"The Leopard" is a historical novel set in 19th-century Sicily, during the time of the Italian unification or Risorgimento. It centers on an aging, aristocratic protagonist who is coming to terms with the decline of his class and the rise of a new social order. The narrative weaves together personal drama with the larger political and social upheaval of the time, providing a rich, nuanced portrait of a society in transition. Despite his resistance to change, the protagonist ultimately recognizes its inevitability and the futility of his efforts to preserve the old ways.

Set in a wealthy Italian monastery in the 14th century, the novel follows a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths within the monastery. As they navigate the labyrinthine library and decipher cryptic manuscripts, they uncover a complex plot involving forbidden books, secret societies, and the Inquisition. The novel is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical exploration, delving into themes of truth, knowledge, and the power of the written word.

"History" is a novel set in Rome during World War II and the post-war period, focusing on the life of a widowed schoolteacher and her young son. The narrative explores the struggles of the impoverished family against the backdrop of war, including the Nazi occupation of Rome, the Allied bombing, and the rise of Fascism. The book also delves into the themes of love, loss, and survival, offering a poignant depiction of the human condition.

Set in Ferrara, Italy during the late 1930s, the book tells the story of the Finzi-Continis, a wealthy, aristocratic Jewish family who live in a secluded mansion with a beautiful, walled garden. The narrator, a young middle-class Jew, becomes infatuated with the family's daughter, Micoleta. As the Fascist regime's anti-Jewish laws become increasingly oppressive, the idyllic garden becomes a sanctuary for the local Jewish community, including the narrator. Despite the looming threat of the Holocaust, the family remains oblivious to their impending fate, leading to a tragic end.

The story follows a man who, after making a fortune in America, returns to his small hometown in Italy after World War II. He finds the place significantly changed, with many of his old friends either dead or drastically different. As he tries to reconcile his memories with the new reality, he also grapples with his own identity and the impact of the war on his home. The narrative explores themes of change, identity, and the lasting effects of war.

This novel follows a band of Jewish partisans behind German lines during World War II. They are a diverse group from different countries and social backgrounds, all brought together by the common goal of sabotaging the Nazi war effort and surviving the Holocaust. The narrative explores their various experiences, the challenges they face, their acts of resistance, and their hopes for a future free from oppression. The title reflects the urgent necessity of their mission and their determination to fight back against their persecutors.

"Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

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.

"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.

"Silk" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a 19th-century French silkworm merchant who travels to Japan for business. During his travels, he becomes enamored with a mysterious woman. His unrequited love for her haunts him for the rest of his life, even as he returns to France and continues his life there. The novel explores themes of love, longing, and the profound impact that brief encounters can have on one's life.

This graphic novel follows the adventures of a young sailor who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving pirates, kidnappings, and political intrigue in the South Seas. Set in the early 20th century, the story is filled with historical references and exotic locales, providing a rich backdrop for the complex narrative. The sailor's journey is not just physical but also emotional, as he navigates the treacherous waters of personal relationships and moral dilemmas.

"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.

"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.

"The Bitter Glass" is a historical novel set in Ireland during the 1920s, a time of political upheaval and civil war. The story follows the life of a young man who becomes embroiled in the conflict, despite his initial reluctance. As he navigates through the complexities of love, loyalty, and patriotism, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. The book offers a poignant exploration of human nature, the struggle for freedom, and the cost of political strife.

"Bébo's Girl" is a poignant tale set in the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the relationship between a young partisan, Bebo, and Mara, a simple and innocent country girl. Their love story unfolds amidst the grim realities of war, where Bebo's commitment to his cause often conflicts with the peaceful life he desires with Mara. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the devastating impact of war on personal lives, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

"Langrishe, Go Down" by Aidan Higgins is a poignant and introspective novel that delves into the lives of the Langrishe sisters, Imogen and Helen, as they navigate their way through the complexities of love, loss, and longing in rural Ireland. Set in the 1930s, this beautifully written narrative explores the sisters' turbulent relationships with the men in their lives and their struggle to find their own identities amidst societal expectations. With vivid descriptions and emotional depth, the novel captures the essence of a bygone era and offers a profound exploration of the human experience.

This novel is a complex and richly detailed exploration of a crime in 1920s Rome, where an investigation into a theft and a brutal murder in an apartment building on Via Merulana becomes a sprawling narrative that delves into the social, political, and cultural fabric of Italy. The detective in charge of the case navigates through a maze of clues, red herrings, and eccentric characters, revealing not just the underbelly of Roman society but also the inherent chaos and absurdity of life. The narrative is characterized by its linguistic inventiveness, with a mix of literary Italian, Roman dialect, and technical jargon, making it a challenging yet rewarding read that transcends the boundaries of the detective genre to offer a profound commentary on the human condition.

"Zayni Barakat" is a captivating novel set in 19th-century Egypt, following the life of Zayni Barakat, a young man caught in the midst of political and societal turmoil. As he navigates through a world of corruption, power struggles, and forbidden love, Zayni's journey becomes a reflection of the struggles faced by the Egyptian people. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical context, the book explores themes of identity, revolution, and the complex dynamics of a nation on the brink of change.

"Pereira Maintains" is a novel set in the backdrop of 1938 Portugal during the fascist dictatorship of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. The narrative follows Pereira, a widowed, overweight editor of the culture section of a second-rate Lisbon newspaper, who becomes politically awakened after meeting a young anti-fascist. As he grapples with his conscience, he risks everything to help his new friend and his pregnant girlfriend escape to safety. The story is a compelling exploration of the struggle for moral integrity in a climate of political oppression.

The book is a poignant collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women from Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the tumultuous times of the Troubles. Through a series of intimate narratives, the author explores the complex emotions, daily struggles, and the resilience of women as they navigate a society riven by political conflict. The stories offer a nuanced portrayal of the female experience, highlighting themes of family, love, loss, and the quest for personal identity against a backdrop of violence and social upheaval.

This novel unfolds on a remote island in the Gulf of Naples, where the young protagonist, Arturo, lives a solitary life steeped in the wild beauty of his surroundings. His existence is dramatically transformed with the arrival of his father's new wife, igniting a complex web of emotions and a tumultuous journey of self-discovery. Through Arturo's eyes, the narrative explores themes of isolation, the search for identity, and the painful awakening to the realities of adulthood, set against the backdrop of a rugged island landscape that mirrors the turbulent inner world of its inhabitants. The story is a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us to our families and the inevitable loss of innocence, rendered with a lyrical intensity that captures the essence of youth and the stark beauty of the natural world.

"Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

The book tells the story of an old woman living in isolation in a grand but dilapidated house in rural Ireland. Her quiet life is disrupted when a fugitive on the run from the law invades her home. As she's forced to coexist with him, she begins to reflect on her own past and the history of the Irish people, leading to a complex exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the struggle for national identity.