The novel is a nostalgic story about the narrator's involvement with the Flyte family, British aristocrats living in a grand mansion called Brideshead. The story explores themes of faith, love, and the decline of the British aristocracy, primarily through the narrator's relationships with the family's Catholic faith and his complicated friendship with the family's son and his love for the daughter. The novel is set in the backdrop of the time period between the two World Wars.

"I Capture the Castle" is a coming-of-age novel that tells the story of 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain and her eccentric family living in a dilapidated English castle during the 1930s. Cassandra's father is a reclusive writer suffering from writer's block and her stepmother is a bohemian artist. The family's life changes dramatically when two American brothers inherit the estate. The novel, written in diary format, explores themes of love, poverty, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

"The Dwarf" is a dark, philosophical novel set in the Italian Renaissance, narrated by a malevolent court dwarf who serves a prince. The dwarf is a symbol for the darker side of humanity, embodying all the malice, deceit, and manipulation that one can possess. His actions and viewpoint provide a cynical commentary on human nature and the moral complexities of power, war, and love. The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the destructive side of human nature.

Set in England during World War II, the novel follows a middle-aged woman living in a boarding house, who spends her time navigating the petty squabbles and politics of her fellow residents. Her life takes a turn when she becomes entangled in a love triangle with a charming but manipulative American lieutenant and a young German woman. The book explores themes of loneliness, manipulation, and the struggle for personal freedom in a time of national crisis.

"The Makioka Sisters" is a novel set in pre-World War II Japan, following the lives of four sisters from a once-wealthy Osaka family. The story focuses on their struggles to maintain their traditional lifestyle and status in a rapidly changing society. The two elder sisters are concerned with finding a suitable husband for the third sister, while the youngest sister, more modern and independent, resists the constraints of her family's expectations. The book provides a detailed and nuanced exploration of the clash between tradition and modernity in Japanese society.

The novel is a sweeping World War II drama that follows the intersecting lives of three soldiers: a German ski instructor turned reluctant Nazi officer, an American Jewish infantryman, and an ambitious playwright serving in the U.S. Army. Their stories unfold across the battlefields of Europe and the home fronts, painting a vivid portrait of the war's impact on the individual psyche and the moral complexities faced by each man. As the narrative progresses, their paths converge in a powerful examination of courage, the horrors of war, and the quest for personal redemption amidst global conflict.

"The Living and the Dead" is a novel that explores the lives and relationships of the Standish family living in London. The story delves into the complexities of the human condition, as it portrays the characters' struggles with their identities, societal expectations, and the inherent loneliness of existence. The narrative is characterized by its rich, introspective, and often satirical examination of the upper-middle-class life, the disillusionment of youth, and the search for meaning.

"Barefoot" is a powerful novel set in Romania during World War II, depicting the hardships of a young shepherd named Darie who is forced into labor by the Soviet regime. The narrative follows his struggles, survival, and his journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. The protagonist's experiences are a metaphor for the suffering and resilience of the Romanian people during this tumultuous period in history.

The novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the mountains of pre-World War II Spain. It delves into the lives of the patients and staff within the sanatorium, weaving a complex tapestry of love, betrayal, and philosophical introspection. The narrative focuses on the intense and tragic love affair between a disenchanted monk and a passionate, free-spirited woman, both seeking meaning and redemption amidst the despair of their illness. Through their story, the novel examines themes of morality, existential anguish, and the struggle for spiritual and emotional liberation.

The novel presents the story of a wealthy Chinese woman who, upon reaching her 40th birthday, decides to change the course of her life. She arranges a concubine for her husband to take over her marital duties and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Throughout the narrative, she explores the constraints of traditional roles and the possibilities of intellectual and spiritual freedom, forming a deep connection with a foreign missionary. This relationship challenges her beliefs and the societal norms of the time, leading her to question the very foundations of her existence and her place in the world.

This autobiographical account provides a vivid portrayal of Chinese-American life in the early 20th century through the eyes of a young girl growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown. The narrative follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of traditional Chinese family values and the American way of life, striving for educational and personal independence. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her dual cultural heritage is compounded by her ambitions, as she seeks to assert her identity and pursue her dreams amidst the expectations of her family and community. Her story is one of resilience and self-discovery, offering insight into the immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural assimilation.

"The Black Brothers" is a captivating historical novel set in 19th-century Switzerland. It tells the story of four brothers, who, due to unfortunate circumstances, are forced to work as chimney sweeps. Through their perseverance and unity, they navigate the harsh realities of their profession and form a strong bond with each other. The book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the fight for justice, making it a compelling and heartwarming read.

The novel is a reflective account of the life of Harry Pulham, a middle-aged, conventional Bostonian who is prompted to examine his past and the choices he has made during the process of writing a Harvard class reunion biography. As he delves into his memories, he confronts his youthful ambitions, his experiences in World War I, and his complex relationships, particularly with a vivacious woman who challenged the conservative values of his upbringing. Through this introspection, Harry grapples with the realization that he has conformed to societal expectations at the expense of his own happiness, leading to a poignant exploration of the conflict between individual desires and societal pressures in early 20th-century America.

The novel explores the lives of a group of Sicilian villagers who return to their hometown after it was destroyed during World War II. As they rebuild their community amidst the ruins, they form a utopian society based on principles of equality and cooperation. However, their idealism is tested by internal conflicts and external pressures, including the influence of a mysterious woman who arrives in their midst. The narrative delves into themes of social reconstruction, the power of human solidarity, and the challenges of creating a new society while grappling with the scars of the past.

The novel is a penetrating character study set in early 20th-century France, told through the eyes of a young man reflecting on his past. It centers around a devoutly Catholic woman, whose outward piety and strict adherence to religious principles mask a deep-seated pride and a penchant for manipulation. As the narrator recounts his experiences with this woman, who is closely associated with his family, the narrative explores themes of hypocrisy, morality, and the complex interplay between religion and human nature. The woman's influence on those around her leads to various personal tragedies, revealing the dangers of self-righteousness and the often harsh judgment she imposes on others in the name of virtue.

This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.