

The book is a haunting exploration of solitude and the unexpected ways in which lives can intersect. It follows the story of a woman who leads a solitary life in a city, her routine existence disrupted by the sudden appearance of a silent, enigmatic child at her doorstep. As she takes the child into her home, the woman is drawn into a surreal journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, prompting her to confront her own past and the mysteries of human connection. The narrative weaves a tapestry of magical realism and psychological depth, examining themes of loneliness, motherhood, and the search for belonging in an indifferent world.

Set in the impoverished slums of Glasgow during the 1930s, the play delves into the struggles of a working-class family grappling with the crushing weight of poverty, unemployment, and the societal expectations of the time. It poignantly portrays the life of a mother who, amidst the squalor and the daily battle for survival, strives to maintain dignity and hope for her family. Through her eyes, the audience witnesses the harsh realities of life and the resilience of the human spirit, as she navigates the challenges of keeping her family together and the complex dynamics of love, conflict, and aspiration within the cramped walls of their tenement home.