"Call to Arms" is a collection of short stories that vividly capture the impact of the socio-political upheaval during the early 20th century in China. The narratives delve into the lives of ordinary people, predominantly the peasantry and the lower classes, who are often caught in the throes of societal change and struggle for survival. Through a blend of realism and symbolism, the stories explore themes of tradition versus modernity, the human condition, and the quest for justice, reflecting the author's critical engagement with the national and cultural issues of his time.

The book is a historical novel that recounts the War of Canudos, a conflict in late 19th-century Brazil over religious fanaticism, political instability, and social inequality. The story is centered around an apocalyptic movement led by a charismatic, messianic figure who convinces the poor and downtrodden to rise up against the Brazilian government, leading to a brutal and bloody conflict. The book explores themes of faith, power, poverty, and the destructive potential of fervent belief.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is a historical novel set in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, starting in 169 AD and ending with the reunification of the land in 280. The story, part historical, part legend, and part mythical, romanticizes and dramatizes the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. The novel deals with the plots, personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles of these states to achieve dominance for almost 100 years.

"The Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh" is a classic Chinese novel set during the Song dynasty, revolving around 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to form a sizable army. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and justice, as these bandits challenge the corrupt and oppressive government. Despite their status as outlaws, they follow a strict code of honor and righteousness, often assisting the poor and the weak. The book is a blend of history, folklore, and mythology, offering a vivid portrayal of the political and social dynamics of the era.

Set in mid-20th century Peru, "Conversation in the Cathedral" is a complex narrative that explores the corruption, decay, and turmoil of the society under the dictatorial rule of Manuel A. Odria. The story mainly revolves around two characters - a wealthy newspaper owner's son and his family's former chauffeur. Their chance meeting leads to a lengthy conversation that unravels the intricate web of political and personal corruption, disillusionment, and lost dreams in their lives and in their country. The novel is a profound examination of the power dynamics, societal decay, and the human condition in a politically oppressive environment.

"The Feast of the Goat" is a historical novel set in the Dominican Republic during the rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo. It follows the story of Urania Cabral, a successful lawyer returning to her homeland after 30 years of self-imposed exile, and her struggle to confront the traumatic past that led to her departure. The narrative alternates between Urania's personal story and the brutal regime of Trujillo, providing a stark depiction of political tyranny and its effects on individual lives.

"Rickshaw Boy" is a novel about a young man living in Beijing in the 1920s who struggles to escape poverty and achieve personal independence. Despite his hard work and determination, he is continuously set back by societal and personal misfortunes, including failed business ventures, a disastrous marriage, and the loss of his rickshaw. The book serves as a critique of traditional Chinese society, illustrating the harsh realities of life for the working class during this time period.

This novel tells the story of two teenage boys sent to a remote mountain village for re-education during China's Cultural Revolution. There, they meet a local tailor's daughter, who becomes their friend and the object of their shared affection. The boys discover a hidden suitcase filled with forbidden Western classics in Chinese translation, and their lives are forever changed. The books not only awaken their passion for literature, but also allow them to educate the Seamstress, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking love triangle and a tale of personal freedom against the odds.

"A World for Julius" follows the life of Julius, a young boy from a wealthy, aristocratic family in Peru. The novel is a biting social critique of the Peruvian upper classes, as seen through the eyes of Julius, who is often at odds with his family's values and lifestyle. The narrative explores themes of class, privilege, and the struggle for identity in a world dominated by wealth and social status.

"Broad and Alien is the World" is a novel that explores the harsh realities of life for indigenous people in the Peruvian Andes under the oppressive rule of landowners. The story follows the struggles and ultimate downfall of the Rucas family as they resist the exploitation and abuse from those in power. The narrative is a poignant critique of the social injustices faced by indigenous communities and their fight for survival and dignity.

"Deep Rivers" is a novel that follows the life of a young boy who is caught between the Spanish and indigenous cultures of Peru. The protagonist is sent to a Catholic boarding school, where he experiences the harsh realities of social and racial divisions within the country. As he navigates these challenging circumstances, he develops a deep connection with the indigenous Andean culture and its spiritual relationship with nature. The novel is a profound exploration of identity, culture, and the struggle of indigenous peoples in a colonized society.

"Cold Nights" is a poignant love story set in the backdrop of China's turbulent political climate during the 1940s. The narrative follows the protagonist, Wan Da, as he navigates through the hardships of life, love, illness, and death. As his wife, Zhenzhen, falls ill with tuberculosis, Wan Da's struggle to secure medical help for her amidst the chaos of war paints a vivid picture of human endurance and the power of love. The book also explores themes of existentialism and the human condition, offering a profound look at life's hardships and the strength of the human spirit.

"Teahouse" is a historical drama that explores 50 years of Chinese history (1898-1948) through the microcosm of a Beijing teahouse. The narrative follows the lives of the teahouse owner and his customers, reflecting the social changes, political turmoil, and cultural shifts of the time. The story provides a deep insight into the Chinese society, its traditions, and the impact of Western influence. It also highlights the struggle of the common people amidst corruption, oppression, and the collapse of traditional values.

"Broken April" is a tale set in the highlands of Albania, where a centuries-old, rigid code of conduct known as the Kanun dictates the daily lives of the people. The novel revolves around two main characters, a young man who is obliged to commit a murder in order to avenge his family's honor and a newlywed couple on their honeymoon. The young man is trapped in an endless cycle of blood feud, while the couple, fascinated by the customs of the highlands, slowly gets entangled in the deadly traditions. The story is a profound reflection on the harsh realities of revenge, honor, and societal expectations.

"Heavy Wings" is a novel that explores the societal changes in China during the late 20th century. It follows the story of a group of innovative engineers striving to design and build China's first large-scale commercial aircraft. Despite facing numerous challenges such as lack of resources, political interference, and personal struggles, they remain committed to their mission, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and innovation. The story is a reflection of China's journey towards modernization and technological advancement.

This novel provides a deeply personal account of the author's experiences during China's Cultural Revolution and his subsequent imprisonment in a labor camp. The protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of his imprisonment, including starvation and physical abuse, while also grappling with his own identity and the societal expectations of masculinity. His release and subsequent marriage only further complicate his quest for self-understanding, as he navigates the challenges of reintegrating into society and maintaining a relationship with a woman who has her own traumatic past.

The novel follows an Italian general who is tasked with recovering the bodies of fallen Italian soldiers in Albania after World War II. Accompanied by a priest, the general faces numerous challenges, including harsh weather, uncooperative locals, and his own growing despair. As he uncovers the stories of the dead, he is forced to confront the brutal realities of war and the haunting specter of his own mortality. The novel explores themes of war, death, and the human condition.

"Love in a Fallen City" is a collection of novellas and short stories that delve into the complexities of love, betrayal, and societal expectations in mid-20th century China. The stories primarily focus on women navigating the challenging terrain of romance and marriage in a rapidly changing society. The titular story captures the tumultuous relationship between a divorced woman and a playboy against the backdrop of World War II, exploring themes of survival, traditional values, and personal transformation. Through elegant prose and deep psychological insight, the book portrays the collision of Eastern and Western cultures and the personal struggles of individuals caught in the throes of historical upheaval.

This novel revolves around a failed Peruvian revolution and the man who attempted to lead it, Alejandro Mayta. The story is told from the perspective of a novelist who is researching Mayta's life and the events surrounding the failed uprising. The narrative oscillates between the present and the past, unraveling the complex threads of Mayta's personal history, political beliefs, and the broader socio-political context of Peru. The novel explores themes of truth, fiction, and the blurry lines between them.

"The Palace of Dreams" is a thought-provoking novel set in a fictional totalitarian state, where dreams are meticulously recorded and analyzed by a secretive government agency. Mark-Alem, a young clerk, finds himself entangled in the intricate web of the Palace of Dreams, as he is assigned to interpret dreams that could potentially influence the fate of the nation. As he navigates through a world filled with political intrigue and personal dilemmas, Mark-Alem is forced to question the nature of reality, the power of dreams, and the consequences of suppressing individuality in the pursuit of control.

This novel is a captivating tale set in a small Albanian town during World War II, seen through the eyes of a young boy. The narrative masterfully intertwines the boy's coming-of-age story with the tumultuous events of the war, as the town undergoes multiple occupations. Through the protagonist's observations, the reader experiences the impact of war on the fabric of daily life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the surreal blending of myth with reality. The town itself, with its ancient stone houses and streets, becomes a living, breathing character, bearing witness to history and the cyclical nature of human conflict. This work is a poignant exploration of memory, history, and the indelible marks left by war on both people and places.

Set against the backdrop of a changing China from the late Qing Dynasty through the Cultural Revolution, the novel follows the life of Spring Moon, a young noblewoman of the Soong family. As she navigates the complexities of tradition and modernity, Spring Moon experiences personal tragedies and triumphs while witnessing the seismic shifts in Chinese society. Her story is one of love, loss, and resilience, reflecting the broader historical forces at play that reshape her country and her family's destiny. Through her eyes, readers experience the clash of old values with new ways, and the struggle to find harmony amidst chaos.

In this novel, set in the 14th century, a small Albanian village is disrupted by the construction of a stone bridge across a river. The bridge is said to be cursed, with local legend claiming that the first to cross it will be claimed by the devil. The narrator, a local monk, chronicles the bridge's construction and the subsequent societal changes, while also grappling with the encroaching Ottoman Empire. The narrative explores themes of progress, sacrifice, and the clash between old and new.

The novel is a harsh critique of the Chinese government's agricultural policy. Set in 1980s China, it tells the story of the farmers of Paradise County, who are encouraged by the government to plant garlic, only to find that the government can't or won't buy their crops, leading to violent protests. The narrative is centered around three characters - Gao Yang, who has been arrested for leading the protests; his blind father, Gao Ma, who continues to struggle with the garlic harvest; and Jinju, the woman both men love. The book is a powerful exploration of corruption, love, the human spirit, and the struggle for justice in an oppressive regime.

"The Successor" is a political thriller set in Albania during the 1980s. The narrative revolves around the mysterious death of the designated successor of the country's dictator. The successor is found dead in his bed one morning, which the regime declares as a suicide but the public believes to be an assassination. The novel explores the political intrigue, power struggles, and paranoia within the totalitarian regime, and the fear and silence of the people under its rule.