The book is a poignant exploration of the lives of four women in a Middle Eastern desert town, where traditional values and modern aspirations clash amidst the oppressive realities of a patriarchal society. The narrative delves into the intimate struggles of these women as they navigate love, sexuality, and friendship while confronting the constraints imposed on them by gender and social norms. Their stories intertwine to paint a complex picture of female resilience and the quest for identity and freedom in a world where their roles are often predetermined by the sands of culture and the scent of myrrh.

This novel presents a unique narrative structure, unfolding through a series of first chapters of an autobiography that its protagonist, a Lebanese woman named Sarah, attempts to write multiple times but never completes. Through these fragmented beginnings, readers explore Sarah's complex life, from her upbringing in a tumultuous Beirut to her experiences as an immigrant in the United States, facing the challenges of identity, belonging, and self-expression. The book offers a rich tapestry of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal reinvention, all while showcasing the struggles of articulating one's life story amidst the chaos of historical and personal upheavals.

"In Other Rooms, Other Wonders" is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into the lives of various characters connected to a wealthy landowner in Punjab, Pakistan. The narrative spans different levels of society, from the landowner himself to his managers, servants, and peasants, weaving a tapestry of tales that reveal the complexities of power, influence, and relationships in Pakistani society. Each story explores themes of love, betrayal, and social mobility, offering a poignant look at the struggles and aspirations of individuals trying to navigate a world governed by tradition and changing socio-economic landscapes.

The novel centers on the life of a reclusive, elderly woman in Beirut who has dedicated her life to translating her favorite books into Arabic, despite never having them published. Living alone in her apartment, she reflects on her personal history, the Lebanese Civil War, and the complexities of love, memory, and the power of literature. As she contemplates her existence, the narrative weaves through her past and present, revealing the rich inner world of a character who has chosen to live on the margins of society, finding solace and meaning in her literary pursuits amidst the backdrop of a city marked by conflict.

This novel is a dark academic fantasy set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford, where translation is the key to harnessing magical power. It follows the journey of an orphan from Canton, who, after a tragic loss, is brought to England and later admitted into the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. There, he discovers the true cost of the empire's linguistic dominance and magical control. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the protagonist must navigate a complex web of colonialism, power, and rebellion, ultimately confronting the oppressive structures of the institute and the empire it serves. The narrative weaves together themes of language, knowledge, and resistance, challenging the foundations of power and the price of progress.