"Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.

This historical novel continues the story of Thomas Cromwell, advisor to King Henry VIII of England. The narrative follows Cromwell's rise in power and the political machinations that lead to the downfall of Anne Boleyn. It showcases the manipulative and treacherous world of the Tudor court, where a single misstep can lead to disgrace and execution. Despite the danger, Cromwell manages to navigate the treacherous waters, using his intelligence and cunning to survive.

Set in a remote English village over a seven-day period, "Harvest" tells the story of a community on the brink of inevitable change. The village's way of life is threatened when three outsiders set up camp on the outskirts, and a fire at the manor house leads to suspicion and blame. As the villagers grapple with the intrusion and the resulting chaos, the imminent enclosure of the common land looms, signaling the end of the agrarian lifestyle they've always known.

"Hamnet" is a deeply moving and beautifully written historical novel that reimagines the life of a young boy, Hamnet, who is the son of a glovemaker in Stratford-upon-Avon. The boy tragically dies at the age of 11, which leaves a profound impact on his family, particularly his father, who is inspired to write one of the world's most famous plays. The narrative alternates between the time leading up to Hamnet's death and the aftermath, providing an intimate portrait of grief, love, and the power of art.

Set at the turn of the 19th century on the artificial island of Dejima in Nagasaki Harbor, the novel follows a young Dutch clerk who arrives with the East India Company to make his fortune. Amidst the strict trade confines between Japan and the outside world, he encounters a complex web of relationships, power struggles, and cultural exchanges. His life becomes intertwined with that of a beautiful, yet disfigured Japanese midwife, leading to a forbidden love affair that defies the era's rigid boundaries. As he navigates through corruption, intrigue, and the clash of civilizations, the protagonist's integrity and loyalty are put to the test in a story that explores themes of isolation, connection, and the passage of time.

"Code Name Verity" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows two best friends, a British spy and a pilot, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and warfare. When their plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France, their friendship and loyalty are tested as they face interrogation, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Through alternating perspectives and a complex web of secrets, the book explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship.

"Washington Black" is a historical novel by Esi Edugyan that tells the story of a young slave named George Washington Black, who is forced to flee a plantation in Barbados with the help of his master's brother. The two embark on a journey that takes them across the globe, from the Caribbean to the Arctic, and Washington Black discovers his talent for scientific illustration. Along the way, he faces challenges and struggles with his identity as a black man in a world dominated by white men. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of colonialism on individuals and societies.

"A God in Ruins" is a novel that tells the story of Teddy Todd, a World War II bomber pilot, and his life before, during, and after the war. The narrative alternates between different time periods, exploring Teddy's childhood, his experiences in the war, and his later life as a husband, father, and grandfather. The book delves deep into the effects of war, the passage of time, and the complexities of family relationships, offering a poignant exploration of a man's life and the historical events that shape it.

"The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

"Empire of Sand" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Mughal India, where the protagonist, a young woman of noble descent, possesses an extraordinary magical ability tied to the dreams of the gods. Her heritage draws the attention of the empire's religious leader, who seeks to control her power for his own ends. As she is forced into a cruel bargain to use her abilities to maintain the empire's control over its people, she must navigate treacherous court politics, forbidden romance, and her own conflicted desires. With the fate of the empire and the lives of those she loves at stake, she embarks on a journey of resistance, self-discovery, and a fight for freedom against the forces that seek to use her for their own ambitions.

In this evocative novel, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy who embarks on a sea voyage from Sri Lanka to England on the ship Oronsay in the early 1950s. During the journey, he is seated at the "cat's table"—the least prestigious place—along with a diverse group of adults and two other boys, with whom he forms a strong bond. As they sail across the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the protagonist experiences a series of adventures and misadventures, uncovering the hidden depths of the adult world and the complexities of life. The voyage becomes a transformative journey for him, shaping his understanding of friendship, love, and loss, in a narrative that beautifully intertwines the past and the present.

The novel is a sweeping historical narrative that follows the life of Serge Carrefax, a young man born at the turn of the 20th century into a family of an eccentric inventor and a deaf mother. Serge's journey takes him from his childhood spent on an English estate where his father runs a school for the deaf, through the traumas of World War I, to the heart of the emerging radio technology and the cryptic world of espionage. His experiences are marked by a fascination with signals, codes, and the transmission of information, themes that resonate throughout the book as Serge grapples with communication, connection, and the dissonances of a rapidly changing world.

Set in the tumultuous period of Tudor England, the narrative follows hunchbacked lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake as he embarks on a new case that leads him into the heart of a conspiracy and danger. Tasked with investigating a series of legal disputes for the Queen's cousin, Shardlake's journey takes him to Portsmouth, where the English fleet is preparing for a momentous battle against the French. Amidst the backdrop of impending war, Shardlake uncovers a series of mysteries and dark secrets that threaten not only his life but also the stability of the realm. Combining rich historical detail with suspenseful mystery, the story weaves together political intrigue, betrayal, and courage, showcasing the complexities of justice and loyalty in a time of national crisis.

The book is a darkly comic, Western-inspired tale that follows the notorious sibling hitmen, Eli and Charlie Sisters, as they journey through the American frontier during the 1850s Gold Rush. Tasked with killing a prospector who has allegedly stolen from their employer, the brothers grapple with a series of increasingly bizarre and violent encounters. Along the way, Eli, the more introspective of the two, begins to question their life of crime and contemplates a different future, reflecting on themes of brotherhood, redemption, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

The novel is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a queen turned slave to the legendary Achilles. It explores the brutal realities and hardships endured by women during wartime, often silenced in traditional narratives. The book delves into themes of power, survival, and the female experience in a male-dominated world, offering a fresh, feminist perspective on a classic tale.

The novel is a poignant story of a young Ojibway boy, Saul Indian Horse, who is torn from his family and placed in a residential school in Northern Ontario, Canada. Within the harsh and oppressive environment aimed at eradicating his culture and identity, Saul finds salvation in the form of ice hockey. His extraordinary talent on the ice becomes a means of escape and a source of pride. However, as he grows and moves through the ranks of the hockey world, he continues to battle the racism and the lingering effects of his painful past. The story is a powerful exploration of Canadian history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of sport.

Set in a world inspired by Tang Dynasty China, the novel tells the story of Shen Tai, a man who has spent two years honorably burying the bones of the dead from a brutal battle between rival empires. As a reward for his dedication, Tai receives an unexpected gift that catapults him into the treacherous world of politics, intrigue, and betrayal that surrounds the imperial court. With this gift, he becomes a pawn in a power struggle between factions vying for control, forcing him to navigate the complex and dangerous waters of courtly life while attempting to honor his own sense of duty and destiny. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, love, and the heavy cost of power and ambition.

Set in a world evoking Renaissance Italy, the novel weaves a tale of fate and consequence where the lives of a healer's daughter and a mercenary's son become intertwined with those of powerful rulers and skilled assassins. As past choices and chance encounters reverberate through the tapestry of their world, the characters navigate a landscape of beauty and violence, where the paths of the mighty and the humble cross in unexpected ways. The narrative explores the impact of memory, the weight of history, and the nature of human ambition, all while painting a vivid portrait of a society on the cusp of transformative change.

"The Hand That First Held Mine" is a captivating novel that tells two parallel stories. The first story is about a young, independent woman who moves to Soho, London in the 1950s, becomes involved in the bohemian art scene, and unexpectedly becomes a mother. The second story, set in the present day, follows a couple dealing with the chaotic and overwhelming reality of becoming first-time parents. As the novel progresses, the connection between these two narratives becomes clear, revealing a story of love, loss, and the powerful bond between a mother and her child.

Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

The play is a speculative work set in the near future, exploring the reign of Charles after he ascends to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It delves into the political and personal turmoil that ensues as Charles grapples with the weight of the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative follows his struggle with his own principles versus the demands of the modern British monarchy, the conflicts within his family, and the broader implications of his actions on the nation's constitutional fabric. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, the play examines themes of power, tradition, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in contemporary society.