The novel is set in a small frontier town of an unnamed empire, where the magistrate lives a life of civil service and relative peace. His world is disrupted when the Empire declares a state of emergency due to rumors of barbarian uprising. The magistrate becomes a critic of the Empire's brutal and inhumane methods of dealing with the perceived threat, which leads to his arrest and torture. As he tries to understand his role in the vast political machinery, he also grapples with questions of power, justice, and humanity.

"Journey to the West" is a classic Chinese novel that follows the adventures of a Buddhist monk and his three disciples, a monkey, a pig, and a river monster, as they travel from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. Along the way, they face a series of challenges and obstacles, including battling demons and overcoming their own personal weaknesses. This epic tale is a blend of mythology, folklore, and fantasy, and is also a commentary on the practice and principles of Buddhism.

Set in South Africa during a civil war, the novel follows the journey of Michael K, a simple gardener with a cleft lip. When his mother falls ill, he attempts to take her back to her rural birthplace. After she dies en route, Michael continues the journey alone, struggling to survive in a war-torn landscape, while also being caught up in the bureaucratic red tape of the dystopian society. The story explores themes of freedom, survival, and the human spirit's resilience against adversity.

The book is a satirical novel that offers a critical examination of the Chinese scholarly class and the civil service examination system of Imperial China. Through a series of interlinked stories, it follows the lives, careers, and misadventures of a diverse group of scholars, exposing the corruption, pettiness, and hypocrisy that pervade the academic and bureaucratic worlds. The narrative delves into the scholars' pursuit of literary glory and official rank, often at the expense of genuine morality and wisdom, providing a humorous yet poignant commentary on the social and educational values of the time.

"Foe" is a novel that reimagines the classic tale of "Robinson Crusoe" through a postmodern lens, exploring themes of language, power, and colonialism. The story introduces a female character, Susan Barton, who finds herself cast away on the same island as Crusoe and Friday. Upon her return to England, she seeks out a writer to help tell her version of the events, but struggles with the erasure of her voice and the complexities of storytelling. The narrative delves into the silent history of Friday, whose tongue has been cut out, and the power dynamics between the characters, ultimately questioning the nature of truth and the ownership of stories.