This novel follows three intellectual friends who work at a small publishing house. As a joke, they start inventing a conspiracy theory about a secret society that has been manipulating world events for centuries. However, as they delve deeper into their own fabrication, they begin to lose sight of what's real and what's not. Their lives take a dangerous turn when actual secret societies believe they hold the key to a universal secret and will stop at nothing to obtain it.

This novel is a gritty, raw portrayal of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The narrative is non-linear and told from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds and lives of these characters. The story explores themes of poverty, addiction, friendship, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances, all set against the backdrop of a bleak urban landscape. It is known for its strong Scottish dialect, graphic content, and dark humor.

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 novel is a stream-of-consciousness narrative told from the perspective of Sammy, a shoplifter and ex-convict from Glasgow who wakes up in an alley after a two-day drinking binge to find he is completely blind. As Sammy struggles to navigate his new reality, he contends with bureaucratic systems, confronts his past, and grapples with his relationships, all while trying to understand and adjust to his sudden loss of sight. The story is a gritty exploration of working-class life, the human condition, and the nature of reality.

"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.

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.

"A Disaffection" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the mind of Patrick Doyle, a disillusioned schoolteacher living in Glasgow. As he navigates through his mundane existence, Patrick's internal monologue exposes his deep-rooted dissatisfaction with society, his job, and his relationships. Through a raw and introspective narrative, the book explores themes of alienation, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems devoid of purpose.

"Personality" by Andrew O'Hagan is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and fame in the digital age. The book follows the story of a famous actress who decides to create a digital replica of herself to preserve her legacy. As the replica interacts with fans and becomes more popular, it raises questions about authenticity, privacy, and the blurred lines between reality and virtuality. With O'Hagan's sharp writing and insightful observations, "Personality" delves into the complexities of modern fame while challenging readers to reflect on the nature of self in an increasingly interconnected world.

"Trumpet" is a novel that explores the complexities of identity and love through the life of Joss Moody, a celebrated jazz trumpeter who, upon his death, is revealed to have been biologically female. The revelation shocks his public and his family, particularly his wife Millie, who had kept his secret for decades, and their son Colman, who feels betrayed and angry. The narrative delves into the perspectives of various characters, including a tabloid journalist eager to exploit the story, as they grapple with their memories of Joss and their own identities in light of the truth. The novel poignantly addresses themes of gender, secrecy, and the intricate dynamics of familial relationships.

In this lyrical and atmospheric novel, the lives of several characters converge at a remote seaside inn, where the ocean serves as a backdrop to their intertwined stories. The narrative weaves together the tales of a cast that includes a grieving widower, a troubled artist, and a mysterious woman, among others, each drawn to the sea for different reasons. The sea itself becomes a central character, representing the vast and unknowable depths of human emotion and experience. Through poetic prose and philosophical musings, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the eternal quest for meaning in a world that is both beautiful and cruel.

"Shuggie Bain" is a heart-wrenching tale set in 1980s Glasgow, Scotland, centered on a young boy, Shuggie, who is struggling with his mother's deteriorating mental health and alcoholism. As he tries to navigate his own burgeoning sexuality in a harsh, unforgiving environment, he also strives to care for his mother, who is trapped in a cycle of addiction and abusive relationships. The book gives a stark portrayal of poverty, addiction, love, and the human spirit's resilience.

The narrative is set in the 1960s in Glasgow, Scotland, and follows the life of a young man named Thomas Clay. Clay is an aspiring writer who is struggling with writer's block while dealing with the impending birth of his first child, the destruction of his tenement building, and his wife's hospitalization. The novel provides a humorous and poignant look at the hardships of urban life, the complexities of personal relationships, and the struggle for artistic expression amid the chaos of everyday existence.