This renowned novel is a sweeping exploration of memory, love, art, and the passage of time, told through the narrator's recollections of his childhood and experiences into adulthood in the late 19th and early 20th century aristocratic France. The narrative is notable for its lengthy and intricate involuntary memory episodes, the most famous being the "madeleine episode". It explores the themes of time, space and memory, but also raises questions about the nature of art and literature, and the complex relationships between love, sexuality, and possession.

Set in the early 20th century, the novel is an epistolary tale of a young African-American woman named Celie, living in the South. She faces constant abuse and hardship, first from her father and then from her husband. The story unfolds through her letters written to God and her sister Nettie, revealing her emotional journey from oppression to self-discovery and independence, aided by her relationships with strong women around her. The narrative explores themes of racism, sexism, domestic violence, and the power of sisterhood and love.

The novel explores themes of identity, sexuality, and societal norms in mid-20th century Paris. The protagonist, an American man, grapples with his homosexual identity while engaged to a woman. His life takes a turn when he becomes involved with an Italian bartender, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with passion, guilt, and self-loathing. The story is a poignant examination of the human struggle for acceptance and the destructive consequences of denying one's true self.

"The Counterfeiters" is a complex novel that explores themes of authenticity, morality, and identity, primarily through the lens of a group of friends in Paris. The story revolves around a series of counterfeit coins, which serve as a metaphor for the characters' struggles with their own authenticity and self-perception. The narrative also delves into the lives of the characters, their relationships, personal struggles, and their journey towards self-discovery. The book is noted for its non-linear structure and metafictional elements, with the author himself being a character in the story.

The book follows the life of Calliope Stephanides, a Greek-American hermaphrodite, who narrates her epic story starting from her grandparents' incestuous relationship in a small village in Asia Minor to her own self-discovery in 20th century America. The novel delves into themes of identity, gender, and the American dream, while also providing a detailed history of Detroit through the eyes of three generations of an immigrant family.

"Another Country" is a profound exploration of racial, sexual, and creative issues in 1950s Manhattan. The story follows the lives of various characters, including a jazz drummer, a Southern white woman, and a black playwright, among others. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into their struggles with identity, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of America's social and cultural landscape during a time of intense change and conflict.

"Tales of the City" is a collection of interconnected stories set in 1970s San Francisco, focusing on the lives and experiences of a diverse group of residents living in the same apartment complex. The narrative explores various themes such as love, friendship, sexuality, and identity, providing a vivid snapshot of life in this iconic city during a transformative period of social change. The book is known for its candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues, a groundbreaking approach at the time of its publication.

"Rubyfruit Jungle" is a coming-of-age novel that explores the life of a young girl growing up in poverty in the American South, who realizes she is a lesbian. The protagonist is a fiercely independent and ambitious woman who overcomes societal norms and prejudices to pursue her dreams. The narrative provides an honest and humorous look at sexuality and identity, while also addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Set in the 1980s during the era of Margaret Thatcher's conservative government in Britain, this novel follows the life of a young gay man named Nick Guest. Coming from a middle-class background, he moves into the home of his wealthy friend's family and becomes infatuated with the opulence and power of the upper class. As he navigates his way through this new world, he also explores his sexuality, all while dealing with the societal and political implications of the AIDS crisis.

This novel follows the coming-of-age story of a young girl adopted by a religious fanatic, who believes her daughter is destined to become a missionary. As the protagonist grows up, she begins to question her mother's strict religious beliefs and discovers her own sexuality. The book explores themes of identity, love, and religion, as the protagonist grapples with her place in the world and her evolving understanding of herself.

This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences in 1930s Berlin. The protagonist, a young Englishman, observes and documents the lives of a wide range of characters, from the working class to the upper class, all against the backdrop of the rising Nazi regime. The book offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of Berlin and its inhabitants during a time of great political and social upheaval.

"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 novel follows a young, privileged, and carefree gay man living in London. His life of leisure is interrupted when he saves the life of an elderly man, who in return asks him to write his biography. As he delves into the man's past, he uncovers a hidden history of gay life that is much darker and less accepted than the one he is used to, challenging his understanding of personal and societal progress.

The novel is a heartwarming tale of friendship and love that transcends the boundaries of time and age. Set in Alabama, it alternates between two storylines: one in the 1980s where an unhappy housewife befriends an elderly woman in a nursing home who tells her the story of an indomitable woman in the 1930s. The other story focuses on the life of that woman who runs a café with her sister-in-law, their strong bond, and the murder mystery surrounding them. The narratives intertwine to create a touching and inspiring story about the power of female friendship, resilience, and courage.

The novel is a deeply moving portrayal of four friends in New York City, spanning over several decades. It primarily focuses on Jude, a man with a mysterious and traumatic past, who struggles with physical disability and emotional trauma. The story explores themes of friendship, love, trauma, suffering, and the human will to endure in spite of life's hardships. It is an epic tale of heartbreak and despair but also of resilience and enduring love.

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a novel set in an Argentine prison where two cellmates, a gay window dresser and a political revolutionary, share stories to pass the time. The window dresser recounts various films he's seen, which often involve strong, glamorous women, while the revolutionary shares his political ideologies. As they spend time together, they form an unlikely bond, exploring themes of sexuality, oppression, and the power of storytelling.

"Forbidden Colours" is a deeply introspective novel that explores themes of beauty, youth, old age, love, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of post-war Japan. The story follows a young, beautiful man who is manipulated by an elderly writer to seek revenge on women. The young man's beauty becomes a weapon, while the old man's bitterness and jealousy drive the plot. The novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature and society's obsession with beauty, providing a stark commentary on the human condition.

"The Berlin Stories" is a collection of two novels that present a semi-autobiographical account of the author's time in 1930s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party. It vividly portrays the city's underground scene, capturing the lives of a variety of characters from different social classes and backgrounds. The narrative provides a stark and poignant exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of political upheaval and societal change, offering a unique perspective on a critical period in history.

This novel is a vivid portrayal of a young woman's sexual and personal awakening in the late 19th century England. The protagonist, a seaside oyster girl, is captivated by a male impersonator and follows her to London, where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through a series of transformative experiences in the underbelly of Victorian society, she explores the complexities of love and identity, navigating through various roles and relationships that challenge the era's norms and her own understanding of desire. The narrative is a rich tapestry of music halls, drag culture, and the hidden queer subcultures of the time, offering a poignant exploration of gender and sexuality.

Set in the 19th century, the novel follows the life of a highborn Englishwoman who, after being betrayed by her husband, decides to live independently. However, she is drawn back into a relationship when her husband's mistress, a French actress, sends for her after he falls ill. The protagonist travels to Paris, where she becomes involved in the 1848 revolution and begins a romantic relationship with the actress. The novel explores themes of gender, sexuality, and social class against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.

The novel is a vibrant portrayal of the lives of twelve different characters, primarily black British women, spanning over a century. Each character has their own unique story, tackling issues such as feminism, politics, sexuality, and identity. The narrative is a blend of poetry and prose, exploring the interconnected lives of these women and their personal struggles and triumphs. It is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and the changing face of Britain.

"The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai is a powerful novel that tells the story of two interconnected groups of people: a group of gay men in 1980s Chicago during the height of the AIDS epidemic, and a woman in 2015 who is searching for her estranged daughter in Paris. The novel explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis. Makkai's writing is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and she skillfully weaves together the two timelines to create a poignant and unforgettable story.

"Querelle" is a provocative novel set in the seedy port of Brest, where the protagonist, an amoral, bisexual sailor, engages in theft, drug dealing, and murder. The story explores themes of identity, sexuality, and power, presenting a dark and complex character study that challenges societal norms and expectations. The narrative is imbued with homoerotic undertones, reflecting the author's own experiences and perspectives as a gay man.

"The Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Englishman named Edward Manners who moves to Belgium to become a language tutor. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Edward becomes infatuated with one of his students, a 17-year-old boy named Luc. The novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Edward's infatuation leads him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately reveals the dark secrets of his own past.

"The Eye in the Door" is a historical novel set during World War I. The story follows a British army officer suffering from shell shock, as well as his psychologist, as they navigate the traumas of war and the tumultuous political climate. The book explores themes of mental illness, homosexuality, and the societal pressures of the time, all against the backdrop of the war and its effects on those involved.