The novel revolves around the life of Judith Hearne, a lonely middle-aged spinster living in 1950s Belfast who struggles with her declining social status and her increasing reliance on alcohol. As she desperately seeks companionship and purpose in life, she becomes infatuated with her boarding house's landlady's brother, only to face rejection and further isolation. The book explores themes of loneliness, faith, disillusionment, and the harsh realities of ageing.

Endgame is a one-act play that follows the lives of Hamm, a blind and unable to stand man, and Clov, his servant who cannot sit. They live in a single room, with Hamm's legless parents residing in dustbins. The characters are trapped in a cyclical existence where they constantly argue and contemplate life, death, and their own existence. The play is characterized by its minimalistic setting and bleak outlook on life, reflecting themes of existentialism and the human condition.

This collection brings together numerous short stories from a renowned author, demonstrating his masterful storytelling ability. The stories span a variety of themes and settings, often focusing on the complexities of human relationships and the subtle nuances of everyday life. The author's keen eye for detail and ability to capture the human condition in his works have earned him a place among the greatest short story writers.

"Girl With Green Eyes" is a novel about a young, naive country girl who moves to Dublin and falls in love with a sophisticated older man who is married and a writer. The book explores themes of love, passion, innocence, and societal expectations. The protagonist's journey is marked by her struggle to reconcile her feelings for the man she loves with the moral and social implications of their relationship.

"The Painted Bird" is a dark and harrowing novel set in Eastern Europe during World War II. The story follows a young, unnamed boy of unknown ethnicity who is sent by his parents to live in a remote village for safety. However, he is instead subjected to brutal violence, abuse, and superstition by the superstitious peasants. The book explores themes of survival, human cruelty, and the loss of innocence in the face of war and hatred.

The novel is a darkly comedic and absurdist exploration of the human condition. It follows the eponymous character, Watt, as he serves as a domestic servant in a bizarre, isolated household. Throughout the narrative, Watt struggles to make sense of his surroundings, the odd behavior of his master, and his own existence. The book is filled with philosophical musings, wordplay, and surreal humor, offering a unique and challenging reading experience.

This collection features selected plays by a renowned playwright, showcasing his wit, social criticism, and talent for character development. The plays touch on a wide range of themes, including class struggles, the complexities of love, the absurdity of war, and the pursuit of individual freedom. The author's sharp dialogue and satirical approach make these plays both entertaining and thought-provoking, reflecting his progressive views and his belief in the potential for societal change.

This book is a collection of short stories based on the author's experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Each story provides a harrowing, yet matter-of-fact, account of life in the concentration camp, from the brutal work details to the constant threat of death. The author's stark and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of Auschwitz serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

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.

This novel tells the story of Yasha Mazur, a talented and renowned 19th-century Jewish magician living in Poland. Yasha is a complex character, torn between his own desires and the expectations of his religious community. He leads a double life, juggling his career, his marriage, and his multiple affairs. As he grapples with his conflicting identities, Yasha is forced to confront his own moral failings and the consequences of his actions. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, offering a nuanced exploration of faith, love, and the human condition.

"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.

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.

"Strumpet City" is a historical novel set in Dublin, Ireland, during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters from different social classes as they navigate the struggles and hardships of life during this tumultuous time. The book vividly depicts the poverty, exploitation, and political unrest of the era, offering a rich and detailed portrait of Dublin and its people in the early 20th century.

"Krapp's Last Tape" is a one-act play about an aging man who annually records a review of the past year of his life. On his 69th birthday, he listens to a tape from 30 years earlier, where he reflects on his life at 39, his lost love, and his isolation. The play explores themes of memory, regret, and the passing of time, with the protagonist's relationship with his younger self revealing a portrait of a man in decline.

"Gimpel the Fool" is a collection of short stories that portray the life of Gimpel, a simple baker who is often deceived by the people in his town. Despite the continuous deceit, Gimpel maintains his faith in humanity and never seeks revenge. Throughout the stories, the protagonist's innocence and naivety are contrasted with the harsh realities of the world, exploring themes of faith, forgiveness, and the inherent goodness of people.

"The Street of Crocodiles" is a collection of short stories set in a small town in Poland, illustrating the author's unique perspective on reality. The book portrays the narrator's father's eccentricities and his vivid, often disturbing, imagination. The stories are filled with bizarre, dreamlike imagery and metaphors, presenting a surreal and grotesque view of everyday life. The book is a profound exploration of human nature, memory, and the power of imagination.

"The Joys of Motherhood" is a poignant and powerful novel that explores the life of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman who struggles to find fulfillment and happiness in the traditional role of motherhood. Set against the backdrop of colonial Nigeria, the story delves into themes of gender inequality, cultural expectations, and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Through Nnu Ego's experiences, the author offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities and contradictions of motherhood in a rapidly changing society.

"Eva Trout" is a novel about a young, wealthy woman who struggles to find her place in society and understand her own identity. She leaves England to live in France, where she adopts a deaf-mute child in an attempt to avoid loneliness. The book explores themes of isolation, communication, and the effects of wealth on personal relationships. The protagonist's eccentric and often impulsive behavior leads to a tragic climax, shedding light on the consequences of her actions and decisions.

"The Sea" is a profound exploration of memory, grief, and loss. The novel follows the story of a widower who returns to a seaside town where he spent his childhood summers. His present-day experiences are interwoven with memories of a transformative event from his youth involving a wealthy family he befriended. As he grapples with the loss of his wife to cancer, he also deals with the haunting memories of the past. The narrative is a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, and the fluidity of time.

This novel follows the story of a man from Nigeria who is addicted to palm wine. After his tapster (the man who taps palm trees to make his wine) dies, he embarks on a journey into the spirit world to find him. Along the way, he encounters a host of supernatural beings and experiences a series of bizarre and thrilling adventures. The book is a unique blend of Yoruba folktales, surrealism, and fantasy.

The Van is a humorous and touching tale of two friends in Dublin, Ireland, who decide to start a fish and chips van business during the 1990 World Cup. The book explores their trials and tribulations as they navigate the unpredictable world of small business, all against the backdrop of Ireland's football frenzy. Their friendship is tested as they experience the highs and lows of their venture, providing an insightful and entertaining look at the human condition.

This play is a dramatic depiction of the life and trial of Joan of Arc. The narrative follows the young, illiterate peasant girl who claims to hear voices from saints, guiding her to lead France to victory against England in the Hundred Years' War. Her success on the battlefield eventually leads to her capture and trial for heresy. The play explores themes of individualism, faith, and the corruption of institutions.

In a dystopian future, the protagonist attends a scientific conference where he is exposed to a new hallucinogenic drug that transports him to a surreal and chaotic world. As he navigates through this bizarre reality, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving mind-altering technology, political manipulation, and the struggle for power. This satirical novel explores themes of reality, identity, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancements.

Set in the 17th century, the novel explores the impact of false messianic fervor on the Jewish community of Goray, a small Polish town. After the devastating Chmielnicki massacres, the traumatized survivors find themselves drawn to the charismatic but ultimately destructive figure of Sabbatai Zevi, who claims to be the long-awaited Messiah. As the community becomes increasingly divided between believers and skeptics, the narrative delves into themes of faith, madness, and the desperate need for redemption, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse under the weight of its own expectations and desires.

"Good Behaviour" is a darkly humorous and compelling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the St. Charles family. Set in the early 20th century, the story is narrated by Aroon, the youngest daughter, who chronicles her family's eccentricities, secrets, and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Aroon navigates her way through a world of privilege and societal expectations, she grapples with her own desires and the consequences of her actions. With sharp wit and keen observations, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.