Set in 14th century Norway, "Kristin Lavransdatter" follows the life of its titular character from her childhood, through her tumultuous and passionate marriage to Erlend Nikulausson, to her life as a mother and eventual widow. The narrative explores Kristin's struggles with faith, societal expectations, and personal desires, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval Scandinavian life along the way. Despite the many hardships she faces, Kristin remains a strong and resilient woman, embodying the spirit of her time.

"Dubliners" is a collection of 15 short stories that portray the life of the Irish middle class in the early 20th century. Each story depicts an aspect of everyday life in Dublin, capturing the complexities of human experiences and emotions. The stories range from childhood to adulthood, reflecting on themes such as the paralysis of routine, the desire for escape, and the failure of both. The book is renowned for its vivid characterization and its exploration of the subtleties of the human condition.

"Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

"Uncle Silas" is a classic Gothic novel set in Victorian England that follows the story of a young, naive heiress who is left in the care of her mysterious and seemingly sinister Uncle Silas after her father's death. As she navigates her new life in his decrepit mansion, she uncovers dark family secrets, and begins to suspect her uncle may have ulterior motives. The novel explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the nature of evil, all set against the backdrop of a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere.

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.

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" is a classic children's novel that follows the mischievous adventures of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio. As he strives to become a real boy, Pinocchio encounters a series of trials and temptations, learning valuable life lessons along the way. From encounters with talking animals to being swallowed by a giant fish, Pinocchio's journey is filled with humor, excitement, and moral dilemmas. With themes of honesty, bravery, and the consequences of one's actions, this timeless tale captivates readers of all ages.

A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.

Set in 1960s Dublin, the novel follows the life of a ten-year-old boy as he navigates through the adventures and trials of childhood. The protagonist's world is one of mischief, discovery, and familial relationships, but as his parents' marriage crumbles, he is forced to deal with adult realities. The narrative is marked by the boy's growing understanding of the world around him, his loss of innocence, and his attempts to keep his family together.

"Family Sayings" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the author's experiences growing up in a large Jewish-Italian family in the pre and post-World War II era. The narrative is a collection of family anecdotes, sayings, and stories that illustrate the dynamics, relationships, and history of the family. The book also provides a glimpse into the political and social changes in Italy during this period, including the rise of fascism and the impact of the war. The author's poignant and evocative storytelling brings to life a world that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.

"The Gathering" is a powerful and evocative family saga set in Ireland, exploring the complex dynamics of a large Irish family following the suicide of one of the siblings. The story is narrated by Veronica, the sister of the deceased, who delves into her family's past, uncovering a traumatic event that has shaped their lives. The narrative is a mix of present events, childhood memories, and imagined scenarios, all of which contribute to a profound exploration of memory, truth, and the bonds of family.

"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.

"Mary O'Grady" is a poignant tale that chronicles the life of an Irish woman named Mary, who, with resilience and strength, navigates the trials and tribulations of her life. As a devoted wife and mother, she faces the challenges of raising a family in mid-20th century Ireland, dealing with the complexities of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time. The novel paints a rich portrait of a character whose ordinary existence is imbued with extraordinary dignity, capturing the essence of human endurance and the spirit of the Irish community. Through Mary's experiences, the story explores the universal themes of family, hardship, and the unyielding hope that propels one forward.

"Netherland" is a post-9/11 novel set in New York City, which explores the life of a Dutch banker named Hans. After his wife and son move back to London, Hans becomes immersed in the world of cricket, where he befriends a charismatic Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon who dreams of building a cricket stadium in the city. The novel is a meditation on the American Dream, identity, and the immigrant experience, all set against the backdrop of a city and a country grappling with a new reality.

The book is a poignant collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women from Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the tumultuous times of the Troubles. Through a series of intimate narratives, the author explores the complex emotions, daily struggles, and the resilience of women as they navigate a society riven by political conflict. The stories offer a nuanced portrayal of the female experience, highlighting themes of family, love, loss, and the quest for personal identity against a backdrop of violence and social upheaval.

Set against the backdrop of a small Norwegian coastal town around the early 20th century, the novel explores the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman stifled by the constraints of her conservative family and society. Yearning for freedom and an identity of her own, Alberta struggles with the expectations placed upon her as a woman, her complex relationship with her brother Jacob, and her desire to break free from the oppressive environment that surrounds her. Through Alberta's journey, the narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the search for independence, and the challenging path toward self-discovery amidst societal pressures.

"Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

"Loving And Giving" is a novel set in early 20th-century Ireland, revolving around the life of a young girl named Nicandra, who is raised in the grandeur of her family's estate, Ardbrack. As she matures into adulthood, Nicandra is confronted with the harsh realities of her family's cruelty and the societal expectations of her time. The story captures her journey of self-discovery and transformation as she navigates through personal betrayal, love, and loss, ultimately leading her to a profound act of generosity that reflects her growth and the novel's themes of compassion and resilience.

"The Barracks" is a poignant and introspective novel that delves into the lives of a family living in a rural Irish barracks. Set in the 1950s, the story follows Elizabeth Reegan, a widow struggling to find her place in a changing society, and her three children as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and the search for personal identity. McGahern's lyrical prose beautifully captures the emotional nuances of the characters, painting a vivid portrait of a family grappling with their own desires and societal expectations.

This Renaissance classic is a seminal work on etiquette and courtly manners, presenting an idealized vision of the perfect gentleman and lady at the courts of Italy. Through a series of dialogues set over four evenings, the book explores the attributes of a well-rounded courtier, emphasizing skills such as martial arts, physical grace, and intellectual pursuits, alongside the importance of moral virtue and the art of conversation. The text also delves into the complex interplay of love, the role of women in court, and the philosophical underpinnings of what it means to live a noble life, ultimately providing a guide to the refined behavior expected in aristocratic circles of the time.

"Fools of Fortune" is a tragic tale that follows the lives of the Quinton family, an Anglo-Irish family living in Ireland, during the early 20th century. The family's fortune takes a turn for the worse after a devastating fire, believed to be an act of revenge by Irish nationalists, claims the lives of several family members. The surviving members are left to grapple with their loss, guilt, and the political turmoil of their time, leading to a cycle of self-destruction and a desperate search for redemption.

This novel delves into the life of a widower grappling with the sudden loss of his wife in an accident, leaving him to care for their infant daughter alone. Amidst his grief, he encounters a series of potential nannies, each bringing their own complexities and the past into his meticulously ordered world. The narrative weaves through themes of loneliness, the search for connection, and the shadows cast by past actions, as the protagonist navigates the challenges of new fatherhood and the intrusion of an obsessed stranger. Set against a backdrop of everyday English life, the story unfolds with subtlety and depth, exploring the nuances of human relationships and the quiet moments that define and disrupt our lives.

"The Half Brother" is a compelling narrative that follows the life of a young man named Barnum Nilsen. Born into a Norwegian family with a mysterious past, Barnum navigates through life with a half-brother, Fred, who is both his best friend and his rival. As Barnum grows older, he becomes a successful writer, but his personal life is marked by loss, loneliness, and the weight of his family's secrets. The book is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the bonds of family.

"Follow Your Heart" is a poignant epistolary novel that delves into the themes of self-discovery, family secrets, and the unbreakable bonds between generations. The story unfolds through a series of letters written by an elderly Italian woman to her granddaughter, who has moved to America. In these letters, she shares her life's wisdom, reflects on her past experiences, and reveals long-held secrets. The narrative explores the choices she made, the consequences of those choices, and the lessons she learned along the way. It is a heartfelt meditation on love, loss, and the importance of following one's own heart in the face of societal expectations and personal doubts.

"The South" by Colm Toibin is a compelling novel that follows the journey of a young Irish woman named Katherine as she leaves her troubled marriage behind and embarks on a new life in Spain. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and cultural differences, Katherine's experiences in the vibrant and mysterious south of Spain shape her identity and challenge her perceptions of love, art, and self-discovery. With rich prose and nuanced characters, Toibin explores themes of longing, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships in this captivating tale.