"Two Lives" consists of two novellas that delve into the themes of love, loneliness, and personal pasts. The first story, "Reading Turgenev," follows Mary Louise Dallon, a young Irish woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who finds solace in the imaginary world inspired by Russian literature. The second, "My House in Umbria," tells the tale of Mrs. Delahunty, a romance novelist who, after surviving a terrorist attack, opens her Italian villa to her fellow survivors, creating an unconventional makeshift family. Both stories explore the characters' attempts to escape their mundane realities through the power of imagination and storytelling.

The novel follows the life of Henry Smart, a boy born into the slums of early 20th-century Dublin, who becomes a soldier and fighter for the Irish independence movement. With a wooden leg from his deceased father as his talisman, Henry navigates through the violent and tumultuous era of Irish history, experiencing both the personal and political struggles of the time. His journey is marked by loss, love, and the relentless quest for identity and purpose amidst the chaos of war and the shaping of a nation's future.

Set in a small town in Ireland in the late 1960s, the novel follows Nora Webster, a recently widowed mother of four struggling to forge a new life after the death of her beloved husband. As she navigates her grief and the complexities of raising her children alone, Nora gradually begins to rediscover her own identity beyond her roles as a wife and mother. Through her journey, she confronts societal expectations and personal setbacks, ultimately finding a renewed sense of self and independence. The narrative captures the subtle transformations of Nora's character and the intimate details of her everyday life with profound emotional depth and insight.

"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.

Set in a remote Irish village, the novel unfolds through the eyes of a young man who, during a transformative summer, witnesses the arrival of electricity and the changes it brings to the community. As the village buzzes with anticipation and skepticism, the protagonist also encounters personal growth and the complexities of love, as he is drawn into the lives and stories of the local inhabitants. The narrative is a poignant exploration of progress and tradition, the power of memory, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, all set against a backdrop of lyrical landscapes and the whimsical charm of rural Ireland.

"The Little Red Chairs" is a novel that explores the impact of a charismatic stranger who arrives in a small Irish village, claiming to be a healer and spiritual leader. The community, particularly a local woman named Fidelma, is drawn to him, but his mysterious past soon catches up with him, revealing his true identity as a war criminal. The revelation shatters the village and leads Fidelma on a harrowing journey across Europe, seeking redemption and healing in the aftermath of profound betrayal and violence. The novel delves into themes of evil, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption, set against the backdrop of international conflicts and human rights abuses.

"Silver City" is a compelling narrative that takes place in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The story follows a young Irish immigrant who embarks on a journey to the West in search of silver and fortune. Along the way, he encounters a myriad of characters, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds, and he must navigate the harsh realities of life on the frontier, including violence, lawlessness, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. The novel explores themes of ambition, survival, and the American Dream in a raw and unforgiving landscape.

The novel is set in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence and follows the story of an 18-year-old girl who befriends an elderly man living in a beach hut. As she navigates her transition into adulthood, she is also confronted with the harsh realities of war and political unrest. The story explores themes of friendship, coming-of-age, and the personal impact of political conflict.