Madame Bovary is a tragic novel about a young woman, Emma Bovary, who is married to a dull, but kind-hearted doctor. Dissatisfied with her life, she embarks on a series of extramarital affairs and indulges in a luxurious lifestyle in an attempt to escape the banalities and emptiness of provincial life. Her desire for passion and excitement leads her down a path of financial ruin and despair, ultimately resulting in a tragic end.

This novel explores class relations and conflicting values in turn-of-the-century England. The narrative revolves around three families: the wealthy, capitalist Wilcoxes; the cultured, idealistic Schlegels; and the lower-middle class Basts. As their lives intertwine, the story grapples with themes of wealth, love, and death, and the struggle for personal connection in an increasingly impersonal society. The titular "Howards End" is a country home, and it becomes a symbol of England's past, present, and future.

This classic novel is set in the rustic rural backdrop of Egdon Heath and revolves around the life of Clym Yeobright, a successful diamond merchant who returns to his native land from Paris. His return sparks a chain of events involving love, ambition, betrayal, and tragedy. His love interest, Eustacia Vye, dreams of escaping the monotonous rural life, while his mother disapproves of their relationship. The novel explores the themes of love, fate, chance, and the clash between individuals' aspirations and societal expectations.

"Nervous Conditions" is a semi-autobiographical novel set in colonial Rhodesia in the 1960s. The story follows a young girl from a poor family who gets the opportunity to receive an education after her brother's death. Despite the struggles she faces - including culture shock, racism, and the inherent sexism in both her native and adopted cultures - she perseveres and manages to succeed. The novel explores themes of race, colonialism, and gender through the lens of a young African woman's coming-of-age story.

"Cranford" is a novel that explores the lives and social dynamics of a group of women in a small, fictional English town. The narrative is episodic, focusing on the women's everyday experiences, their relationships, and the societal changes they face. The story is characterized by its humor, warmth, and keen observations of human nature, offering a compassionate and insightful portrayal of life in a small community during the Victorian era.

Set in the summer of 1900, the novel follows a young boy who visits a friend's family estate and becomes an unwitting messenger in an illicit affair between his friend's older sister and a local farmer. As the boy navigates the complexities of the adult world and the rigid class system of the time, he experiences a loss of innocence that has lasting effects on his life. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and the corrupting power of class and wealth.

Set in the early 1900s in a small Georgia town, the novel follows the life of a 14-year-old boy named Will Tweedy. The story is largely centered around his grandfather's scandalous marriage to a much younger woman just three weeks after his wife's death, causing a stir in their small, conservative town. Through Will's eyes, the reader experiences the complexities of Southern society, family dynamics, and the process of coming-of-age.

"The Country of the Pointed Firs" is a series of sketches about life in a small coastal town in Maine. The narrator, a woman writer who is spending the summer in the town, introduces readers to the local characters and their stories. The book explores themes of community, solitude, time, and the natural world, painting a vivid picture of rural life at the turn of the 20th century.

"The Children's Book" is a historical novel that explores the lives of several families, primarily the Wellwoods, from the end of the Victorian era through World War I. The story delves into the complex relationships between parents and children, the influence of storytelling, and the impact of political and social changes on personal lives. It also portrays the struggles of women's suffrage, socialism, and the arts and crafts movement. The narrative is intricately woven with fairy tales and myths, reflecting the characters' inner lives and the era's cultural milieu.

"Disappearance" is a novel about a young Indian man who moves to England to work as a carpenter in order to send money back to his family in India. However, he finds himself isolated and struggling to adapt to the unfamiliar culture, language, and climate. As he grapples with his identity and sense of belonging, he also becomes involved with an older woman, leading to a complex and fraught relationship. The book explores themes of immigration, cultural dislocation, race, and identity.