The novel tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a man with a disturbing obsession for young girls, or "nymphets" as he calls them. His obsession leads him to engage in a manipulative and destructive relationship with his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Lolita. The narrative is a controversial exploration of manipulation, obsession, and unreliable narration, as Humbert attempts to justify his actions and feelings throughout the story.

The novel follows the life of T.S. Garp, the illegitimate son of a feminist mother, who becomes a writer. Garp's life is filled with unusual experiences and characters, from his unconventional conception to his untimely death. He navigates through a world filled with sexual violence, infidelity, and gender issues, and his life story is punctuated by his own literary creations. His mother's feminist ideals and the tragic events of his life deeply influence his writing and worldview.

"Lucky Jim" is a comic novel that follows the life of Jim Dixon, a young and disillusioned lecturer at a provincial British university. Struggling with his job and his pretentious boss, Dixon navigates through a series of humorous and often absurd situations, including a disastrous public lecture and a chaotic weekend at his boss's house. The novel satirizes the snobbishness and hypocrisy of the academic world, and explores themes of class, ambition, and the struggle to find personal authenticity in a conformist society.

The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

The book follows the life of a former high school basketball star, who is now in his mid-forties and has inherited a Toyota dealership from his father-in-law. He is living a comfortable life with his wife and son in Brewer, Pennsylvania during the late 1970s. The story unfolds as he navigates through his midlife crisis, dealing with his rebellious son, his longing for his old mistress, and his own insecurities and dissatisfaction. The narrative provides a deep dive into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, offering a detailed examination of middle-class American life during this era.

Set in the 1930s, this novel explores the disintegration of the marriage of an upper-class English couple, Tony and Brenda Last. Brenda embarks on an affair with a social climber, John Beaver, leading to the demise of her marriage. After their son's tragic death, Brenda demands a divorce and a large portion of Tony's estate. Tony, heartbroken, embarks on an ill-fated expedition to the Brazilian jungle. The novel critically examines the moral decay of British aristocracy and society.

"Tales of the City" is a collection of interconnected stories set in 1970s San Francisco, focusing on the lives and experiences of a diverse group of residents living in the same apartment complex. The narrative explores various themes such as love, friendship, sexuality, and identity, providing a vivid snapshot of life in this iconic city during a transformative period of social change. The book is known for its candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues, a groundbreaking approach at the time of its publication.

Set in the 1980s during the era of Margaret Thatcher's conservative government in Britain, this novel follows the life of a young gay man named Nick Guest. Coming from a middle-class background, he moves into the home of his wealthy friend's family and becomes infatuated with the opulence and power of the upper class. As he navigates his way through this new world, he also explores his sexuality, all while dealing with the societal and political implications of the AIDS crisis.

"The Magnificent Ambersons" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in the early 20th century that explores the dramatic changes brought about by the industrial revolution in America. It follows the decline of the once-prosperous Amberson family as their fortune and influence wane with the rise of new money and modern technology. The story is centered around the prideful and spoiled George Amberson Minafer, whose arrogance and inability to adapt to the changing world lead to his downfall.

The novel is a darkly comic, murder mystery set in London at the end of the 20th century. The story follows three main characters: a terminally ill American writer, a petty criminal, and a beautiful but doomed woman who predicts her own murder but not the murderer. The narrative is filled with satirical social commentary, exploring themes of love, lust, greed, and deception.

The play is an absurdist, existential tragicomedy that follows two minor characters from Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who are now the protagonists in their own story. As they stumble through philosophical debates and encounter a troupe of actors while trying to understand the nature of reality and their own existence, they find themselves increasingly out of their depth in a world where they have little control over their fate. The narrative weaves in and out of events from "Hamlet," offering a humorous and poignant perspective on free will, chance, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

"Never Mind" is a darkly humorous and deeply disturbing narrative about an aristocratic English family. The story primarily focuses on a five-year-old boy who is the victim of his sadistic and sexually abusive father, while his mother, an alcoholic, ignores the situation. The narrative also provides a scathing critique of the British upper class through its exploration of the family's decadent lifestyle and morally corrupt behavior.

The novel follows the story of a scorned wife who embarks on a transformative journey of revenge against her adulterous husband and his mistress. After being belittled for her appearance and discarded for a more beautiful woman, she decides to reinvent herself completely, both physically and socially, to exact retribution. Her quest for vengeance leads her down a dark path where she manipulates and destroys the lives of those who wronged her. As she assumes control of her destiny, the protagonist challenges societal expectations of femininity and power, ultimately questioning the true nature of identity and the cost of her unyielding pursuit of justice.

"Bad News" is the second novel in a series that follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man from a wealthy but deeply troubled family. In this installment, Patrick, now 22, must travel to New York to collect his father's ashes. As he navigates the city, he struggles with his addiction to drugs and alcohol, and grapples with the traumatic memories of his abusive father. The narrative provides a darkly comic and deeply poignant exploration of addiction, trauma, and the struggle for redemption.

"Some Hope" is a darkly humorous novel that delves into the life of a man who struggles to overcome his traumatic past and drug addiction. He is invited to a lavish party filled with Britain's aristocracy, where he must confront his past and deal with the pretentious and shallow society he is part of. The narrative explores themes of abuse, recovery, and the struggle to find redemption and hope amidst despair.

The novel follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man battling with his drug addiction and his troubled relationship with his parents. Patrick tries to come to terms with his mother’s decision to leave her estate to a New Age foundation rather than to him, her only son. The story delves into the complexities of inheritance, parenthood, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Patrick, his wife, and their two young sons, providing a multi-dimensional view of the family's struggles.

The play is a comedic and intellectual romp through Zurich during World War I, where the lives of historical figures like the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, the novelist James Joyce, and the communist revolutionary Lenin intersect through the unreliable memories of British consular official Henry Carr. The narrative is a playful, non-linear exploration of art, politics, and the nature of memory, blending slapstick humor with sharp wit and literary allusions. The work challenges the audience to consider the role of the artist in society and the impact of political upheaval on cultural expression, all while questioning the reliability of history and the very nature of truth itself.

"No Laughing Matter" is a satirical novel that charts the lives of the six children of the Matthews family, from World War I to the 1960s. The narrative is a social commentary on the changing face of Britain during this period, with each child representing different aspects of the British society. The book highlights the family's struggles with their own personal issues, as well as broader societal changes, such as the decline of the British Empire and the rise of modernity.

"Monica" is a historical novel set in the 19th century that explores the life of a Welsh woman named Monica. The narrative provides a vivid portrayal of her struggles and experiences as she navigates through the societal norms and expectations of her time. The book is a rich tapestry of Welsh culture and history, highlighting the complexities of gender roles, social class, and the human condition.

This play is a complex, intellectual comedy that delves into themes of moral philosophy, the nature of truth, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against a backdrop of a fantastical world where acrobats (the "Jumpers") philosophize about God and the universe, the narrative centers around a philosophy professor who is trying to reconcile his moral compass with the chaotic world around him, including his mentally disturbed wife and a murder mystery. Through witty dialogue and absurd situations, the play explores deep existential questions, making profound observations on the human condition and the search for meaning in an increasingly absurd world.

This novel is a World War I allegory where a Christ-like figure emerges within a French regiment, sparking a mutiny. The figure, a corporal, persuades his squadron to not attack in the bloody conflict, leading to their court-martial and execution. The narrative explores themes of war, morality, and the human spirit, with the corporal's actions causing a ripple effect, impacting the lives of soldiers, officers, and even a Jesuit priest.

"Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 Brooklyn, where a drunken Deacon Sportcoat shoots a drug dealer named Deems Clemens in the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project. The shooting sets off a chain of events that brings together a cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a young drug dealer, a church-going widow, a corrupt cop, and a group of elderly church women. Through their perspectives, McBride explores themes of race, religion, and community in a vibrant and humorous tale.

The play explores the complex dynamics of social responsibility, morality, and religion through the lens of an idealistic young woman who works at the Salvation Army to help the poor, and her father, a wealthy munitions manufacturer. The conflict between their worldviews comes to a head as they debate the ethics of wealth and charity, with the father arguing that his business, which provides employment and security, is a greater force for good than charity work that merely alleviates the symptoms of poverty. The daughter's struggle with reconciling her moral convictions with the practicalities of the world leads to a profound examination of the true meaning of goodness and the source of societal change.

The play is a farcical comedy that delves into the chaotic world of Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist, whose attempts to seduce his attractive prospective secretary, Geraldine Barclay, spiral out of control with the unexpected arrival of his wife, the government inspector Dr. Rance, and a bellboy who blackmails him. Set in a psychiatric clinic, the plot involves mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and ludicrous misunderstandings. The narrative satirizes the absurdities of psychiatry, sexual mores, and the British establishment, culminating in a whirlwind of comic situations that challenge social norms and the concept of "normalcy."

Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Britain, the play unfolds in the eccentric household of Captain Shotover, an old sea captain turned inventor. The narrative explores the lives and loves of the inhabitants of the so-called "Heartbreak House," who represent a microcosm of British society at the time. As they engage in witty banter and romantic entanglements, the characters remain blissfully unaware of the looming external threats that will soon engulf Europe. The play serves as a social critique, highlighting the idle, ineffective intellectualism and lack of moral direction among the British cultural elite, which Shaw saw as contributing to the country's decline and the catastrophic war on the horizon.