The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a Japanese-Canadian woman named Naomi, who reflects on her experiences during World War II. As a child, Naomi was forced into internment along with thousands of other Japanese-Canadians, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The narrative explores the themes of racism, identity, silence, and the power of memory, as Naomi grapples with the trauma of her past and the impact of her cultural heritage on her present life.

"A Grain of Wheat" is a historical novel set in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule. The story follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives are intertwined by secrets, betrayals, and sacrifices. As Kenya prepares for independence, the book explores themes of nationalism, identity, and the complex aftermath of revolution. Through vivid storytelling, the author delves into the complexities of human nature and the struggle for freedom in a turbulent time.

The novel follows the life of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a seemingly ordinary woman, from her birth in Canada in 1905 to her death. It explores her experiences as a mother, wife, and widow, as well as her work as a gardener and her later years as a columnist. The book is unique in that it is written in a variety of styles including letters, diary entries, and third-person narrative, and it explores themes of identity, love, and the often overlooked lives of women.

"Lives of Girls and Women" is a coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in a small town in Canada during the 1940s. The novel explores the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and understanding of the world around her. The protagonist grapples with societal expectations, familial relationships, and her own burgeoning sexuality, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence and the transition into adulthood. The book offers a profound exploration of the female experience, delving into themes of gender, identity, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships.

"Who Do You Think You Are?" is a collection of short stories that follow the life of a woman named Rose from her childhood in rural Ontario through her adulthood as she navigates the complexities of relationships, personal identity, and social class. The stories explore themes of self-discovery, the nature of memory, and the impact of personal history on one's present. The narrative is a deep exploration of the human condition, revealing the intricacies of the protagonist's experiences, emotions, and perceptions.

The novel follows the journey of a young woman who returns to her childhood home in the Canadian wilderness to search for her missing father, accompanied by her lover and another couple. As she explores her past and grapples with her identity, she undergoes a mental and spiritual breakdown, eventually rejecting her previous life and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of gender, identity, and the clash between modern society and the natural world.

This novel tells the story of four characters living in post-colonial Kenya, who are arrested for the murder of three prominent figures in their village. As the narrative unfolds, it explores their personal histories and how they are intertwined with the political, social, and economic transformations of the nation. The book is a critique of the corruption and inequality that emerged in Kenya after the end of colonial rule, and a call for a return to communal values and practices.

"Runaway" is a collection of short stories that explore the depth of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the consequences of life's unpredictable turns. The stories revolve around women of varying ages and circumstances, each dealing with her own unique situation. Some are escaping from their past or present situations, while others are struggling to find their place in the world. The narratives delve into themes like betrayal, loss, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and children, and husbands and wives.

"The River Between" explores the lives of the Gikuyu people living in the Kenyan highlands during the early days of white settlement. The novel focuses on the struggle between two villages, each with differing views on the encroaching influence of the Christian missionaries. The protagonist, a young man torn between the traditional values of his people and the new ideas brought by the missionaries, serves as a symbol of the larger conflict. The narrative delves into themes of love, cultural identity, religious conflict, and the struggle for independence.

"The Diviners" is a novel about a woman named Morag Gunn who grows up in small-town Manitoba, Canada, and becomes a successful novelist. The story follows Morag's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships, struggles, and personal growth. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the importance of understanding one's past. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is interwoven with the broader cultural and historical context of Canada in the mid-20th century.

"Open Secrets: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the complex lives of women, exploring themes of love, loss, and the secrets that bind and divide people. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to Australia, the stories feature characters grappling with their pasts, negotiating relationships, and confronting the mysteries of life. The narrative oscillates between past and present, revealing the profound and often unsettling truths hidden beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

"Matigari" is a novel set in a post-colonial African nation, where the protagonist, who is a freedom fighter, emerges from the forest after the country's liberation, intent on finding justice and peace. However, he finds a society still deeply entrenched in corruption and oppression. The narrative uses allegory and symbolism to explore themes of justice, truth, and the fight against inequality. The protagonist's quest for justice becomes a threat to the government, leading to a manhunt for a man who is merely a myth.

The novel is a poignant exploration of an elderly woman's life as she reflects on her past with a mixture of pride, bitterness, and regret. The protagonist, a feisty and independent 90-year-old, grapples with her impending death and the loss of her autonomy while recounting her life's journey. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of growing up in the prairies of Western Canada, her rebellious youth, the challenges of marriage and motherhood, and the weight of societal expectations. The narrative delves into themes of pride, aging, and the search for self-identity, as the protagonist confronts the stone angel monument that serves as a metaphor for her own unyielding nature and emotional isolation.

"The Pegnitz Junction" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the nuances of life's experiences. The narratives, set in various European locales, explore themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time through the eyes of characters often caught between cultures and histories. The title story, which stands out in the collection, focuses on a young girl's coming-of-age during a train journey, symbolizing the transitions and connections that define the human condition. The stories are marked by their psychological depth, sharp observation, and the author's skillful prose, which captures the subtleties of her characters' inner worlds and the intricacies of their interactions with the world around them.

"The Love of a Good Woman" is a collection of eight short stories, each delving into the complex nature of relationships, particularly focusing on women. The narratives explore various themes such as love, betrayal, death, and the often overlooked intricacies of everyday life. Set in small-town Canada, the stories are filled with characters grappling with their desires, secrets, and the unexpected turns of life, offering a profound and nuanced exploration of human behavior and emotions.

"Caitaani Mutharaba Ini" is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one's actions. Set in a small African village, the story follows the lives of various characters who are entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and power struggles. As the narrative unfolds, the book delves into themes of corruption, greed, and the clash between tradition and modernity, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society.

"Mohawk Trail" is a poignant collection of stories and essays that delve into the lives and experiences of Native Americans, particularly focusing on the Mohawk community and other indigenous peoples. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of living in a world where traditional ways are often at odds with modern society. Through a blend of personal reflection, historical accounts, and rich storytelling, the book offers a window into the resilience and complexities of Native American life, exploring the intersection of past and present, and the journey towards self-discovery and cultural preservation amidst the challenges of displacement and assimilation.

The novel explores the complexities of aging, memory, and identity through the lives of two elderly siblings who reunite after many years. The brother, who is struggling with dementia, moves in with his lesbian sister, who is dealing with her own challenges as she navigates the social stigmas of her time. Together, they confront their pasts and the changes in their present lives, examining the bonds of family, the impact of memory on their sense of self, and the need for acceptance and understanding in the face of life's inevitable transitions.

"Sans Souci and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, identity, and the immigrant experience. The narratives, set against diverse backdrops from the Caribbean to Canada, explore themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging. Through a tapestry of vivid characters and poignant moments, the stories examine the intricate ways in which personal and cultural histories intertwine, revealing the resilience and struggles of individuals as they navigate the nuances of life in a world marked by transitions and transformations.

"Crow Lake" is a compelling novel that explores the dynamics of a rural Canadian family dealing with tragedy. After the death of their parents, the Morrison children struggle to stay together and maintain their family farm. The story is narrated by the youngest daughter, who is now a successful zoologist, reflecting back on her childhood. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, survival, and the power of education, all set against the backdrop of the harsh, yet beautiful, northern Ontario landscape.

Chanda's Secrets is a poignant story set in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the protagonist, a sixteen-year-old girl, grapples with the harsh reality of AIDS in her community. The novel explores the stigma and fear associated with the disease, as well as the courage and resilience of its characters. The protagonist's unwavering determination to keep her family together, despite societal pressures and personal tragedy, forms the crux of the narrative.

"Discerner of Hearts" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of life in Jamaica, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and transformation. The stories are set against a backdrop of rich Jamaican landscapes and culture, capturing the unique blend of societal norms and the supernatural that characterize the local folklore. Through a variety of characters, from young children to old men and women, the narratives reveal the inner workings of human hearts and the external forces that shape personal destinies. The collection highlights the profound impact of heritage and the powerful role of the unseen in everyday life.

The collection of short stories delves into the lives of individuals from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, exploring the deep connections between the rugged landscape and the people who inhabit it. The narratives are woven with themes of isolation, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the bittersweet pull of tradition versus the desire for change. Through evocative prose, the stories capture the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which the characters' lives are inextricably linked to the land and the sea, revealing the profound impact of heritage on personal identity and the universal quest for belonging.

The book is a collection of short stories set in Europe following World War II, primarily focusing on the lives of expatriates and displaced individuals. Through a series of vividly drawn characters, the narrative explores themes of memory, alienation, and the search for identity amidst the lingering shadows of conflict. The stories are linked by their setting in the "Fifteenth District" of a European city, which serves as a microcosm of a continent struggling to reconcile its past with the present, and where the ghosts of history continue to influence the living in profound and often unsettling ways.

"Washington Black" is a historical novel by Esi Edugyan that tells the story of a young slave named George Washington Black, who is forced to flee a plantation in Barbados with the help of his master's brother. The two embark on a journey that takes them across the globe, from the Caribbean to the Arctic, and Washington Black discovers his talent for scientific illustration. Along the way, he faces challenges and struggles with his identity as a black man in a world dominated by white men. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of colonialism on individuals and societies.