Set in 1920s Shanghai during a time of political upheaval, the novel explores the existential themes of life, death, and the human condition through the experiences of a group of revolutionaries. The narrative follows their struggles and sacrifices for their cause, the Communist revolution, and their inevitable confrontation with their own mortality and the harsh realities of life. The book delves into the complexities of political ideologies, human relationships and the constant struggle between hope and despair.

"Memoirs of Hadrian" is a historical novel that presents a fictional autobiography of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 AD. Narrated in the first person, the novel explores Hadrian's ascension to the throne, his administration, his love for the young Antinous, and his philosophical reflections on life and death. The narrative is framed as a letter to his successor, Marcus Aurelius, offering insights into the complexities of power, the nature of leadership, and the human condition.

"The Mandarins" is a novel that explores the personal and political lives of a group of intellectuals in post-World War II France. The narrative delves into their struggles with ethical dilemmas, political ideologies, and personal relationships in a rapidly changing world. The book is known for its exploration of existentialism and feminism, providing a vivid portrayal of the human condition and the complexities of freedom.

"The Case of Comrade Tulayev" is a political novel set in the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. The story begins with the murder of a high-ranking Soviet official, Comrade Tulayev, which sets off a series of events leading to the arrest and execution of innocent people. It provides an in-depth exploration of the paranoia, fear, and injustice that characterized Stalin's regime, showing the human cost of political purges and the absurdity of the bureaucratic system.

The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

The novel delves into the complexities of memory and the chaos of war, weaving together the narratives of several characters whose lives are entangled by the events of World War II. Set against the backdrop of the German invasion of France, the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and stream-of-consciousness reflections, primarily focusing on a French cavalry officer captured by the Germans. As the characters grapple with their experiences and relationships, the book explores themes of loss, betrayal, and the elusive nature of truth, all while challenging traditional narrative structures with its fragmented and non-linear approach to storytelling.

The novel is set in Cairo during World War I and revolves around the life of a conservative Muslim family. The patriarch, a shopkeeper, has two wives and several children, and the story explores the dynamics within the family, particularly the tyrannical father's relationships with his wives and children. As the family navigates through a changing society, they encounter various challenges including political unrest, societal norms, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

"The Hive" is a novel set in post-Civil War Spain, during the harsh years of Madrid's postwar recovery. It provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in a society marked by deprivation and repression. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, featuring a vast array of characters from various social classes, whose lives intertwine in a depiction of the bleakness and despair of the time. The book was initially banned in Spain due to its critical view of Franco's regime.

This expansive novel chronicles the life of a gifted German musician, from his early years in a Rhineland village, through his turbulent development as an artist, to his maturity and recognition as a composer. Set against the backdrop of Europe's cultural and political landscape at the turn of the 20th century, the protagonist's journey is one of passion, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Through his friendships, loves, and artistic endeavors, the narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the nature of genius, and the universal search for meaning. The protagonist's life story is a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the creative mind.

"Solitude" is a novel that explores the life and struggles of a young woman living in a rural Catalan village. The protagonist is a strong-willed, independent woman who defies societal norms and expectations, leading to friction with her conservative community. The narrative examines themes of gender, societal pressures, and the struggle for personal freedom, providing a powerful critique of rural life and patriarchal society.

The book is a captivating tale of a young military officer who is posted to a remote coastal fortress in an imaginary Mediterranean country. As he awaits a long-anticipated enemy invasion, he finds himself drawn into the local customs and intrigued by the enigmatic presence of the enemy on the opposing shore. The narrative delves into themes of waiting, the passage of time, and the psychological impact of imagined threats, all set against a backdrop of political and military tension.

"Suite Française" is a two-part novel set during the early years of World War II in France. The first part, "Storm in June," follows a group of Parisians as they flee the Nazi invasion. The second part, "Dolce," shows life in a small French village under German occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and survival, and provides a unique perspective on life in France during the war. The book was written during the war but was not discovered and published until many years later.

The novel is a poignant exploration of a woman's life set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the early years of Franco's dictatorship. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a shopkeeper in Barcelona, readers experience her struggles with love, loss, and survival. Her personal journey is interwoven with the turbulent history of the era, as she endures the hardships of war, the complexities of her romantic relationships, and the challenges of raising her children alone. The narrative, rich with symbolic imagery, particularly the recurring motif of doves, offers a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of resilience amidst the chaos of societal upheaval.

"Le Diable au corps" is a French novel focusing on a teenage boy who engages in a passionate and scandalous affair with a woman whose husband is fighting at the front during World War I. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms, while highlighting the consequences of their illicit relationship, including the woman's pregnancy, the boy's expulsion from school, and the tragic death of the woman during childbirth. The story is a poignant portrayal of youthful recklessness, war's impact on society, and the destructive power of love.

This novel is an evocative portrayal of several generations of women in Guadeloupe, a tapestry of their joys, sufferings, and resilient spirits against the backdrop of post-slavery Caribbean society. The story centers on the life of Telumee, the last in a line of proud Lougandor women, as she navigates the complexities of love, poverty, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Rich in Creole culture, the narrative weaves together the supernatural with the everyday, creating a lyrical and poignant exploration of the enduring human spirit and the bonds of family, tradition, and heritage that shape our destinies.

"The Cairo Trilogy" is a captivating tale set in Egypt during the early 20th century, following the lives of the Abd al-Jawad family. The trilogy explores the intricacies of family dynamics, societal changes, and political unrest, as it delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. With vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, the trilogy offers a deep insight into the complexities of Egyptian society, tradition, and modernization, making it a timeless masterpiece of literature.

Set in 1960s Egypt, "Miramar" tells the story of an aging revolutionary, a rich man's daughter, a corrupt journalist, and a real estate agent who all come to reside at the Miramar Pension in Alexandria. Their lives intertwine with the life of the young peasant woman who works there as a maid, and through their interactions, the novel explores themes of social and political change in Egypt, the struggle between old and new, and the power of the individual to shape their own destiny.

Set in an old Cairo neighborhood during World War II, the novel delves into the lives of the residents of a bustling alley, offering a tapestry of human experiences and social issues. Through the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including a young beauty dreaming of a better life, a wealthy businessman seeking love, a cafe owner yearning for his past, and others, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. The alley serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the larger cultural and political changes occurring in Egypt at the time, and the characters' intertwined lives illustrate the complexities of human nature and the universal quest for happiness and meaning.

"The Abyss" is a historical novel set in the 16th century that follows the life of Zeno, a physician, philosopher, and scientist. The narrative explores Zeno's journey from his birth in Bruges to his travels across Europe, his experiences during the Inquisition, and his ultimate death in Constantinople. The book delves into the intellectual and spiritual challenges of the Renaissance era, providing a profound exploration of the human condition, the quest for knowledge, and the struggle between faith and reason.

"Aurélien" is a novel set in post-World War I Paris, following the life of the protagonist, a war veteran, who falls in love with a woman he sees in a café. However, the woman is already engaged to a friend of his, leading to a tumultuous love triangle. The book explores themes of love, war, and the struggle of the human condition, presenting a vivid picture of the social and political landscape of Paris during the 1920s.

The book is a fictionalized account of the life of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It delves into the protagonist's personal history, tracing his journey from a troubled childhood through his rise in the ranks of the SS. The narrative provides a chilling insight into the bureaucratic and ideological mechanisms that led to the Holocaust, exploring the protagonist's role in the administration of mass murder and the psychological detachment that enabled him to view the extermination of millions as a job. The story is a harrowing examination of the banality of evil and the moral complexities of obedience to authority.

"The Horseman on the Roof" is a historical novel set in 19th century France during a cholera epidemic. The story revolves around an Italian nobleman who is a member of a secret revolutionary group. He is forced to flee his homeland due to political turmoil and ends up in Provence, where he encounters and falls in love with a beautiful woman. As he travels through the plague-ridden countryside, he faces various trials and struggles, reflecting on the nature of honor, duty, and love.

The book is a poignant and harrowing narrative that follows the tragic history of the Levy family over eight centuries, focusing on the lineage of the "Just Men" - thirty-six pure souls in each generation said to bear the sufferings of the world. The story culminates with the life of Ernie Levy, who, despite the encroaching horrors of the Holocaust, maintains an unwavering faith in human goodness. His journey through the ghettos and concentration camps of World War II Europe is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil, as he upholds his family's legacy of compassion until his last breath.

The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.