In an unnamed South American country, a lavish birthday party is thrown for a powerful businessman, with a famous opera singer as the guest of honor. The party is interrupted by a group of terrorists who take everyone hostage, demanding the release of their imprisoned comrades. As weeks turn into months, the hostages and their captors form unexpected bonds. The story explores the relationships that develop under these extraordinary circumstances, and the transformative power of music and love.

This novel is a crime thriller set in America, featuring the kidnapping of a wealthy heiress, Miss Blandish, by a low-level gangster. However, when a more powerful and sadistic gangster, Slim Grisson, learns of the situation, he kills the original kidnapper and takes Miss Blandish for himself. As the police and Miss Blandish's father desperately search for her, she finds herself developing Stockholm Syndrome for her cruel captor. The story is filled with violence, suspense, and unexpected twists, leading to a tragic end.

This collection of three plays offers a deep exploration of human emotions, societal norms and familial relationships. The first play, 'The Hostage', revolves around the complexities of love and sacrifice. The second play, 'Crusts', delves into the struggles of poverty and the human spirit's resilience. The final play, 'The Humiliation of the Father', portrays the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the impact of parental behaviour on children. Each play, while distinct in their narratives, collectively provides a profound commentary on human nature and society.

"An Evil Cradling" is a harrowing memoir of a man's four-year captivity in Beirut, Lebanon. Captured by fundamentalist Shi'ite militiamen in 1986, the author, an Irish citizen, endures solitary confinement, starvation, and brutal physical abuse. Despite his grim situation, he manages to find humanity in the most unlikely of places and individuals, including one of his captors. His eventual release is a poignant moment of triumph against the backdrop of his traumatic ordeal.

The story revolves around a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation during an apartment open house. The narrative delves into the lives of the hostages, each grappling with their own personal struggles and anxieties. Through a series of poignant and humorous interactions, the characters reveal their vulnerabilities and form unexpected connections, ultimately leading to a resolution that underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.

"Injury Time" is a darkly comedic tale of a middle-aged man who has a secret mistress. He organizes a dinner party with his friends and his mistress, but the party takes a disastrous turn when it is interrupted by burglars. The story is a satirical exploration of love, betrayal, and the absurdity of suburban life.

"The Hostage" is a play set in a Dublin lodging house, where a young British soldier is held captive by Irish nationalists as a bargaining tool to prevent the execution of an Irish prisoner in Belfast. The narrative unfolds in a chaotic and comedic manner, reflecting the absurdity of political conflicts and the human condition. Throughout the play, the interactions among the diverse group of characters, including the house residents and the hostage, reveal deeper themes of humanity, compassion, and the futility of violence, culminating in a tragic yet poignant climax that questions the true cost of ideological warfare.

The story is set in Yemen and follows the life of a young boy who is taken as a political hostage by the ruling Imam. Through his eyes, we witness the complexities of Yemeni society, the intricate power dynamics, and the personal struggles of those entangled in the political web. The boy's journey from innocence to a deeper understanding of the world around him is marked by moments of fear, resilience, and unexpected alliances, offering a poignant exploration of loyalty, power, and the human spirit.