This renowned novel is a sweeping exploration of memory, love, art, and the passage of time, told through the narrator's recollections of his childhood and experiences into adulthood in the late 19th and early 20th century aristocratic France. The narrative is notable for its lengthy and intricate involuntary memory episodes, the most famous being the "madeleine episode". It explores the themes of time, space and memory, but also raises questions about the nature of art and literature, and the complex relationships between love, sexuality, and possession.

This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of a young man's intellectual and artistic development in late 19th-century Ireland. The protagonist struggles with issues of identity, faith, and nationality, ultimately rejecting the traditional values of his Catholic upbringing to pursue his own path as an artist. The book is renowned for its innovative narrative style and its exploration of themes such as individuality, freedom, and the nature of art.

This novel follows the life of Antonia Shimerda, a Bohemian immigrant to the United States, through the eyes of her childhood friend, Jim Burden. The narrative explores their lives in the harsh environment of the American Midwest, their struggles with poverty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Antonia's resilience, strength, and love for life inspire Jim, who moves away for education and career but remains emotionally tied to the woman and the prairie life he left behind. The book is a compelling portrayal of pioneer life, human resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.

"Sons and Lovers" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complex relationships between a miner's wife, her husband, and their two sons. The story focuses on the intense emotional and psychological bonds between the mother and her sons, as well as the struggles they face in their romantic relationships due to their deep attachment to their mother. The novel delves into themes of class, love, sexuality, and the oedipal complex, presenting a vivid picture of working-class life in early 20th century England.

The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, a club-footed orphan who struggles with his disability and his passionate and unrequited love for a destructive woman. His journey takes him from a strict religious upbringing in England to an adventurous life in Paris where he attempts to become an artist before finally settling into a career in medicine. The story is a powerful exploration of human desire, ambition, and the search for meaning in life.

"Winesburg, Ohio" is a collection of interconnected short stories that paints a picture of life in a small town in the early 20th century. The book captures the hopes, dreams, and despair of the inhabitants of Winesburg, focusing on a young reporter as he interacts with the townspeople. Each character's story reveals their inner struggles, loneliness, and search for understanding and connection, providing a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of life in a small community.

A young, spoiled and unloved girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a large, lonely house after the death of her parents. Through the discovery and cultivation of a hidden, neglected garden, she befriends a local boy and her sickly cousin, and the three children find healing and transformation through their friendship and the magic of the garden.

The novel explores the lives of three generations of a farming family, the Brangwens, living in rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. The narrative primarily focuses on the sexual and emotional maturation of Ursula Brangwen, a young woman who rejects traditional societal norms in her quest for spiritual fulfillment and personal independence. The book is known for its vivid depiction of the English countryside and its frank portrayal of sexual desire.

"The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge" is a semi-autobiographical novel narrated by a young man from Denmark living in Paris, who is trying to understand the world and his place in it. The protagonist is a poet and a dreamer, who spends his time observing and reflecting on the people and situations around him. The book is a collection of his thoughts, observations, and musings, which often revolve around themes of death, solitude, history, and the nature of existence. It's a deep and introspective exploration of the human condition and the nature of creativity.

The novel centers around a mysterious and charismatic adolescent, Augustin Meaulnes, who arrives at a rural school in Sologne, France, and quickly becomes the focus of intrigue among his peers. The story is narrated by his friend, François Seurel, who recounts the adventures that ensue when Meaulnes stumbles upon a surreal estate where a lavish party is taking place, leading him to meet and fall for the enchanting Yvonne de Galais. The tale weaves themes of lost love, yearning, and the painful transition from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood, as Meaulnes becomes obsessed with finding the estate and Yvonne again, embarking on a quest that will profoundly affect all involved.

"The Magnificent Ambersons" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in the early 20th century that explores the dramatic changes brought about by the industrial revolution in America. It follows the decline of the once-prosperous Amberson family as their fortune and influence wane with the rise of new money and modern technology. The story is centered around the prideful and spoiled George Amberson Minafer, whose arrogance and inability to adapt to the changing world lead to his downfall.

"The History of Mr. Polly" is a comedic novel that tells the story of Alfred Polly, a man dissatisfied with his life and marriage. After faking his death in a fire, he leaves his wife and shop behind to start a new life. He eventually finds peace and contentment working as an assistant to a man who runs a country inn. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the struggle against societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.

"Pilgrimage" is a sequence of semi-autobiographical novels that follow the life of the protagonist, Miriam Henderson, through her journey of self-discovery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative explores Miriam's experiences, thoughts, and feelings, as she navigates through her life, dealing with issues of feminism, love, and social expectations. The book is notable for its stream of consciousness writing style, which allows readers to experience Miriam's inner world in a profound and intimate way.

The novel follows the life of a young man, Emil Sinclair, from childhood to adulthood, as he navigates the duality of his nature and the societal expectations of his time. He is influenced by a charismatic and intellectual peer, Max Demian, who introduces him to the concept of the world not as a dichotomy of good and evil, but as a unified whole. This leads Sinclair on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the subconscious. The narrative is heavily influenced by the philosophies of Carl Jung and the Gnostic tradition.

The novel is a coming-of-age story set in late 19th-century Australia, following the experiences of Laura Rambotham, a spirited and intelligent country girl sent to a prestigious Melbourne boarding school. Struggling with the rigid social hierarchies and the expectations placed upon her, Laura faces numerous challenges and humiliations, but she remains determined to find her place in the world. Through her journey, the book explores themes of education, social class, friendship, and the quest for personal identity, ultimately illustrating the complexities and trials of growing up and the bittersweet acquisition of wisdom.

"The Charwomen's Daughter" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young girl growing up in poverty-stricken Dublin during the early 20th century. Through her eyes, readers witness the struggles and hardships faced by her family, as well as the resilience and determination that drives her to overcome adversity. With vivid descriptions and a poignant narrative, the book explores themes of social inequality, family bonds, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

This novel follows the life of Edwin Clayhanger as he transitions from adolescence to adulthood in the provincial town of the Five Towns, an area inspired by the potteries of Staffordshire, England, where the author grew up. The story delves into Edwin's relationship with his domineering father, Darius Clayhanger, who wants him to continue the family printing business, and his personal aspirations and romantic entanglements, particularly with Hilda Lessways. It explores themes of personal freedom, the constraints of societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of familial obligations. The narrative is a detailed portrayal of Victorian middle-class life, capturing the complexities of family dynamics, love, and personal growth.

"The Voyage Out" is a novel that follows the journey of a young woman who embarks on a sea voyage to South America, where she experiences a series of personal and philosophical awakenings. While on the trip, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. Through these interactions, she begins to question the societal norms and expectations that have shaped her life, leading to a profound transformation of her identity and understanding of the world.