"The Betrothed" is a historical novel set in Lombardy, Italy during the 17th century, in the midst of political and religious turmoil. The story follows the journey of two peasants, Renzo and Lucia, who are in love and wish to marry. However, their plans are thwarted by a corrupt local baron who desires Lucia for himself, and a cowardly priest who refuses to stand up to the baron. The couple are forced to flee, facing numerous hardships and adventures, while their faith and love for each other are continually tested. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and the struggle for justice.

This novel intertwines two parallel narratives, one set in the 13th century and one in the modern day. The contemporary story follows a discontented American housewife who, while working as a reader for a literary agency, comes across a novel about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As she delves into their story, she uncovers Shams' forty rules of love and begins to question her own life and relationships. The historical narrative, on the other hand, explores the transformative friendship between Rumi and Shams, and how their bond revolutionized Rumi's poetry and outlook on life.

The book is a poignant monologue that tells the story of a gifted pianist born on a transatlantic liner in the early 20th century. Abandoned at birth, he is named after the year of his birth and grows up on the ship, never setting foot on land. His extraordinary talent for piano captivates everyone who hears him play, and his music becomes legendary among travelers and crew alike. The narrative, recounted by a fellow musician and friend, explores themes of belonging, the meaning of home, and the transcendent power of music to connect people across the boundaries of time and space.

"The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

"Memoirs of Lorenzo Da Ponte" is an autobiographical account of the life of Lorenzo Da Ponte, an Italian poet and librettist best known for his collaboration with Mozart. The memoirs trace his colorful and tumultuous life from his early years in Venice, where he was ordained as a priest, through his banishment from Venice due to his scandalous activities, to his significant contributions to the world of opera in Vienna. The narrative also covers his later years in the United States, where he worked in various capacities, including as a grocer and a professor of Italian literature. Da Ponte's memoirs provide a vivid portrayal of the cultural and social dynamics of Europe and America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as intimate insights into his personal trials and the artistic milieu of his time.