The narrative follows a man who, after the death of his mother, falls into a routine of indifference and emotional detachment, leading him to commit an act of violence on a sun-drenched beach. His subsequent trial becomes less about the act itself and more about his inability to conform to societal norms and expectations, ultimately exploring themes of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition.

This novel centers around a 17-year-old girl living with her playboy father in the French Riviera. The pair lead a carefree, hedonistic lifestyle until the father decides to remarry, causing the protagonist to hatch a plan to prevent the marriage and return to their old way of life. The story explores themes of youth, love, and the struggle between desire and morality.

"The Cherry Orchard" is a classic play about an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to their family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard. The family is on the brink of financial ruin and the estate is slated to be auctioned off. Despite various attempts to save their beloved home and orchard, they are ultimately unable to prevent the sale. The play is a poignant reflection on the changing social order and the decline of the aristocracy in Russia at the turn of the 20th century.

"Three Sisters" is a play that revolves around the lives of three sisters, Olga, Masha, and Irina, who live in a provincial Russian town and yearn for their former life in Moscow. The story explores their relationships, dreams, and disappointments, as well as their interactions with the military officers stationed nearby. The narrative is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, highlighting the human struggle for meaning and happiness.

"Les Enfants Terribles" is a haunting tale of sibling love and rivalry. The story revolves around two siblings, Elisabeth and Paul, who create a private world of their own, isolated from the outside world, in a Parisian apartment. Their intense bond is both destructive and all-consuming, causing them to reject the outside world and its conventions. This results in a tragic ending, as their intense relationship leads to a series of unfortunate events, including heartbreak, manipulation, and ultimately, death.

"The Bald Soprano" is a play that explores the absurdity of everyday life through a nonsensical narrative. It revolves around two middle-class English couples, the Smiths and the Martins, who engage in meaningless and repetitive conversations. The play is known for its unconventional structure, lack of plot, and the characters' surreal behavior, which are all used to satirize the banality and futility of routine and social norms. The title refers to a character who is never seen or mentioned again after the opening scene.

This novel centers around a working-class Russian woman who becomes involved in revolutionary activities after witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by her son and his comrades. Despite her initial fear and hesitation, she evolves into a dedicated activist, smuggling illegal literature and participating in strikes. The narrative provides a powerful exploration of the personal and societal transformations brought about by political activism, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia.

"Cheri" is a tale of forbidden love set in the Belle Époque era of Paris. The story revolves around a beautiful, young man named Chéri and his passionate affair with Léa, a woman nearly twice his age. Despite their age difference and societal norms, they share a six-year relationship until Chéri's mother arranges for him to marry a woman his own age. The novel explores the themes of love, aging, and the passage of time, showcasing the complexities of their relationship and the consequences of their separation.

"Le Diable au corps" is a French novel focusing on a teenage boy who engages in a passionate and scandalous affair with a woman whose husband is fighting at the front during World War I. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms, while highlighting the consequences of their illicit relationship, including the woman's pregnancy, the boy's expulsion from school, and the tragic death of the woman during childbirth. The story is a poignant portrayal of youthful recklessness, war's impact on society, and the destructive power of love.

The book is a profound existentialist play that delves into the human psyche and the concept of hell through the experiences of three deceased characters who find themselves trapped together in a mysterious, windowless room. As they engage in intense psychological games and confront the worst aspects of their earthly behaviors, they come to the harrowing realization that their torment comes not from any external punishment, but from each other and the eternal company they are forced to keep. The narrative explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the often unbearable nature of human existence, encapsulated in the famous line, "Hell is other people."

"The Satin Slipper" is a complex and symbolic narrative that explores the themes of love, faith, and destiny. Set in the 16th century, the story revolves around two characters, a Spanish conquistador and a married lady of the Spanish court, who are deeply in love but are kept apart by their respective duties and responsibilities. Their love story is intertwined with historical events and mythical elements, creating a rich tapestry of human emotions and spiritual contemplations.

"Marivaux: Three Plays" is a collection of three significant works by a renowned 18th-century French playwright. The plays explore themes of love, deception, and class in the context of French society of the time. The characters are often caught in complex situations that test their moral values and emotional resilience, providing readers with a profound understanding of human nature and societal norms. The plays are known for their sophisticated language, psychological depth, and intricate plot twists, making them a classic in French literature.

"The Clay Machine-gun" is a surreal and complex novel that explores the nature of reality and illusion. The story is set in post-Soviet Russia and follows a protagonist who has multiple identities, including a poet in 19th-century Russia, a 20th-century psychiatric patient, and a 21st-century advertising executive. The narrative moves between these identities and realities, blurring the lines between them and creating a layered and philosophical exploration of Russian society, identity, and the human psyche.

"The Bedbug And Selected Poetry" is a collection of poems by Vladimir Mayakovsky, a prominent Russian poet of the early 20th century. The book features a mix of Mayakovsky's avant-garde and politically charged works, showcasing his unique style and themes of revolution, love, and the struggles of the working class. Through his powerful and dynamic verses, Mayakovsky offers readers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of his time, while leaving a lasting impact with his thought-provoking and emotive poetry.

This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.

"Manon des Sources" is a poignant tale set in rural France. It is the story of a young woman, Manon, who lives in the French countryside and discovers that her family's water source has been blocked by two neighboring farmers. To avenge her father's death, which she believes was caused by this act, she decides to withhold the water source from the entire village, leading to a series of tragic events. The narrative explores themes of greed, revenge, and the profound connection between humans and nature.

The book is a stark depiction of the lives of the impoverished and dispossessed at the bottom of the Russian social ladder in the early 20th century. Set in a squalid shelter, it presents a group of destitute individuals from various backgrounds—thieves, prostitutes, and the down-and-out—who share their stories and philosophies as they grapple with the harsh realities of poverty and survival. The narrative delves into themes of human suffering, the struggle for dignity, and the elusive nature of truth, offering a grim commentary on the social conditions of the time and the human condition itself.

The play is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, which follows the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, as she defies the laws of the state to bury her brother Polynices, who has been declared a traitor and whose body has been condemned to remain unburied. Antigone's actions set her at odds with Creon, the ruler of Thebes, leading to a profound exploration of the conflict between individual conscience and state law, the role of fate, and the nature of morality. As Antigone's resolve leads her to tragic consequences, the play delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the human cost of absolute power.

This comprehensive collection encompasses the entire body of work by a renowned French dramatist, poet, and novelist. The book includes his most famous plays, lyrical poetry, and novels, all of which are characterized by romantic themes and a deep exploration of human emotions. His writings, often autobiographical, offer a vivid portrayal of the 19th century French society, its morals, and its decadence. The author's keen observations, wit, and mastery of language make his works enduring classics of French literature.

This collection of three plays offers a deep exploration of human emotions, societal norms and familial relationships. The first play, 'The Hostage', revolves around the complexities of love and sacrifice. The second play, 'Crusts', delves into the struggles of poverty and the human spirit's resilience. The final play, 'The Humiliation of the Father', portrays the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the impact of parental behaviour on children. Each play, while distinct in their narratives, collectively provides a profound commentary on human nature and society.

"Little Devil" is a dark and symbolic tale set in pre-revolutionary Russia, exploring the themes of evil and corruption through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, an outcast in his rural village, is both tormented and fascinated by the malevolent forces he perceives around him. As he delves deeper into his own imagination and the sinister aspects of human nature, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel delves into the psychological and moral decay of its characters, reflecting the broader societal decay of the time.

"Christmas at the Ivanovs'" is a satirical play that delves into the absurdities of Soviet life during the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds during a Christmas celebration at the Ivanov family's home, where a series of bizarre and surreal events take place. The characters, including a detective, a poet, and various family members, engage in nonsensical dialogues and actions, reflecting the author's avant-garde approach to theater. The play critiques the disconnect between the state's ideological propaganda and the grim realities of everyday life, using dark humor and chaotic scenes to challenge the audience's perception of normalcy and rationality within a society under strict political control.

"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.

"Climbié" is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the life of a young boy named Climbié, who is born into a world of poverty and oppression in colonial Africa. Through his eyes, the reader is exposed to the harsh realities of a society plagued by racism, exploitation, and inequality. As Climbié navigates his way through life, he encounters various individuals who shape his understanding of the world and ignite a desire for change within him. With vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the author masterfully depicts the struggles and triumphs of a young boy's journey towards liberation and self-discovery.

"Soundjata Ou L'épopée Mandingue" is a historical novel that tells the captivating story of Soundjata Keita, the legendary founder of the Mali Empire. Set in 13th-century West Africa, the book follows Soundjata's journey from a crippled and exiled prince to a powerful warrior king. Through battles, alliances, and encounters with mystical beings, Soundjata's determination and leadership skills are tested as he strives to unite the Mandinka people and reclaim his rightful throne. This epic tale explores themes of courage, destiny, and the enduring power of legends.