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.

A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

"The Red Room" is a satirical novel that presents a critique of Stockholm society in the late 19th century. The story follows a young idealistic civil servant who loses his job, becomes a journalist, then turns to politics and, along the way, meets a variety of people who open his eyes to the corruption and hypocrisy of society. The novel is a scathing commentary on the political, financial, social, and moral institutions of the time.

"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.

This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

"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 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.

The Butcher Boy is a dark and disturbing tale set in small-town Ireland, following the life of a troubled young boy who descends into madness and violence. The protagonist's life is filled with neglect, abuse and mental health issues, and his increasingly erratic behavior and gruesome fantasies lead him down a path of horrific actions. The novel provides a stark exploration of the effects of societal neglect and the failure of mental health systems.

"The Master" is a fictionalized biography of the renowned author Henry James, chronicling his life from 1895 to 1899. The narrative delves into James' personal life, his relationships, and his struggles with his craft. The book reveals his inner thoughts and feelings, his unfulfilled desires, and his deep-seated fears. It also explores his relationships with his family, friends, and some of the most prominent figures of his time. The narrative is a deep, introspective exploration of a complex, introverted character, and the world in which he lived.

"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.

The novel revolves around the life of Judith Hearne, a lonely middle-aged spinster living in 1950s Belfast who struggles with her declining social status and her increasing reliance on alcohol. As she desperately seeks companionship and purpose in life, she becomes infatuated with her boarding house's landlady's brother, only to face rejection and further isolation. The book explores themes of loneliness, faith, disillusionment, and the harsh realities of ageing.

Endgame is a one-act play that follows the lives of Hamm, a blind and unable to stand man, and Clov, his servant who cannot sit. They live in a single room, with Hamm's legless parents residing in dustbins. The characters are trapped in a cyclical existence where they constantly argue and contemplate life, death, and their own existence. The play is characterized by its minimalistic setting and bleak outlook on life, reflecting themes of existentialism and the human condition.

This collection brings together numerous short stories from a renowned author, demonstrating his masterful storytelling ability. The stories span a variety of themes and settings, often focusing on the complexities of human relationships and the subtle nuances of everyday life. The author's keen eye for detail and ability to capture the human condition in his works have earned him a place among the greatest short story writers.

In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

The book is a humorous collection of tales that follow the misadventures of a retired British army officer who becomes a Resident Magistrate in the West of Ireland at the end of the 19th century. The protagonist navigates the idiosyncrasies of rural Irish life, dealing with eccentric locals, peculiar customs, and the challenges of maintaining law and order in a community where the letter of the law is often at odds with local tradition. The stories are characterized by their wit, vivid characterizations, and the amusing contrast between the protagonist's English sensibilities and the Irish countryside's unpredictable nature.

The book revolves around the adventures of a mischievous, self-confident man named Karlson who lives in a small house on the roof of an apartment building. He befriends a young boy named Smidge, who lives in the building below. Together, they embark on various escapades filled with fun and humor, often involving Karlson's quirky inventions and his love for tasty treats. Despite the skepticism of adults, the bond between Karlson and Smidge grows, showcasing a world where the fantastical and the everyday merge through the eyes of a child and his peculiar, flying friend.

"Hemsöborna" is a classic novel set in the archipelago of Stockholm, revolving around the life of Carlsson, a city man who moves to the islands to work on a farm. The book delves into the cultural clash between the city man and the islanders, as well as the conflicts and relationships that develop among the island's inhabitants. The narrative also explores themes of love, death, survival, and the harsh realities of rural life.

In this gripping crime novel, a mass shooting on a bus in Stockholm leaves eight people dead, including a police officer. Inspector Martin Beck and his team are assigned to solve the case, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit within the police force. With time running out, Beck must navigate through a labyrinth of clues and personal vendettas to catch the laughing policeman responsible for this heinous act.

"Girl With Green Eyes" is a novel about a young, naive country girl who moves to Dublin and falls in love with a sophisticated older man who is married and a writer. The book explores themes of love, passion, innocence, and societal expectations. The protagonist's journey is marked by her struggle to reconcile her feelings for the man she loves with the moral and social implications of their relationship.

This compilation of satirical works by a renowned author includes the infamous "A Modest Proposal," in which the author suggests that the solution to poverty in Ireland is for the poor to sell their children as food to the wealthy. The book also includes other satirical essays that critique societal and political issues of the time, employing irony and sarcasm to expose and criticize human vices and follies. The author's biting wit and masterful use of satire offer a scathing commentary on the social and political landscape of his era.

This book is a collection of autobiographical essays by a renowned Irish poet and playwright, reflecting on his personal and professional life. It provides a deep insight into his early life, family, influences, and the evolution of his poetic and dramatic works. The author also gives a vivid account of the Irish literary scene and the cultural and political climate of his time, including his involvement in the Irish National Theatre and the Irish Literary Society.

"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.

The novel is a darkly comedic and absurdist exploration of the human condition. It follows the eponymous character, Watt, as he serves as a domestic servant in a bizarre, isolated household. Throughout the narrative, Watt struggles to make sense of his surroundings, the odd behavior of his master, and his own existence. The book is filled with philosophical musings, wordplay, and surreal humor, offering a unique and challenging reading experience.

This collection features selected plays by a renowned playwright, showcasing his wit, social criticism, and talent for character development. The plays touch on a wide range of themes, including class struggles, the complexities of love, the absurdity of war, and the pursuit of individual freedom. The author's sharp dialogue and satirical approach make these plays both entertaining and thought-provoking, reflecting his progressive views and his belief in the potential for societal change.

This book is a comprehensive sociological study on the issues faced by African Americans in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. The author examines the deep-rooted racial discrimination and inequality prevalent in American society, exploring its origins, implications, and potential solutions. The work is notable for its detailed analysis and its impact on subsequent civil rights movements.