"Waiting" is a story set in China during the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, revolving around the life of Lin Kong, a military doctor who is torn between his love for two women. He is stuck in an arranged marriage with his traditional wife in the countryside, while he falls in love with a modern, city nurse. The novel explores his 18-year struggle to divorce his wife and marry his lover, depicting the clash between traditional and modern Chinese culture, personal desires, and societal expectations.

"Suite Française" is a two-part novel set during the early years of World War II in France. The first part, "Storm in June," follows a group of Parisians as they flee the Nazi invasion. The second part, "Dolce," shows life in a small French village under German occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and survival, and provides a unique perspective on life in France during the war. The book was written during the war but was not discovered and published until many years later.

The novel is a poignant exploration of the bond between a young Arab boy, Momo, and an elderly Jewish woman, Madame Rosa, who is a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute. Living in the Belleville neighborhood of Paris, Madame Rosa takes care of the children of other prostitutes, and Momo becomes her protégé and closest companion. Through their relationship, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The narrative, told from Momo's perspective, captures the struggles and the multicultural tapestry of life in a Parisian slum, while also addressing the weight of history and the complexity of identity and belonging.

"Heavy Wings" is a novel that explores the societal changes in China during the late 20th century. It follows the story of a group of innovative engineers striving to design and build China's first large-scale commercial aircraft. Despite facing numerous challenges such as lack of resources, political interference, and personal struggles, they remain committed to their mission, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and innovation. The story is a reflection of China's journey towards modernization and technological advancement.

This novel provides a deeply personal account of the author's experiences during China's Cultural Revolution and his subsequent imprisonment in a labor camp. The protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of his imprisonment, including starvation and physical abuse, while also grappling with his own identity and the societal expectations of masculinity. His release and subsequent marriage only further complicate his quest for self-understanding, as he navigates the challenges of reintegrating into society and maintaining a relationship with a woman who has her own traumatic past.

"Cleaned Out" is a poignant autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a young woman coming of age in post-war France. The narrative follows her journey from a working-class background through her experiences at a boarding school and university, where she grapples with the social and sexual mores of the time. The protagonist's struggle with an unwanted pregnancy and the subsequent illegal abortion is a central and harrowing theme, reflecting the broader issues of female autonomy and the class divide. The novel is a stark and unflinching exploration of identity, memory, and the societal pressures that shape the lives of women.

"L'étrange Destin De Wangrin" by "Amadou Hampâté Bâ" is a captivating narrative that delves into the life of Wangrin, a complex and enigmatic figure in West African society. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores Wangrin's rise from a humble clerk to a powerful and influential figure, as well as his eventual downfall. Set against the backdrop of colonialism and cultural clashes, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, power dynamics, and the consequences of one's choices.

"My City: A Hong Kong Story" is a compelling narrative that provides an intimate exploration of Hong Kong through the author's eyes. The author weaves a rich tapestry of the city's unique culture, history, and identity, drawing on personal experiences, observations, and a deep love for the city. The book is a poignant tribute to Hong Kong, presenting the city's transformation over the years and the challenges it faces, while also highlighting its resilience and spirit.

The narrative explores the complexities of love and memory through the lens of a woman who discovers her deceased mother's diary, which reveals a poignant and secret love affair. As the daughter delves into the pages, she confronts her own romantic dilemmas and the societal pressures of 1980s China. The story weaves together themes of personal freedom, the weight of traditional expectations, and the enduring impact of love across generations, prompting the protagonist to reflect on her life choices and the possibility of happiness in her future relationships.

"La Vie Et Demie" is a thought-provoking novel set in an unnamed African country, where an oppressive regime has seized power and implemented a bizarre policy of dividing its citizens into "halves" and "wholes." The story follows the life of a young girl named Sophie, who is born as a "half" and faces discrimination and hardship due to her status. Through Sophie's experiences, the author explores themes of identity, inequality, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism, offering a powerful critique of social and political systems.

"Le Jeune Homme De Sable" is a thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a young man named Sissoko, who is torn between his traditional African roots and the allure of the Western world. Set in postcolonial Africa, the book explores themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and the impact of globalization on the younger generation. Through Sissoko's experiences and encounters, the author delves into the complexities of modernity and the challenges faced by individuals striving to find their place in a rapidly changing society.

"Childhood" is a memoir that delves into the fragmented memories of the author's early years, exploring the complexities of growing up and the formation of identity. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative captures the nuanced emotions and experiences of a young girl navigating her way through the challenges of family dynamics, societal expectations, and self-discovery. The author employs an innovative literary style, characterized by introspection and a stream-of-consciousness approach, to reflect on the elusive nature of memory and the ways in which our childhood experiences shape who we become.

"Segu" is a historical novel that delves into the lives of the Traore family, a noble lineage within the Bambara Empire of Segu (present-day Mali) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As the region faces the pressures of colonialism, the slave trade, and religious upheaval from both Islam and Christianity, the family members experience profound transformations in their personal identities and loyalties. Through their diverse and often conflicting paths, the novel explores the complex interplay of social, political, and cultural forces shaping West Africa during a period of intense turmoil and change.

"Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade" is a multifaceted novel that intertwines personal narratives with the history of Algeria's resistance against French colonialism. Through a blend of autobiography, historical documentation, and fictional reimaginings, the book explores the complex layers of identity, memory, and struggle from the perspective of Algerian women. The narrative shifts across time, recounting both the 19th-century French invasion and the 20th-century war for independence, while delving into the author's own experiences and the broader cultural and linguistic challenges faced by Algerian society. The novel stands out for its poetic style and its innovative use of language to capture the voices of those often silenced in historical discourse.

The novel is a harsh critique of the Chinese government's agricultural policy. Set in 1980s China, it tells the story of the farmers of Paradise County, who are encouraged by the government to plant garlic, only to find that the government can't or won't buy their crops, leading to violent protests. The narrative is centered around three characters - Gao Yang, who has been arrested for leading the protests; his blind father, Gao Ma, who continues to struggle with the garlic harvest; and Jinju, the woman both men love. The book is a powerful exploration of corruption, love, the human spirit, and the struggle for justice in an oppressive regime.

The novel follows a protagonist who embarks on a journey to the remote mountains of Southwest China after being misdiagnosed with lung cancer. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and experiences that lead him to self-discovery and a reconnection with nature. The narrative is filled with philosophical reflections, folklore, and tales of rural China, presenting a complex exploration of the human condition and the struggle for personal freedom.

Set in 19th century China, the novel centers around the lifelong friendship of Lily and Snow Flower. Despite their different social classes, the two communicate through a secret language known as "nu shu" written on a fan. The story explores the rigid societal norms of the time, particularly the practice of foot binding and arranged marriages. As they navigate through the hardships of their lives, their friendship is tested, leading to a devastating betrayal that impacts their relationship.

"Desert" is a sweeping narrative that spans across time and continents, telling the story of a young nomadic woman from the North African desert and her tribe's struggle against the encroaching forces of modernization and colonialism. Intertwined with her tale is the story of a descendant living in France, grappling with his own sense of identity and belonging. The novel paints a vivid picture of cultural erosion and the loss of traditional ways of life, while also exploring themes of resilience, memory, and the enduring connection to one's heritage amidst the relentless march of progress and change.

The novel is a profound contemplation of life as seen through the eyes of two female protagonists: a 54-year-old concierge and a precocious 12-year-old girl, both living in the same upscale Parisian apartment building. The concierge, who conceals her intelligence and passion for literature and philosophy from the wealthy tenants, and the girl, who plans to commit suicide on her 13th birthday due to her disillusionment with the world, form an unlikely friendship. Their lives are forever changed when a wealthy Japanese man moves into the building.

The book is a profound exploration of the rural French landscape and the lives of those who inhabit it, delving into the biographies of several characters from the 19th and 20th centuries. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative weaves a tapestry of human experiences, reflecting on themes of obscurity, the passage of time, and the search for meaning. The author's lyrical prose and deep understanding of the human condition paint a vivid picture of small lives that resonate with universal truths, revealing the extraordinary within the seemingly ordinary and the enduring impact of our brief existence on the world.

"Riwan, Ou Le Chemin De Sable" by "Ken Bugul" is a compelling novel that follows the life of Riwan, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set in Senegal, the book delves into themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the challenges faced by African women in a patriarchal society. Through Riwan's personal experiences and encounters with different people, the novel explores the complexities of love, desire, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a poignant and thought-provoking story that offers a unique perspective on African society and the resilience of its people.

The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.

"The Years" is a compelling narrative that blends autobiography and collective history to depict the evolution of French society from the 1940s to the early 2000s. Through a blend of personal memories, shared experiences, and common artifacts, the book captures the passage of time and the changes it brings to individual lives and collective identity. The author uses an innovative form of writing, eschewing a traditional linear narrative and personal pronouns, to create a reflective and powerful exploration of memory, aging, and the continuous transformation of societal norms and personal aspirations.

"Lives Other Than My Own" is an emotionally charged narrative that explores the lives of two women who have experienced immense loss, one from a tsunami and the other from cancer. The author, through his personal encounters, delves into the raw emotions, resilience, and the profound bonds of family and friendship that emerge from these tragic circumstances. The book is a thoughtful exploration of empathy, offering a poignant look at the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity.

"Fault Lines" is a novel that delves into the complex layers of family history and the impact of past traumas on the present. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of four different children from successive generations of the same family, each chapter moving back in time to reveal the secrets and challenges faced by their ancestors. The story explores themes of identity, memory, and the inherited nature of suffering, as the protagonists grapple with the legacies of war, displacement, and personal tragedy that ripple through their lineage. The novel's unique structure and poignant storytelling invite readers to reflect on how the fault lines of history can shape individual lives and relationships across generations.