The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

"The Lost Painting" tells the story of a lost masterpiece by Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio, titled "The Taking of Christ." The book follows the journey of a young art historian, Francesca Cappelletti, as she sets out to uncover the painting's whereabouts. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters including art dealers, art historians, and even a mafia boss. Through meticulous research and a bit of luck, Cappelletti finally locates the painting in a Dublin Jesuit house, where it had been hanging for centuries, unrecognized as a Caravaggio. The book is a captivating tale of art history, detective work, and the power of obsession.

This book tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. It focuses on how these sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers overcame immense physical and psychological challenges to defeat elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games. The narrative not only captures the sheer physicality and competitive nature of rowing but also delves deeply into the personal lives and backgrounds of the crew members, illustrating how their shared experiences and unbreakable bond drove them to achieve an unparalleled victory in the face of adversity.

"Going Dutch" explores the profound influence of Dutch culture and innovation on seventeenth-century England during the reign of William III and Mary II. The book delves into how the Glorious Revolution led to a significant transfer of intellectual and cultural ideas between the Dutch and the English. It examines the impact of this cross-cultural exchange on various aspects of British life, including art, science, trade, and politics, highlighting how Dutch expertise and practices were instrumental in transforming and modernizing England. The narrative provides a detailed analysis of the period, illustrating the lasting impact of Dutch influence on British society.