"The Living and the Dead" is a novel that explores the lives and relationships of the Standish family living in London. The story delves into the complexities of the human condition, as it portrays the characters' struggles with their identities, societal expectations, and the inherent loneliness of existence. The narrative is characterized by its rich, introspective, and often satirical examination of the upper-middle-class life, the disillusionment of youth, and the search for meaning.

"The Commandant" is a historical novel that explores the life of Frances Forbes, the wife of Commandant Patrick Logan, who was a penal colony superintendent in Australia during the 19th century. The story, narrated by Frances, provides a detailed account of their life in the colony, including the harsh conditions, the social hierarchy, and the relationships between the convicts, soldiers, and officers. The narrative also delves into Frances' personal life, her loneliness, her relationship with her husband, and her struggle to maintain her sanity amidst the harsh and isolated environment.

"The Children's Bach" is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of happiness. Set in Melbourne, the story follows a group of interconnected characters as they navigate their relationships, dreams, and disappointments. Through beautiful prose and keen observations, the author delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in everyday life, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

This mystery novel centers around Inspector Bonaparte, who investigates the disappearance of stockman Jack Anderson from a cattle station in the Australian Outback. As he delves into the case, Bonaparte faces a unique challenge: he's been cursed by an Aboriginal wizard. As his health declines, he must solve the mystery before the curse takes its toll. The narrative weaves elements of detective fiction with insights into Aboriginal culture and the harsh realities of life in the Australian Outback.

In "Death of a Lake", a young woman goes missing in the Australian Outback, causing a detective to suspect foul play when a local lake begins to dry up and reveal disturbing secrets. The detective has to navigate treacherous environmental conditions, local superstitions, and a cast of eccentric characters to solve the mystery. As the water levels continue to drop, the tension rises, culminating in a dramatic climax that reveals the truth about the missing woman and the secrets hidden beneath the lake's surface.

The book revolves around a linguist who finds himself inexplicably trapped in a nightmarish city where he cannot understand the language or communicate with the inhabitants. Despite his expertise in languages, the protagonist's skills are rendered useless in this alien environment, leading to a series of Kafkaesque encounters as he desperately tries to make sense of his surroundings and find a way back home. His isolation is compounded by the city's indifferent bureaucracy and the strange, often absurd, customs of its citizens, turning his ordeal into an existential struggle for identity and understanding in the face of an incomprehensible world.

The novel is a sprawling tale of deception, magic, and family history, narrated by a 139-year-old Australian con artist. He recounts his life's adventures, from snake handling to aircraft manufacturing, while weaving in the stories of his descendants. The narrative is a blend of historical fiction and tall tales, exploring themes of national identity, truth, and the art of storytelling itself. Through the protagonist's unreliable narration, the book challenges the reader to discern fact from fiction, all while painting a vivid picture of Australian society and its transformation over the 20th century.

Inland is a complex and introspective novel that explores the inner workings of the human mind and the concept of reality. The story is narrated by a man who is reflecting on his life, his relationships, and his experiences, using the vast landscapes of his native Australia as a metaphor for his inner world. The narrative is non-linear and often fragmented, reflecting the man's scattered thoughts and memories. The novel is a deep exploration of the human psyche, the nature of memory, and the power of the imagination.

This novel is a rich tapestry of themes and characters, interweaving the lives of four diverse individuals in post-World War II Australia. Each character, an eccentric Holocaust survivor, a reclusive heiress, a visionary Aboriginal artist, and a passionate washerwoman, is marked by intense spiritual experiences and a sense of being an outsider. Their paths converge in a narrative that explores the depths of human suffering, the potential for redemption, and the complex interplay between the sacred and the profane. Through their interconnected stories, the book delves into the moral and existential dilemmas of the human condition, offering a profound meditation on faith, meaning, and the possibility of transcendence amidst the harsh realities of everyday life.

"The Little Hotel" is a novel that revolves around the lives of the guests and staff of a small Swiss hotel post-World War II. The narrative delves into the interactions, secrets, and complexities of its diverse characters, who range from exiles and refugees to tourists and the hotel's proprietors. Through a series of vignettes, the book paints a vivid picture of the human condition, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the search for stability in a rapidly changing world. The hotel serves as a microcosm of society, where personal dramas and the echoes of global events intermingle, revealing the nuanced tapestry of post-war Europe.

In "Beat Not The Bones" by Charlotte Jay, an Australian journalist named Lewis Hall travels to the remote Pacific island of Aldabran to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow journalist. As he delves deeper into the island's secrets, Lewis uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and cultural clashes that threaten to consume him. With the help of a local woman named Dr. Claire Hayden, he must navigate the treacherous terrain of Aldabran society to uncover the truth and save his own life.

The novel explores the complex and tragic relationship between the white owner of a cattle station in the Australian Outback and Coonardoo, an Aboriginal woman who grows up on the station. Despite their deep affection for each other, societal norms and racial prejudices of the early 20th century create an insurmountable barrier between them. The story delves into themes of love, race, and the harsh realities of life in the Australian wilderness, while also providing a poignant critique of the treatment of Aboriginal people and the destruction of their culture by white settlers.

"The Harp In The South" is a compelling novel that delves into the lives of the Darcy family, living in the slums of Sydney in the 1940s. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Roie, readers witness the struggles, dreams, and resilience of a family trying to make ends meet amidst poverty, violence, and societal prejudices. With vivid descriptions and memorable characters, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better life, ultimately painting a poignant portrait of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"Johnno" is a coming-of-age novel set in Brisbane, Australia, during the 1940s and 1950s. The story follows the life of the protagonist, Dante, as he navigates his complex friendship with his childhood friend, Johnno. Through their adventures, Dante explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the complexities of Australian society, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and transformations of growing up.

"The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family. The book explores themes of immigration, displacement, and hope in a beautifully illustrated, silent narrative.

Set against the backdrop of World War II in Hungary, the novel follows a young girl sent to a strict boarding school in the countryside by her father, a high-ranking general who fears for her safety amidst the war. Struggling to fit in and feeling abandoned, she eventually discovers the school harbors deep secrets, including the mysterious "Abigél," a statue that seems to be at the center of a clandestine operation protecting those persecuted by the war. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of adolescence, authority, and the harsh realities of her time, she learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows two city boys who spend their summer in the Hungarian countryside, near a place called Tüskevár, to learn about nature, survival, and self-reliance. Under the guidance of an old woodsman, they encounter various adventures and challenges, from learning to fish and hunt to dealing with the harsh realities of the natural world. Throughout their stay, they gain a deep appreciation for the environment and experience personal growth, ultimately leaving behind their naïve views and becoming more mature and responsible individuals.

"Abel Alone" is a poignant narrative that follows the life of a young shepherd named Abel, who lives in the isolated, pastoral landscapes of Transylvania. The story delves into Abel's solitary existence, his deep connection with nature, and his struggles with the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. As he grapples with personal growth and the challenges of adulthood, Abel's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the search for identity and belonging in a world that often feels vast and indifferent.

"Indul A Bakterház" is a Hungarian novel that follows the life of a young boy growing up in a rural village during the interwar period. The narrative centers around the boy's experiences in a strict, yet comical, educational system and his interactions with a cast of eccentric characters, including his family members and schoolmates. Through a series of humorous and poignant episodes, the novel paints a vivid picture of village life, exploring themes of adolescence, tradition, and the universal journey of growing up amidst the challenges of poverty and societal change.

The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a Hungarian boarding school at the turn of the 20th century. It follows the life of a young boy from a poor family who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious institution. His journey is marked by the struggle to fit in among wealthier peers, the harsh discipline of school authorities, and the challenges of adolescence. When a valuable violin goes missing, he is unjustly accused of theft, leading to a profound examination of morality, integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and hardship.

The book is a captivating tale of a young fox named Vuk who, after the tragic loss of his family, embarks on a journey of survival and discovery in the wild. Under the guidance of his wise uncle Karak, Vuk learns the ways of the forest, hones his hunting skills, and navigates the perils of the natural world. As he grows, he encounters various challenges and adventures, including confrontations with hunters and other animals. The story is a poignant exploration of the circle of life, the importance of family and mentorship, and the coming-of-age of a clever and resilient protagonist.

The novel is a sweeping historical saga set in Transylvania, focusing on the life of a young peasant girl who, despite her humble origins and the tumultuous times, rises to become a powerful figure in her community. Possessing an indomitable spirit and a mysterious gift that some consider witchcraft, she navigates the complex social hierarchies and political upheavals of her era, becoming both revered and feared. Her journey is marked by love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of her destiny, as she becomes entwined with the fates of the villagers and the land itself, reflecting the broader struggles and resilience of the human spirit.

This novel, set in the twilight years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, weaves a tale of aristocratic decadence, political intrigue, and personal downfall. It follows two cousins, navigating the treacherous waters of high society, politics, and love in Transylvania and Budapest. Through their eyes, the reader experiences the lavish balls, the rural estates, and the corridors of power, all set against the backdrop of an empire on the brink of collapse. The story masterfully portrays the complex interplay between personal ambitions, romantic entanglements, and the shifting sands of political alliances, capturing the essence of a bygone era with vivid detail and emotional depth.

"Kincskereső Kisködmön" is a classic Hungarian children's tale that follows the adventures of a young, clever boy from a poor family who sets out on a quest to find a hidden treasure. Along his journey, he encounters various characters and obstacles, using his wit and resourcefulness to solve riddles and overcome challenges. The story is a celebration of ingenuity and perseverance, as the protagonist demonstrates that with courage and cleverness, even someone from humble beginnings can achieve great things. The book is not only a treasure hunt but also a moral tale that imparts valuable lessons to its young readers.

"Give Me Back My Mountains" is a poignant historical novel that delves into the struggles and resilience of a Transylvanian noble family during the tumultuous period of World War II and the subsequent communist takeover. The narrative explores themes of loss, identity, and the unyielding human spirit, as the family confronts the confiscation of their ancestral lands and the erosion of their cultural heritage. Through vivid characters and rich descriptions, the book paints a picture of a bygone era, highlighting the personal and collective challenges faced by those who lived through the seismic political shifts of the 20th century in Eastern Europe.