"Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

This novel presents an alternate history where aviator-hero and rabid isolationist Charles Lindbergh is elected President in 1940, leading the United States towards fascism and anti-Semitism. The story is narrated through the perspective of a working-class Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey, experiencing the political shift and its terrifying consequences. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, fear, patriotism, and family bonds under the shadow of a fascist regime.

Set during the turmoil of World War II, the novel follows the intersecting lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The girl, living in occupied France, seeks solace in the world of books and the imagination, while the boy, a member of Hitler Youth, is a radio operator for the German forces. Their paths cross in the walled city of Saint-Malo, with the narrative exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human spirit.

Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the story revolves around three main characters: two black maids and a young white woman. The maids, who have spent their lives taking care of white families and raising their children, agree to share their experiences with the young woman, who is an aspiring writer. The book offers a poignant and humorous look at the complex relationships between these women, while also exploring the racial tensions and social changes of the era.

"The Buddha in the Attic" is a historical novel that tells the story of Japanese picture brides migrating to America in the early 20th century. It follows their journey from their traditional homes in Japan to their new lives in California, their struggles with language barriers, cultural differences, and harsh working conditions. The book also explores their experiences during World War II when they and their American-born children were taken to internment camps. The narrative is presented in a collective first-person voice, providing a chorus of the women's viewpoints.

This novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during a time of political turmoil. The protagonist and her family experience the fear and uncertainty of living under a dictatorship, as they are constantly surveilled by the government's secret police. Throughout the book, the protagonist navigates her own coming-of-age while also grappling with the larger issues of freedom, oppression, and resistance.

The novel follows the life of twin brothers born from a secret union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon in Ethiopia. Their mother dies during childbirth and their father disappears, leaving them to be raised by two doctors at the mission hospital where they were born. The story spans several decades and continents, and explores themes of love, betrayal, medicine, and the complexity of family ties. One of the brothers, a gifted surgeon, flees to America after a political revolution in Ethiopia, while the other remains and struggles with the challenges of practicing medicine in a developing country.

The novel explores the history of a fictional painting by Vermeer, as it passes through the hands of various owners. The narrative traces back from the present day to the time of the painting's creation, revealing the profound impact it has had on those who possessed it. The painting's subjects, a young girl in a blue dress, also becomes a symbol of beauty, loss, and the enduring power of art. The novel is a series of interconnected stories that together form a rich tapestry of human experience and the power of art to transform lives.

"Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

"The Time of Our Singing" is a complex narrative that follows the lives of a mixed-race family in America from the 1930s to the 1990s. The family, born from the union of a black woman and a Jewish man, grapples with racial identity, familial bonds, and the power of music. The story is told through the perspective of one of the sons, a talented singer, and delves into themes of race, identity, and the struggle for civil rights in America.

This novel explores the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her immigrant mother, who is suffering from dementia. As the mother's condition worsens, her daughter discovers a manuscript written in Chinese that reveals her mother's traumatic past and the true identity of her grandmother - a renowned bonesetter in China. The narrative oscillates between contemporary San Francisco and early 20th century China, illustrating the enduring power of family bonds, the weight of cultural heritage, and the profound impact of past events on present lives.

The novel delves into the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her mother, who carries with her the weight of a tumultuous past from her life in China. As the mother finally reveals her harrowing experiences of survival during wartime, secrets of love, loss, and betrayal, the daughter begins to understand the resilience and sacrifices that have shaped her mother's life. Through this unveiling of family history, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.

This novel follows the life of Marietta Cook, a tall, resilient African American woman from the Gullah community in South Carolina, as she endures the hardships and complexities of the American South. Through her journey, we witness her strength and determination as she raises her twin sons, contends with racial and social challenges, and strives to maintain her cultural heritage. The narrative, rich with Gullah dialect and traditions, paints a vivid portrait of a woman's struggle for survival and dignity against a backdrop of historical events that shape her community and the nation.

This novel presents a poignant and humorous tapestry of a dysfunctional Southern family through a series of vignettes told from multiple perspectives. The narrative unfolds the complex dynamics of the family, exploring themes of alcoholism, abuse, and the search for love and acceptance. As each character reveals their innermost thoughts and secrets, the story delves into the impact of their shared history on their individual lives, painting a rich and emotional portrait of a family struggling to find healing and redemption amidst their personal and collective challenges.

"The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" is a multi-generational family saga that explores the complexities of race, identity, and history through the experiences of Ailey Pearl Garfield. As a young woman, Ailey is haunted by the legacy of her family's slave-owning past and struggles to reconcile her own sense of self with the expectations of her community. Along the way, she uncovers the stories of her ancestors, including the famed civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, and grapples with the enduring impact of racism in America. With lyrical prose and a rich cast of characters, Honoree Fanonne Jeffers' novel is a powerful meditation on the enduring power of love and the search for belonging in a divided world.

The book is a poignant tale of two French sisters during World War II who face the brutal German occupation of France in their own unique ways. While one sister joins the Resistance, risking her life to save others, the other struggles to maintain her family's home and protect her daughter, showcasing the resilience and strength of women under the shadow of war. Their paths are fraught with danger, moral complexity, and heartbreaking sacrifices, as they each fight for love, freedom, and survival against the backdrop of a world torn apart by conflict.

"The South" by Colm Toibin is a compelling novel that follows the journey of a young Irish woman named Katherine as she leaves her troubled marriage behind and embarks on a new life in Spain. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and cultural differences, Katherine's experiences in the vibrant and mysterious south of Spain shape her identity and challenge her perceptions of love, art, and self-discovery. With rich prose and nuanced characters, Toibin explores themes of longing, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships in this captivating tale.

"The Banyan Tree" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young girl named Maya, who grows up in a small village in India. Set against the backdrop of the country's struggle for independence, the story explores Maya's journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience. Through her encounters with various characters and her deep connection with nature, Maya learns the power of hope and the importance of standing up for what she believes in. With vivid descriptions and rich cultural insights, this book offers a poignant and inspiring tale of one girl's determination to find her place in the world.

"A Short History of Women" by Kate Walbert is a novel that follows the lives of five generations of women in one family, from the suffrage movement to the present day. The book explores the struggles and triumphs of these women as they navigate societal expectations and fight for their own independence and rights. Through their stories, the novel examines the changing roles of women in society and the impact of their actions on future generations.

The novel explores the profound impact of personal tragedy on one's life and the journey towards healing and rediscovery. It follows the story of a classics professor who, after losing his daughter to a terrorist bombing in Italy, is consumed by grief and the need for understanding. His quest for closure and meaning takes him from the quiet halls of academia in the American Midwest to the vibrant streets of Bologna, where he immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Italian life. Along the way, he confronts his own sorrow, finds solace in new and unexpected friendships, and is challenged to open his heart again to love and joy. The narrative delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild one's life after devastating loss.

"The Secret Scripture" is a deeply moving tale of Roseanne McNulty, a centenarian who has spent most of her life in a mental institution in Ireland. As the institution is about to be demolished, her psychiatrist Dr. Grene must determine whether she's fit to be released. As he delves into her past, Roseanne reveals her life story through a secret memoir she's been writing. The narrative alternates between Roseanne's recollections and Dr. Grene's observations, revealing a tragic and complex history of Ireland's social and political changes, while also exploring themes of memory, identity, and sanity.

"The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett is a novel that tells the story of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, who grow up in a small, southern black community in the 1950s and 60s. After running away from home at the age of 16, Stella decides to pass as white and marries a wealthy white man, while Desiree returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores themes of identity, race, family, and the consequences of choices made in the past. As the sisters' lives diverge, their daughters' paths cross, and secrets are revealed, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.

Set during World War II, this heartwarming novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who has been locked away and mistreated by her mother her entire life. When London is evacuated, Ada and her younger brother Jamie are sent to the countryside, where they find refuge with Susan, a woman who reluctantly takes them in. As Ada learns to trust and love for the first time, she discovers her own strength and resilience, ultimately finding freedom and a sense of belonging in the midst of war.

"Red at the Bone" is a multi-generational novel that explores the lasting impact of past decisions on the present and future. The story begins at a 16-year-old girl's coming-of-age ceremony in Brooklyn and then delves into the past, revealing the complex histories of her parents and grandparents. The narrative is a powerful exploration of identity, ambition, love, and the ways in which history and personal circumstances can shape a family's life.

"Bowlaway" is a multi-generational saga that revolves around a bowling alley in a small New England town. The story begins with the mysterious arrival of a woman who establishes the bowling alley, and her subsequent death sets off a chain of events that impacts the town and its residents for decades to come. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the complex dynamics of family relationships, all against the backdrop of the bowling alley that serves as a communal hub for the town.