"War and Turpentine" by Stefan Hertmans is a historical novel that follows the life of the author's grandfather, Urbain Martien, who lived through both World War I and II. The book is divided into three parts: Urbain's childhood in poverty-stricken Belgium, his experiences as a soldier in WWI, and his life as a struggling artist after the war. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on individuals and society. Through Martien's story, Hertmans paints a vivid picture of a bygone era and the struggles faced by those who lived through it.

The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the complexities of cultural identity and love. It follows a young Belgian woman who, infatuated with Japanese culture, returns to Tokyo with the intention of immersing herself in the language and lifestyle. She begins a romantic relationship with a Japanese man, which becomes a conduit through which she explores the nuances of cross-cultural understanding and personal identity. As their relationship deepens, the couple navigates the challenges posed by their different backgrounds, leading to a poignant exploration of the intersection between desire, belonging, and the search for self amidst the backdrop of a bustling, enigmatic Tokyo.

"Giants and Heroes" is a captivating collection of mythological tales that explores the timeless themes of strength, courage, and adventure through the stories of giants and heroic figures from various cultures around the world. The book delves into the lives and exploits of these larger-than-life characters, examining their battles, quests, and the moral lessons they impart. Richly woven with folklore and tradition, this anthology not only entertains but also illuminates the cultural significance of these mythical beings and their impact on the human spirit.

"Zoo City" by Lauren Beukes is a gripping urban fantasy novel set in a gritty Johannesburg where people who have committed a crime are magically bonded with an animal familiar. The story follows Zinzi December, a former journalist with a sloth on her back, as she becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving a missing pop star and a dark conspiracy that threatens her newfound stability. With its unique blend of crime, magic, and social commentary, "Zoo City" explores themes of redemption, identity, and the consequences of our actions in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

"Youth" is a semi-autobiographical novel centered around a young man who leaves his homeland of South Africa for London in the 1960s, hoping to escape his oppressive and dull life. He seeks to immerse himself in the world of art and literature, yearning for a profound and transformative experience. However, he struggles to find his place in this new world, grappling with loneliness, unfulfilling jobs, and failed relationships. The book explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the disillusionment of youth.

"Kruger's Alp" follows the journey of a South African everyman, a railway guard, who embarks on a trek across Europe to find the grave of Paul Kruger, a former president of South Africa. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and experiences that reflect on the history and politics of his home country, providing a satirical and insightful commentary on South African society during the apartheid era.

This novel delves into the lives of a white South African family over several decades, tracing the country's transition from apartheid to democracy. At the heart of the story is a broken promise made to Salome, a black woman who works for the family, to gift her a house. This unfulfilled commitment serves as a metaphor for the broader societal promises of justice and equity that remain unkept. Through the lens of one family's complex dynamics, betrayals, and secrets, the narrative explores themes of guilt, racial tensions, and the struggle for redemption, reflecting on the challenges of reconciling with the past in a changing South Africa.

This novel is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of a time-traveling serial killer and one of his survivors, who is determined to bring him to justice. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Chicago, the narrative follows the killer as he uses a mysterious house to travel through time and target young women with bright futures—his "shining girls." After one victim survives a brutal attack, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her assailant, uncovering a trail of similar murders stretching across decades. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, horror, and science fiction, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale of resilience and retribution.