In this novel, the protagonist, a young, ordinary man, visits his cousin at a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. Intending to stay for only a few weeks, he ends up remaining there for seven years, becoming a patient himself. The book explores his experiences and relationships with other patients and staff, delving into philosophical discussions on life, time, and the nature of disease. It also provides a vivid portrayal of the European society and intellectual life on the eve of World War I.

The novel tells the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy who decides on his third birthday that he will stop growing and remain a three-year-old forever. Oskar is gifted with a tin drum by his mother, which he uses to express his emotions and thoughts. Living in Danzig during the rise of Nazi Germany, Oskar's refusal to grow is a form of protest against the adult world. The book is a blend of magical realism and historical fiction, providing a unique perspective on the horrors of World War II and the post-war era in Germany.

The novel tells the story of a young German soldier, Paul Bäumer, and his experiences during World War I. The narrative explores the physical and emotional toll of war, the camaraderie between soldiers, and the disillusionment of a generation thrown into a brutal conflict. The protagonist and his friends grapple with survival, fear, and the loss of innocence, providing a stark and poignant critique of the futility and destructiveness of war.

"Buddenbrooks" is a novel that chronicles the decline of a wealthy north German merchant family over the course of four generations. The narrative focuses on the fluctuating fortunes and internal struggles of the family, reflecting the societal changes and economic decline of the period. The family's personal and business relationships, their moral values, and their struggle to maintain social status are all explored against the backdrop of the changing political and social landscape.

The novel is a reimagining of the Faust legend set in the context of the first half of the 20th century and the turmoil of Germany in that period. It tells the story of a composer who makes a pact with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited creative genius. The protagonist's life and work reflect the cultural and political journey of Germany leading up to World War II, providing a deep exploration of the individual's role in a society undergoing dramatic change. The novel is also a profound meditation on the nature of time, the art and the artist, and the destructiveness of human ambition.

This novel explores the life of a 17-year-old girl who is married off to a much older man, a high-ranking official, for the sake of social and financial stability. Despite her husband's devotion, she embarks on a passionate, but doomed affair with a charming, yet manipulative, major. The affair ends disastrously, leading to her social ostracization and eventual descent into loneliness and despair. The book serves as a critique of the rigid Prussian society of the late 19th century.

This novel is a re-imagining of the biblical story of Joseph, known for his coat of many colors. The narrative delves deeply into the psychological aspects of each character, exploring their motivations, flaws, and virtues. The story covers Joseph's life from his early years in Canaan, through his betrayal by his brothers who sell him into slavery in Egypt, his rise to power in Pharaoh's court, and his eventual reconciliation with his brothers. The novel is a rich tapestry of dreams, myths, and rituals, blending biblical tradition with the author's own philosophical insights.

Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the novel follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. In the midst of the horrors of war, she forms a bond with a Jewish man her foster parents are hiding in their basement. The story is narrated by Death, offering a unique perspective on the atrocities and small acts of kindness during this period. The girl's love for books becomes a metaphor for resistance against the oppressive regime.

"The Nibelungenlied" is a Middle High German epic poem that narrates the story of dragon-slayer Siegfried at the court of the Burgundians, his murder, his wife Kriemhild's revenge, and the destruction of the Burgundians. The narrative is set in the early medieval period and combines elements of Norse mythology, courtly love, and heroic legend. The poem explores themes of honor, loyalty, love, betrayal, and revenge, and is considered one of the most important works of German literature.

"Anniversaries" is a novel that provides a detailed account of a year in the life of Gesine Cresspahl, a German immigrant living in New York City with her young daughter. The narrative unfolds through daily entries, spanning from August 1967 to August 1968, intertwining the protagonist's present-day experiences with her traumatic past in Nazi and post-war East Germany. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, displacement, and the complexities of history, offering a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience and the lasting impacts of historical trauma.

"The Reader" is a poignant narrative centered around a young German boy's complex relationship with an older woman, who later turns out to be a former Auschwitz guard. Their relationship begins with her teaching him to read, but takes a drastic turn when she disappears, only to reemerge on trial for war crimes. The novel explores themes of guilt, shame, and redemption, as the boy, now a law student, grapples with his feelings for a woman he once loved, but whose past actions he cannot reconcile with.

This novel tells the story of Barabbas, the man who was pardoned instead of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. After being released, Barabbas grapples with his newfound freedom and the guilt of being spared at the expense of Jesus. As he witnesses the rise of Christianity and the profound impact Jesus' teachings have on those around him, he struggles with his own beliefs and the meaning of his existence. The narrative explores themes of faith, redemption, and the human condition.

"The Dwarf" is a dark, philosophical novel set in the Italian Renaissance, narrated by a malevolent court dwarf who serves a prince. The dwarf is a symbol for the darker side of humanity, embodying all the malice, deceit, and manipulation that one can possess. His actions and viewpoint provide a cynical commentary on human nature and the moral complexities of power, war, and love. The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the destructive side of human nature.

"The Christmas Oratorio" is a poignant story set in a small Swedish town, revolving around a boy who loses his mother and his relationship with his silent, grieving father. The narrative is deeply embedded in music, specifically Bach's Christmas Oratorio, which becomes a source of solace for the boy. The tale is a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the healing power of music, exploring the deep emotional bonds between father and son, and the transformative power of art.

"Simplicius Simplicissimus" is a satirical novel set during the Thirty Years War in Germany. It follows the life of the protagonist, a naive and simple peasant boy, who is forced to become a soldier. As he journeys through the war-torn land, he encounters various adventures and misadventures, and through these experiences, he gradually loses his innocence and gains a deeper understanding of the world and human nature. The book offers a poignant critique of war and society, highlighting the absurdity and brutality of the human condition.

The book tells the story of a young, carefree gardener's son who is deemed a "good-for-nothing" by his father due to his dreamy and idle nature. Spurred by his desire for adventure and romantic yearnings, he leaves home to embark on a whimsical journey across various regions. Along the way, he encounters a series of picturesque and often mysterious characters and situations, which lead him through a series of adventures that ultimately guide him towards self-discovery and maturity. His travels and the people he meets help him realize the value of love, work, and purpose in life.

"The Stechlin" is a social novel set in late 19th-century Germany that explores the changes and tensions brought about by the modern world. The story follows an aging aristocrat who lives near Lake Stechlin and his interactions with the community around him, including his son who is a member of the Reichstag in Berlin. The novel is known for its detailed and realistic depiction of the social and political climate of the time, as well as its exploration of the conflict between traditional values and modernity.

"A Legacy" is a historical novel that captures the social and political turmoil of early 20th century Germany through the eyes of its protagonist. The story follows a young woman who hails from two distinct families, one being a wealthy Jewish family from Berlin and the other, an aristocratic Catholic family from rural Germany. The narrative provides a detailed account of the protagonist's life, her family's eccentricities, and the eventual downfall of her families amidst the backdrop of the First World War and the Weimar Republic.

"The German Lesson" is a vivid exploration of the moral and cultural conflicts of World War II, set in a small German village. The story is narrated by a young boy who is tasked by his school teacher with an assignment to write an essay on "The Joys of Duty." As his father, a local police officer, is assigned the duty of preventing a popular local artist from painting, the boy finds himself torn between his father's rigid adherence to duty and his own growing appreciation for art and individual expression. The narrative grapples with themes of duty, obedience, and the power of art, providing a thoughtful examination of life under the Nazi regime.

"Simon and the Oaks" is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II, depicting the life of a young Swedish boy, Simon, who comes from a working-class family but dreams of a world beyond his own. His life changes when he befriends Isak, a boy from a wealthy Jewish family fleeing from Nazi Germany. The book explores their friendship, the stark contrast between their worlds, their shared love for literature and music, and the impact of war on their lives. It also delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and the enduring power of human spirit.

Set in the interwar period in Germany, the novel revolves around the deep bond of friendship between three World War I veterans struggling to adapt to civilian life amidst the economic and social turmoil of Weimar Republic. The trio copes with their trauma and disillusionment by sticking together and seeking solace in their shared experiences. Their camaraderie is further enriched and complicated by the arrival of a beautiful, spirited woman, who becomes intimately entwined with their lives. As they navigate the challenges of love, loss, and the scars of war, the story poignantly captures the fragility of hope and the enduring spirit of friendship against the backdrop of a society on the brink of monumental change.

Set during the Holocaust in a Jewish ghetto in Poland, the novel revolves around a man named Jacob who fabricates the news of the Russian Army's advancement to uplift the spirits of his fellow prisoners. However, as his lies gain traction, they become a beacon of hope for the desperate people in the ghetto, leading to unforeseen consequences. The book explores themes of hope, despair, and the power of words, ultimately questioning the morality of lying for a greater good.

"The Long Ships" is a historical fiction novel centering around the Viking era. The story follows the adventures of a young Viking named Red Orm who is kidnapped by other Vikings, becomes a slave, then a chieftain's henchman, a merchant, explorer, and a soldier. His adventures take him from his native Sweden to Spain, England, Denmark, and Ireland. The novel explores the political, religious, and cultural landscapes of the era, providing a detailed and engaging portrayal of the Viking world.

The novel explores the complex friendship between two diametrically opposed characters: one, a cerebral and ascetic monk dedicated to a life of contemplation and spiritual discipline, and the other, a passionate and sensual artist driven by the pursuit of beauty and worldly experiences. Set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, the story delves into themes of duality, the search for meaning, and the reconciliation of the spiritual with the carnal. As the two men journey through their lives, their intertwined paths lead them to profound insights about the nature of human existence, creativity, and the eternal struggle between the intellect and the senses.

"The Emigrants" is a historical novel that follows the journey of a Swedish farming family who, driven by poverty and religious persecution, decide to emigrate to America in the mid-19th century. The narrative explores their struggles and hardships, from the decision to leave their homeland, the arduous journey across the Atlantic, to their eventual settlement in Minnesota. The book provides a profound and realistic depiction of the immigrant experience, highlighting the courage, determination, and resilience of the emigrants.