A young sailor, unjustly accused of treason, is imprisoned without trial in a grim fortress. After a daring escape, he uncovers a hidden treasure and transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo. He then sets out to exact revenge on those who wronged him, using his newfound power and influence. Throughout his journey, he grapples with questions about justice, vengeance, and whether ultimate power can ultimately corrupt.

A German man escapes from a Nazi concentration camp during World War II and finds himself stuck in Marseille, France, where he assumes the identity of a deceased author to secure a transit visa. As he navigates the bureaucratic maze of the immigration process, he becomes entangled in the lives of the refugees around him, including a desperate woman searching for her missing husband, the very man he's impersonating. The novel explores themes of identity, displacement, and the human struggle for freedom.

This book is a captivating travel memoir that explores the rich cultural and gastronomic tapestry of the Provence region in France through the lens of the author's personal experiences living in two distinct towns. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the local cuisine, customs, and landscapes, the author paints vivid portraits of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, contrasting the quiet, art-infused elegance of the former with the bustling, port-side vibrancy of the latter. The narrative is a blend of introspective musings, character sketches of the towns' inhabitants, and evocative descriptions that transport readers to the heart of southern France, inviting them to savor the flavors and nuances of Provençal life.