The novel is a complex narrative that weaves together the story of two sisters in early 20th century Canada, one of whom publishes a scandalous novel that leads to her suicide. The surviving sister, now an elderly woman, reflects on their lives, revealing family secrets, heartbreak, and the truth behind the scandalous novel. The narrative is interspersed with excerpts from the controversial book, a science fiction story within a story, adding layers of intrigue and mystery.

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.

The novel delves into the lives of two childhood friends navigating the treacherous landscape of war-torn Beirut. As the city crumbles under the weight of the Lebanese Civil War, the young men find themselves drawn into the violence and chaos that surrounds them. One chooses the path of emigration, seeking a new life abroad, while the other becomes embroiled in the militia warfare that dominates the streets. Their friendship is tested by the brutality of their environment, as they grapple with the moral complexities of survival, loyalty, and the devastating impact of conflict on the human spirit.

"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.

This novel follows the story of a young boy who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim reality of his surroundings, he befriends another boy on the other side of the camp fence. The two develop a deep friendship despite the horrific circumstances, leading to a devastating and unforgettable ending.

This novel delves into the complexities of family life in Bombay, exploring the challenges and emotional turmoil within a small, crowded apartment that becomes a battleground of generational conflict. At the heart of the story is an elderly patriarch whose declining health necessitates care, leading to tensions and revealing the deep-seated resentments and secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. Through a rich tapestry of characters and meticulously detailed narrative, the book presents a poignant examination of duty, love, and the strains that familial obligations impose on individual desires and dreams, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Indian society.

"Anil's Ghost" is a gripping tale of a forensic anthropologist who returns to her native Sri Lanka in the midst of its civil war. She partners with local archaeologist, Sarath, to investigate a skeleton discovered in an ancient burial site, which they believe might be a victim of the war. The narrative explores the horrors of war, the quest for truth, and the struggle for personal and national identity in a land where the past and present are inextricably intertwined.

"Washington Black" is a historical novel by Esi Edugyan that tells the story of a young slave named George Washington Black, who is forced to flee a plantation in Barbados with the help of his master's brother. The two embark on a journey that takes them across the globe, from the Caribbean to the Arctic, and Washington Black discovers his talent for scientific illustration. Along the way, he faces challenges and struggles with his identity as a black man in a world dominated by white men. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of colonialism on individuals and societies.

This novel vividly captures the harrowing experiences of a young Irish soldier caught in the brutal trenches of World War I. As he navigates the horrors of war, he also grapples with the complex political tensions of his homeland, torn between loyalty to the British forces and the rising call for Irish independence. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the brutal realities of conflict, the bonds of camaraderie, and the personal quest for identity amidst the chaos of war and the shifting landscapes of early 20th-century Ireland. The narrative combines historical detail with profound emotional depth, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the devastating impact of war on the human spirit.

This novel is a poignant exploration of the human spirit set against the backdrop of the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. It follows the lives of three individuals: a cellist who vows to play at the site of a mortar attack for 22 days in tribute to the victims, a woman who must navigate the city's dangerous streets to fetch water for her family, and a man struggling with the moral complexities of survival. Through their interconnected stories, the book delves into themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of music to offer solace and resistance against the backdrop of war's devastation.

Set in a small town in Ireland in the late 1960s, the novel follows Nora Webster, a recently widowed mother of four struggling to forge a new life after the death of her beloved husband. As she navigates her grief and the complexities of raising her children alone, Nora gradually begins to rediscover her own identity beyond her roles as a wife and mother. Through her journey, she confronts societal expectations and personal setbacks, ultimately finding a renewed sense of self and independence. The narrative captures the subtle transformations of Nora's character and the intimate details of her everyday life with profound emotional depth and insight.

The novel follows the intertwined lives of two Cree friends, Xavier Bird and Elijah Weesageechak, who leave their native Canada to serve as snipers in the trenches of World War I. As they navigate the horrors of war, their bond is tested by the brutal realities they face and the differing paths they choose. Upon returning home, Xavier is physically and emotionally scarred, and he embarks on a healing journey with his aunt, Niska, who shares her own stories of survival and resilience. Through their shared narratives, the novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage.

In this evocative novel, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy who embarks on a sea voyage from Sri Lanka to England on the ship Oronsay in the early 1950s. During the journey, he is seated at the "cat's table"—the least prestigious place—along with a diverse group of adults and two other boys, with whom he forms a strong bond. As they sail across the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the protagonist experiences a series of adventures and misadventures, uncovering the hidden depths of the adult world and the complexities of life. The voyage becomes a transformative journey for him, shaping his understanding of friendship, love, and loss, in a narrative that beautifully intertwines the past and the present.

"The Secret Scripture" is a deeply moving tale of Roseanne McNulty, a centenarian who has spent most of her life in a mental institution in Ireland. As the institution is about to be demolished, her psychiatrist Dr. Grene must determine whether she's fit to be released. As he delves into her past, Roseanne reveals her life story through a secret memoir she's been writing. The narrative alternates between Roseanne's recollections and Dr. Grene's observations, revealing a tragic and complex history of Ireland's social and political changes, while also exploring themes of memory, identity, and sanity.

The book is a darkly comic, Western-inspired tale that follows the notorious sibling hitmen, Eli and Charlie Sisters, as they journey through the American frontier during the 1850s Gold Rush. Tasked with killing a prospector who has allegedly stolen from their employer, the brothers grapple with a series of increasingly bizarre and violent encounters. Along the way, Eli, the more introspective of the two, begins to question their life of crime and contemplates a different future, reflecting on themes of brotherhood, redemption, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

The novel is a poignant story of a young Ojibway boy, Saul Indian Horse, who is torn from his family and placed in a residential school in Northern Ontario, Canada. Within the harsh and oppressive environment aimed at eradicating his culture and identity, Saul finds salvation in the form of ice hockey. His extraordinary talent on the ice becomes a means of escape and a source of pride. However, as he grows and moves through the ranks of the hockey world, he continues to battle the racism and the lingering effects of his painful past. The story is a powerful exploration of Canadian history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of sport.

Set in a remote Irish village, the novel unfolds through the eyes of a young man who, during a transformative summer, witnesses the arrival of electricity and the changes it brings to the community. As the village buzzes with anticipation and skepticism, the protagonist also encounters personal growth and the complexities of love, as he is drawn into the lives and stories of the local inhabitants. The narrative is a poignant exploration of progress and tradition, the power of memory, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, all set against a backdrop of lyrical landscapes and the whimsical charm of rural Ireland.

Set in the 19th century, this historical novel follows the journey of three British brothers who venture into the American and Canadian West in search of their missing sibling. As they navigate the rugged landscape, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a Métis guide, a troubled preacher, and a determined woman seeking justice. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, redemption, and the clash of cultures, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and complexities of frontier life. Through their perilous quest, the brothers confront their own personal demons and the harsh realities of the untamed wilderness.

Set in the early 20th century, the story follows a young widow who is on the run after committing a violent crime. As she flees through the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, she encounters a series of characters who shape her journey, from a reclusive trapper to a pair of vengeful brothers. Amidst the harsh and unforgiving landscape, she struggles for survival and redemption, grappling with her past and seeking a new identity. The narrative weaves themes of isolation, resilience, and the quest for freedom, painting a vivid portrait of a woman's fight to reclaim her life.

Set in a world inspired by Tang Dynasty China, the novel tells the story of Shen Tai, a man who has spent two years honorably burying the bones of the dead from a brutal battle between rival empires. As a reward for his dedication, Tai receives an unexpected gift that catapults him into the treacherous world of politics, intrigue, and betrayal that surrounds the imperial court. With this gift, he becomes a pawn in a power struggle between factions vying for control, forcing him to navigate the complex and dangerous waters of courtly life while attempting to honor his own sense of duty and destiny. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, love, and the heavy cost of power and ambition.

"The Little Red Chairs" is a novel that explores the impact of a charismatic stranger who arrives in a small Irish village, claiming to be a healer and spiritual leader. The community, particularly a local woman named Fidelma, is drawn to him, but his mysterious past soon catches up with him, revealing his true identity as a war criminal. The revelation shatters the village and leads Fidelma on a harrowing journey across Europe, seeking redemption and healing in the aftermath of profound betrayal and violence. The novel delves into themes of evil, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption, set against the backdrop of international conflicts and human rights abuses.

Set in a world evoking Renaissance Italy, the novel weaves a tale of fate and consequence where the lives of a healer's daughter and a mercenary's son become intertwined with those of powerful rulers and skilled assassins. As past choices and chance encounters reverberate through the tapestry of their world, the characters navigate a landscape of beauty and violence, where the paths of the mighty and the humble cross in unexpected ways. The narrative explores the impact of memory, the weight of history, and the nature of human ambition, all while painting a vivid portrait of a society on the cusp of transformative change.