In this metatheatrical play, six characters come to life and demand that a theater director tell their tragic story, which was left incomplete by their author. As the director and his actors interact with these characters, the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, leading to a philosophical exploration of the nature of human identity, the reliability of art, and the unreliability of perception. The characters' story, involving a complex web of familial relationships, adultery, and suicide, further complicates the narrative, challenging the audience's understanding of truth and illusion.

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.

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.

"The Piano Teacher" is a dark exploration of power dynamics, sexuality, and repression. The story revolves around a piano teacher at a prestigious music school in Vienna who lives with her overbearing mother in a state of emotional and sexual repression. Her life takes a turn when she becomes sexually involved with a young, self-assured student. The relationship, marked by sadomasochistic games and emotional manipulation, spirals out of control, leading to a tragic end. The book is a profound critique of bourgeois values and the oppressive structures of society.

This novel tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy in the 1950s. Their intense, complicated friendship is marked by competition, mutual respect, and deep affection. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including family drama, academic struggles, and romantic entanglements, their bond is tested and transformed. The narrative explores themes of female friendship, social class, education, and the struggle for personal autonomy in a patriarchal society.

This novel explores the dynamics of an upper-middle-class Italian family facing financial ruin. The story focuses on the emotional indifference and moral decay among family members, as they engage in affairs and manipulative behavior to secure their social status. As the family's fortunes dwindle, their lack of empathy and moral integrity becomes increasingly evident, offering a critique of bourgeois values and the corrosive effects of apathy and materialism.

The novel follows the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a man haunted by a childhood accident that he believes he caused. The book explores his guilt and its impact on his life, as well as his relationships with others, including a woman he loves but cannot have, a brilliant but troubled friend, and a saintly fool. Throughout his life, Ramsay seeks redemption and understanding in the realms of history, mythology, and religion.

"Silk" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a 19th-century French silkworm merchant who travels to Japan for business. During his travels, he becomes enamored with a mysterious woman. His unrequited love for her haunts him for the rest of his life, even as he returns to France and continues his life there. The novel explores themes of love, longing, and the profound impact that brief encounters can have on one's life.

"Confusion" is a compelling narrative that explores the intense and passionate relationship between a student and his charismatic professor. Set in the early 20th century, the story unfolds as the protagonist becomes entangled in the professor's personal life, discovering his mentor's secret past, his struggling marriage, and his hidden homosexual desires. The book presents a profound exploration of human emotions, identity, and the complexities of love, against the backdrop of the societal norms of the time.

"Bébo's Girl" is a poignant tale set in the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the relationship between a young partisan, Bebo, and Mara, a simple and innocent country girl. Their love story unfolds amidst the grim realities of war, where Bebo's commitment to his cause often conflicts with the peaceful life he desires with Mara. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the devastating impact of war on personal lives, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

This book is a poignant exploration of the author's mother's life and her struggle with depression, ultimately leading to her suicide. It provides a deeply personal and raw account of the author's attempts to understand his mother's despair and the societal constraints that contributed to it. The narrative is a profound reflection on memory, loss, and the complexity of human emotions, offering a stark and moving portrayal of a woman's life in a rigid, post-war society.

"The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.

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 novel explores the life of a young Austrian woman who finds herself in a stifling marriage with a fisherman in a small coastal village. As she grapples with the mundane and oppressive nature of her daily life, she yearns for freedom and self-discovery. The sea, with its salt, becomes a metaphor for her tears and the bitterness she experiences, as well as the vast possibilities that lie beyond her current existence. Her internal struggle and the choices she faces reflect the broader themes of women's liberation and the search for identity in a world that often limits female autonomy.

This novel follows a woman who returns to Naples after her mother's mysterious death, determined to understand the enigmatic life her mother led. As she delves into her mother's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers more about her own identity in the process. The narrative explores themes of mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the power of the past.

"Fall On Your Knees" is a multi-generational saga set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and secrets. The story revolves around the Piper family, specifically four sisters, their father James, and their mother Materia. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the family's complex relationships, the impact of racial and cultural tensions, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives. This novel is a deep exploration of family dynamics, love, and the power of secrets.

"The Last Days of Mankind" is a satirical play that provides a critical commentary on the socio-political climate during World War I. The narrative presents a stark portrayal of the absurdity of war and the destructive forces of propaganda, bureaucracy, and nationalism. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including parody, satire, and direct quotes from contemporary sources, to highlight the folly and tragedy of war. The play is known for its unique style, rich language, and its profound critique of society and culture during a time of great upheaval and conflict.

The novel weaves a multi-generational tale centered around a Chinese-Canadian family in Vancouver, exploring the complexities of identity, gender, and history. As the family's story unfolds, secrets are uncovered, including a mysterious disappearance and a hidden affair, which reveal the intricate ways in which personal and collective histories are intertwined. The narrative delves into the struggles of immigration, the search for belonging, and the impact of past traumas on the present, all set against the backdrop of the eponymous café that serves as a focal point for the community's social and emotional exchanges.

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.

"Kaspar and Other Plays" is a collection of avant-garde, thought-provoking plays that explore deep philosophical questions about language, reality, and the human condition. The titular play tells the story of a young man who learns to speak and, in doing so, is manipulated and controlled by society. The other plays in the collection continue to challenge conventional ideas and push boundaries, offering a unique and profound commentary on the world.

The novel centers around Rachel Cameron, a 34-year-old spinster schoolteacher living in a small Canadian town, who confronts her solitary existence and the constraints of her conservative environment. Through a summer romance with a former childhood acquaintance, she experiences an awakening of her long-suppressed desires and emotions. This personal journey is marked by moments of introspection and the challenge of breaking free from the expectations imposed by her overbearing mother and the community. As Rachel grapples with the complexities of adulthood, love, and identity, she embarks on a path of self-discovery that promises to transform her life.

The book is a poignant monologue that tells the story of a gifted pianist born on a transatlantic liner in the early 20th century. Abandoned at birth, he is named after the year of his birth and grows up on the ship, never setting foot on land. His extraordinary talent for piano captivates everyone who hears him play, and his music becomes legendary among travelers and crew alike. The narrative, recounted by a fellow musician and friend, explores themes of belonging, the meaning of home, and the transcendent power of music to connect people across the boundaries of time and space.

All My Puny Sorrows is a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between two sisters, one a successful concert pianist battling severe depression and the other a struggling writer trying to support her. The narrative delves into themes of mental illness, suicide, love, and the power of familial bonds. It grapples with the moral and ethical questions surrounding assisted suicide, the struggle to understand a loved one's pain, and the lengths to which one might go to help them find peace.

In this novel, the protagonist is a man who, after an accident during a historical pageant, comes to believe himself to be the medieval German emperor Henry IV. For twenty years, he lives in a villa with attendants who indulge his delusion. The story delves into themes of madness, reality, and illusion as characters from his past attempt to cure him, leading to a complex examination of the nature of sanity and the role that personal mythologies play in our lives. As the line between the protagonist's delusion and the reality of those around him blurs, the narrative raises profound questions about the nature of identity and the masks people wear in society.

In this satirical farce, an eccentric and quick-witted man, referred to as the Maniac, infiltrates a police station where an anarchist railway worker's death is being investigated. The authorities claim the anarchist died by suicide, having jumped out of a window during an interrogation. However, the Maniac cleverly impersonates various officials, manipulates the policemen, and exposes the absurdities and contradictions in their stories, suggesting that the anarchist's death was not an accident but a cover-up of police brutality. The play uses sharp humor and slapstick to critique corruption and the misuse of power within the establishment, ultimately questioning the integrity of the police and the justice system.