This classic novel follows the journey of a seaman who travels up the Congo River into the African interior to meet a mysterious ivory trader. Throughout his journey, he encounters the harsh realities of imperialism, the brutal treatment of native Africans, and the depths of human cruelty and madness. The protagonist's journey into the 'heart of darkness' serves as both a physical exploration of the African continent and a metaphorical exploration into the depths of human nature.

"The Sheltering Sky" is a novel about an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, who travel to the North African desert accompanied by their friend Tunner. The journey, initially an attempt to cure their marital woes, quickly descends into a harrowing journey of self-discovery and exploration of the human condition. As they move further into the desert, the harsh environment and their isolation from the outside world push them to their psychological limits, leading to devastating consequences.

The novel is a psychological exploration of the mind of a man living in isolation on an island in the Baltic Sea. The protagonist, a fisheries inspector, is intellectually superior to the local population and struggles to maintain his sanity amidst the ignorance and superstition of the islanders. His mental state deteriorates as he becomes obsessed with the idea of a sea monster lurking in the depths, symbolizing his own repressed desires and fears. The story is a deep dive into the human psyche and the effects of alienation, paranoia, and existential dread.

Two childhood friends embark on a week-long, round-the-world adventure, determined to give away a large sum of money they recently acquired. The journey is filled with absurd and often humorous encounters as they struggle to make sense of their friend's recent death and their own place in the world. The narrative explores themes of grief, friendship, and the human capacity for altruism and selflessness.