"The Joke" follows the life of Ludvik Jahn, a man expelled from the Czechoslovak Communist Party, his university, and the army for a harmless joke he sends in a postcard to a girlfriend. The narrative explores his life before, during, and after his punishment, and his attempts to exact revenge on those who wronged him. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring and the Soviet Invasion, the novel delves into the themes of political satire, the absurdity of totalitarianism, and the individual's struggle against an impersonal and oppressive system.

This collection of short stories presents a rich tapestry of narratives exploring the harsh realities of war, the complexities of Jewish life in early 20th century Russia, and the human condition. Written by a renowned Russian author, the stories are known for their vivid imagery, poignant themes, and incisive social commentary. The collection includes famous works like "Red Cavalry", a series of stories based on the author's experiences as a journalist during the Russo-Polish War, and "Odessa Stories", which depicts the vibrant yet often brutal life in the city's Jewish ghetto.

"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.

The novel is a satirical science fiction tale that explores the discovery of a species of intelligent giant newts. When humans realise they can exploit these creatures for economic gain, they are enslaved and used for labor and military purposes. The newts ultimately rebel, leading to a global war. The book serves as a critique of various political, economic and ideological systems, including colonialism, capitalism and fascism.

The novel is about a Russian émigré, Timofey Pnin, who is a professor at an American college. Pnin struggles with the complexities of life, language, and American culture, while dealing with the traumas of his past in Russia. The book is a series of loosely connected episodes, filled with humor, pathos, and Pnin's endearing confusion. His struggles and triumphs in academia and his search for a home and identity form the crux of the story.

"First Circle" is a gripping narrative set in a Soviet Union labor camp during the Stalin era, where the prisoners are intellectuals and scientists. The story revolves around these individuals who, despite their grim circumstances, engage in political and philosophical debates, striving to maintain their dignity and humanity. The novel explores themes of morality, corruption, and the human spirit, providing a vivid and harrowing depiction of life under Stalinist rule.

This novel centers around a working-class Russian woman who becomes involved in revolutionary activities after witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by her son and his comrades. Despite her initial fear and hesitation, she evolves into a dedicated activist, smuggling illegal literature and participating in strikes. The narrative provides a powerful exploration of the personal and societal transformations brought about by political activism, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia.

"The Artamonov Business" is a multi-generational saga that follows the rise and fall of a Russian family's business empire from the 1860s up to the Russian Revolution. The narrative explores the dynamics of the Artamonov family, their personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the impact of their actions on those around them. The story also provides a critical examination of the socio-economic changes in Russia during this period, highlighting the transformation from a feudal society to a more capitalist one and the accompanying moral decay.

"Closely Watched Trains" is a darkly humorous tale set in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. It follows the life of a young, inexperienced railway worker who is struggling with his sexual awakening while dealing with the harsh realities of war. The novel is a poignant exploration of the absurdity of life, the tragicomedy of human existence, and the power of ordinary people to resist oppression.

"The Real Life of Sebastian Knight" is a novel centered around the protagonist's quest to understand and write a biography about his deceased half-brother, a famous author. However, as he delves deeper into his brother's life, he encounters numerous obstacles and confusions, including misleading information, false leads, and the challenge of distinguishing between the man and his literary persona. Ultimately, the protagonist's journey becomes a profound exploration of identity, truth, and the blurred line between fiction and reality.

"The Life of Arseniev" is a poignant and introspective novel that explores the life of Arseniev, a middle-aged man grappling with the complexities of love, desire, and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, the story delves into Arseniev's relationships with various women, his struggle to find meaning and fulfillment, and his eventual realization of the fleeting nature of human existence. With lyrical prose and a deep understanding of human emotions, the author captures the essence of a man's inner turmoil and the universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

"Summer in Baden-Baden" is a unique blend of fact and fiction that intertwines the author's own travels to Leningrad with a reimagining of Fyodor Dostoevsky's summer in Baden-Baden, Germany. The narrative shifts between the two journeys, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the power of literature. The author's fascination with Dostoevsky serves as a lens through which he examines his own life and experiences as a Jew in Soviet Russia, while also providing a fresh perspective on the famous Russian author's life and works.

"I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

This novel tells the story of two teenage boys sent to a remote mountain village for re-education during China's Cultural Revolution. There, they meet a local tailor's daughter, who becomes their friend and the object of their shared affection. The boys discover a hidden suitcase filled with forbidden Western classics in Chinese translation, and their lives are forever changed. The books not only awaken their passion for literature, but also allow them to educate the Seamstress, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking love triangle and a tale of personal freedom against the odds.

The book is a science fiction novel that intertwines the cultural revolution of China with a complex narrative involving astrophysics, virtual reality, and alien contact. It follows a disillusioned scientist who, after suffering personal tragedy during the Cultural Revolution, sends a message into space, only to receive a response from an alien civilization on the brink of destruction. As the aliens plan their migration to Earth, a secret organization works to facilitate the invasion, while a disparate group of scientists and military personnel attempt to understand and prevent the impending extraterrestrial crisis. The novel grapples with themes of human nature, technological advancement, and the vast, often incomprehensible universe.

"The Clay Machine-gun" is a surreal and complex novel that explores the nature of reality and illusion. The story is set in post-Soviet Russia and follows a protagonist who has multiple identities, including a poet in 19th-century Russia, a 20th-century psychiatric patient, and a 21st-century advertising executive. The narrative moves between these identities and realities, blurring the lines between them and creating a layered and philosophical exploration of Russian society, identity, and the human psyche.

"The Bedbug And Selected Poetry" is a collection of poems by Vladimir Mayakovsky, a prominent Russian poet of the early 20th century. The book features a mix of Mayakovsky's avant-garde and politically charged works, showcasing his unique style and themes of revolution, love, and the struggles of the working class. Through his powerful and dynamic verses, Mayakovsky offers readers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of his time, while leaving a lasting impact with his thought-provoking and emotive poetry.

The book is a dark and satirical portrayal of the Soviet Union's early years of communism, focusing on a group of workers involved in the construction of a gigantic pit intended to lay the foundations for a utopian future. As they dig deeper, the narrative delves into the absurdities and tragedies of the Soviet system, revealing the disconnect between the lofty ideals of the revolution and the harsh realities faced by the people. The characters, ranging from disillusioned laborers to ideologically blinded officials, grapple with the meaning of progress and human purpose in a society where language and thoughts are contorted by political dogma, ultimately questioning the human cost of a forced march towards a promised paradise.

The novel is a satirical exploration of the conflict between the old, pre-revolutionary generation and the new Soviet order. It centers on Nikolai Kavalerov, a man who finds himself homeless and disillusioned with the socialist society around him. He is taken in by Andrei Babichev, an ardent supporter of the new regime and the creator of the perfect Soviet food, the "Olympian sausage." Kavalerov becomes envious of Babichev's success and his revolutionary brother Ivan, leading to a psychological struggle that reflects the larger societal tensions of the time. The narrative delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the nature of envy, as characters grapple with their roles in a rapidly changing world.

"August 1914" is a historical novel set during the early days of World War I, focusing on the disastrous Battle of Tannenberg on the Eastern Front. The book provides a detailed portrayal of the Russian army's defeat, largely due to incompetent leadership and lack of communication. The narrative also delves into the lives of the soldiers and civilians involved, offering a broad examination of Russian society and the impending revolution.

"Cold Nights" is a poignant love story set in the backdrop of China's turbulent political climate during the 1940s. The narrative follows the protagonist, Wan Da, as he navigates through the hardships of life, love, illness, and death. As his wife, Zhenzhen, falls ill with tuberculosis, Wan Da's struggle to secure medical help for her amidst the chaos of war paints a vivid picture of human endurance and the power of love. The book also explores themes of existentialism and the human condition, offering a profound look at life's hardships and the strength of the human spirit.

The novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative of a Czechoslovakian writer who has become a professor at a Canadian university, teaching American literature. The narrative switches between his current life in Canada and his memories of the past in Czechoslovakia, including the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime. The book presents a complex portrayal of the life of an intellectual in exile and the challenges of cultural assimilation, while also exploring themes of love, politics, and the power of literature.

"Death Of A Red Heroine" is a crime novel set in 1990s Shanghai, China. The story follows Inspector Chen Cao as he investigates the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in a canal. As Chen delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, political intrigue, and personal secrets that challenge his loyalty to the Communist Party and force him to confront the complexities of modern Chinese society. Through vivid descriptions of Shanghai's changing landscape and insightful commentary on social issues, the novel offers a captivating portrayal of a country in transition.

"Happy Moscow" is a satirical novel set in the Soviet Union during the height of Stalinist rule, following the life of a young woman, Moscow Chestnova, who is named after the capital city. Despite the harsh realities of life under an authoritarian regime, she maintains a positive and optimistic outlook, symbolizing the Soviet Union's propaganda that promoted an image of a happy and prosperous society. The novel, through its characters and their experiences, explores the paradoxes and contradictions of the Soviet society, challenging the official narrative of happiness and prosperity.

"Teahouse" is a historical drama that explores 50 years of Chinese history (1898-1948) through the microcosm of a Beijing teahouse. The narrative follows the lives of the teahouse owner and his customers, reflecting the social changes, political turmoil, and cultural shifts of the time. The story provides a deep insight into the Chinese society, its traditions, and the impact of Western influence. It also highlights the struggle of the common people amidst corruption, oppression, and the collapse of traditional values.