This novel follows the life of a young man named Mizoguchi, who becomes an acolyte at a famous Zen temple in Kyoto. Mizoguchi is afflicted with a stutter and a severe inferiority complex, which leads him to develop a destructive obsession with the temple's beauty. As he struggles with his personal demons, his fixation escalates into a desire to destroy the temple. The book is a profound exploration of beauty, obsession, and the destructive nature of ideals.

"The Sea of Fertility" is a four-part epic that follows the life of Shigekuni Honda, a man who believes in reincarnation. The series spans several decades, beginning in the early 20th century and ending in the 1970s, and explores Japanese history, culture, and spirituality. As Honda encounters individuals he believes to be the reincarnations of his childhood friend, he grapples with questions of identity, mortality, and the nature of the soul.

The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

"The Hive" is a novel set in post-Civil War Spain, during the harsh years of Madrid's postwar recovery. It provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in a society marked by deprivation and repression. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, featuring a vast array of characters from various social classes, whose lives intertwine in a depiction of the bleakness and despair of the time. The book was initially banned in Spain due to its critical view of Franco's regime.

"The Twilight Years" is a poignant story revolving around the life of a middle-aged woman who is burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her ageing and ailing father-in-law while trying to balance her work and personal life. The novel explores the themes of old age, family responsibilities, societal expectations, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. It offers a critical examination of the social, cultural, and personal issues related to aging and care-giving in post-war Japan.

The novel is a poignant exploration of a woman's life set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the early years of Franco's dictatorship. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a shopkeeper in Barcelona, readers experience her struggles with love, loss, and survival. Her personal journey is interwoven with the turbulent history of the era, as she endures the hardships of war, the complexities of her romantic relationships, and the challenges of raising her children alone. The narrative, rich with symbolic imagery, particularly the recurring motif of doves, offers a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of resilience amidst the chaos of societal upheaval.

The novel is a poignant and detailed account of the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as experienced by a Japanese family. Through the diary entries of a survivor and the narrative of the days that follow, the book explores the devastating impact of the bomb on the city's inhabitants, their struggle with radiation sickness, and the societal stigma they face. It delves into the physical and psychological trauma inflicted by the event, painting a somber picture of the human cost of war and the long-lasting effects of nuclear weapons on both individuals and communities.

The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

"Memoirs of a Peasant Boy" is a poignant narrative about the harsh realities of rural life in Galicia, Spain during the early 20th century, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, who is also the narrator, offers a vivid depiction of his experiences growing up in poverty, dealing with oppressive landlords, and struggling for survival and education. This autobiographical novel is a powerful commentary on social injustice and the enduring spirit of the human will.

The novel revolves around a young, ambitious man from the lower class who is obsessed with breaking into the higher social strata of Barcelona. He believes that his ticket to this higher society is through seducing Teresa, a naive, young girl from a well-off family. As he manipulates Teresa, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, lies, and unexpected feelings. The story is a gritty exploration of class, ambition, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

The novel is a poignant exploration of the life of a Japanese woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who endures the pain and humiliation of serving her husband's needs by finding him concubines. As she navigates the complexities of her role within a rigidly patriarchal society, she faces the emotional turmoil of sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of family duty and social expectations. The narrative delves into themes of female subjugation, the intricacies of marital relationships, and the silent resilience of women, offering a powerful critique of the era's gender dynamics and the personal costs of adhering to tradition.

"La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B." is a complex narrative that explores the themes of reality and fiction, and their intersection. The story revolves around a mysterious character, J.B., who escapes from a novel into the real world. As he navigates this new realm, the boundaries between the fictional world he came from and the reality he now inhabits become increasingly blurred, leading to a surreal and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence.

"Deep River" is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption, told through the intertwined narratives of four Japanese survivors of World War II. Each character carries their own personal trauma and guilt, leading them on separate spiritual journeys that converge at India's holy Ganges River. As they grapple with their pasts and seek forgiveness and meaning in their lives, the novel delves into themes of cultural clash, religious conflict, and the human capacity for love and understanding amidst pain.

"Runaway Horses" is a novel set in 1930s Japan, revolving around a young, ultra-nationalist named Isao who becomes disillusioned with the political corruption and Western influence he perceives in his country. Driven by a fervent idealism and inspired by a historical manifesto, Isao forms a secret society with the aim of assassinating key political figures to restore the emperor's divine power and traditional Japanese values. As Isao's radical commitment deepens, the story explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the clash between modernity and tradition, culminating in a dramatic and tragic conclusion.

"The Heretic" is a historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition. It follows the life of a man born in 16th century Spain, who, despite being raised in a strictly Catholic environment, begins to question the teachings and practices of the Church. As he grows older, he becomes involved in the Protestant Reformation, risking his life in a society where heresy is punishable by death. This book explores themes of faith, religious persecution, and the struggle for freedom of thought.

"Requiem" is a poignant novel that delves into the emotional and psychological aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Through the eyes of its protagonist, a woman who survived the blast as a child, the narrative explores the enduring scars left by the tragedy, both on the city's landscape and its inhabitants' lives. As she grapples with her past trauma and the loss of her family, the story reveals the long-term effects of nuclear warfare and the struggle for healing and redemption amidst the pain of irrevocable loss. The novel serves as a powerful meditation on memory, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable devastation.

This novel revolves around a true event during the Spanish Civil War, where a nationalist soldier spares the life of a famous poet who was about to be executed. The story is told from the perspective of a journalist who becomes obsessed with the incident and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened. As he delves deeper, he discovers the complexities of heroism, history, and memory, and is forced to question his own understanding of these concepts.

This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel is a haunting tale set in a remote medieval Japanese village where the impoverished inhabitants rely on the grim practice of salvaging goods from shipwrecks to survive. The story follows a young boy who eagerly awaits the next shipwreck in the hope that it will bring enough wealth to prevent his family from starving or having to sell his sister into prostitution. As he grapples with the moral dilemma of desiring a disaster for his own gain, the narrative explores themes of fate, survival, and the blurred lines between misfortune and fortune. The stark and somber atmosphere of the novel underscores the harsh realities of life in a community caught in a cycle of desperation and the complex emotions that come with their reliance on the misfortunes of others.

This graphic novel follows the journey of a young, unruly Japanese swordsman in the 17th century, who embarks on a quest to become "invincible under the sun" after surviving a brutal battle that left most of his companions dead. Inspired by the life of a legendary historical figure, the protagonist's path is one of intense duels, personal growth, and philosophical exploration. As he travels, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to his understanding of what it means to live and fight with purpose. The story blends visceral action with deep introspection, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered feudal Japan.

Set in the rugged landscape of Galicia in the early 20th century, the novel weaves a tale of vengeance and passion through the lives of the inhabitants of a small village. The narrative centers around the murder of a nationalist and the subsequent revenge killing of a local musician, exploring the impact of these deaths on their families and the community. Rich in folklore and the harsh realities of rural life, the story delves into themes of tradition, violence, and the haunting presence of history, all while capturing the deep-seated emotions and complexities of its characters.

"Natural History" is a fantastical novel that blends elements of magical realism, history, and gothic literature. Set in post-Civil War Barcelona, the story follows the life of a young man who becomes embroiled in a world of supernatural occurrences and ancient mysteries. As he delves deeper into this enigmatic realm, he encounters a cast of characters including vampires, alchemists, and other mythical beings. The narrative weaves together the protagonist's personal journey with the rich tapestry of Catalan culture, exploring themes of identity, the nature of reality, and the intersection of the mundane with the magical.

"Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

"Sepharad" is a compelling tapestry of narratives that weaves together stories of displacement, loss, and memory across different times and geographies. The novel explores the experiences of various characters, some historical and others fictional, who face the consequences of exile and persecution. Through their interconnected tales, the book delves into the themes of identity, the enduring impact of the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust, and the broader human condition of searching for belonging. The title references the Hebrew word for Spain, invoking the Sephardic Jewish diaspora and the broader sense of longing for a homeland that resonates throughout the novel.