The novel explores the final hours of the Roman poet Virgil, who, while on his deathbed, contemplates the value and impact of his life's work, particularly his unfinished epic, the Aeneid. The narrative is a complex, stream-of-consciousness meditation on art, life, and death, with Virgil wrestling with his desire to burn his epic and the emperor's command to preserve it. The book delves into themes of the meaning of human existence, the role of art in society, and the clash between the individual's inner world and the external world.

"The Royal Game" is a gripping novella about a man who, while in solitary confinement by the Nazis, steals a book of past chess games and plays them all in his mind to keep his sanity. Once freed, he becomes a chess master but his mental state is fragile. On a cruise ship, he is challenged to a game by the reigning world champion, leading to a psychological battle that pushes him to the brink of madness.

"The Real Life of Sebastian Knight" is a novel centered around the protagonist's quest to understand and write a biography about his deceased half-brother, a famous author. However, as he delves deeper into his brother's life, he encounters numerous obstacles and confusions, including misleading information, false leads, and the challenge of distinguishing between the man and his literary persona. Ultimately, the protagonist's journey becomes a profound exploration of identity, truth, and the blurred line between fiction and reality.

The book is a lyrical and intense prose-poem that delves into the depths of the narrator's passionate affair with a married man. It explores the tumultuous emotions of love, jealousy, and despair that accompany an illicit relationship. The narrative is rich with biblical and literary allusions, reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle to reconcile her overwhelming feelings with the moral and societal constraints of her time. The work is known for its poetic language and its raw, honest portrayal of the complexities of love and desire.

"The Tin Flute" is a poignant narrative set in the working-class district of Montreal during World War II. The story revolves around a young woman who struggles with poverty and the harsh realities of her life while dreaming of a better future. Despite the harshness of her life, she constantly battles to keep her family together and to find love and happiness, even in the most challenging circumstances. The book vividly portrays the struggles of the working class, the impact of war, and the human spirit's resilience.

"Dark Avenues" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complex and often shadowy aspects of human love and relationships. Set primarily in Russia before the Bolshevik Revolution, the tales explore the passions, betrayals, and yearnings of a diverse cast of characters, from aristocrats to peasants. The author's rich prose and deep psychological insight paint a vivid picture of the era and the timeless nature of love's joys and sorrows. Each story in the collection stands as a testament to the author's mastery of the short story form and his ability to capture the nuances of the human heart.

"The Return and Other Stories" is a collection of short narratives revolving around the theme of human struggle and resilience in the face of oppressive political regimes and harsh living conditions. The stories, set against the backdrop of Soviet Russia, explore the complexities of human nature, the power of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters, often ordinary people, grapple with existential questions and the harsh realities of life, providing a poignant critique of the socio-political landscape of the time.

The book is a science fiction tale set in a future where humanity is at odds with a genetically advanced subspecies known as Slans, who possess telepathic abilities and are persecuted by the fearful human majority. The story follows a young Slan named Jommy Cross as he navigates a world filled with danger and discrimination, seeking to uncover the truth about his kind and find a place where Slans can live in peace. His journey is fraught with challenges, including evading the relentless human forces bent on eradicating his species, while also contending with internal divisions among the Slans themselves. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, survival, and the quest for understanding between different beings.