Set in 14th century Norway, "Kristin Lavransdatter" follows the life of its titular character from her childhood, through her tumultuous and passionate marriage to Erlend Nikulausson, to her life as a mother and eventual widow. The narrative explores Kristin's struggles with faith, societal expectations, and personal desires, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval Scandinavian life along the way. Despite the many hardships she faces, Kristin remains a strong and resilient woman, embodying the spirit of her time.

"Growth of the Soil" is a novel that follows the life of a man who leaves his nomadic lifestyle to become a pioneer farmer in the Norwegian wilderness. The narrative traces his journey from solitude to building a family and a thriving farm, showcasing his deep connection with the land and the cyclical nature of life. The book also explores the tension between traditional rural life and modernity, as external forces such as industrialization and societal change begin to impact the protagonist's simple existence.

"Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

"Woman at Point Zero" is a powerful novel about a woman named Firdaus who, after a life filled with hardships and abuse, finds herself on death row in an Egyptian prison. The narrative explores her life story, from her childhood of poverty and genital mutilation to her experiences with domestic violence, prostitution, and finally murder. Through her journey, the book offers a profound critique of patriarchal society and the systemic oppression of women.

"Embers" is a novel about two old friends who reunite after being apart for 41 years. The story takes place in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains, where the two men confront each other about a long-kept secret that has kept them apart. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The novel is a poignant examination of the nature of time and memory, and the ways in which they can shape and define our lives.

"Sophie's World" is a unique and intriguing novel that intertwines the narrative of a young girl named Sophie with a comprehensive history of Western philosophy. Sophie begins receiving mysterious letters from an unknown philosopher and gradually becomes engrossed in the world of philosophy. The book uses Sophie's journey to explore philosophical concepts and theories, from ancient to modern times, in an accessible and engaging way, making it an excellent introduction to the subject for readers of all ages.

"House with the Blind Glass Windows" is a poignant tale of a young girl growing up in Norway during the 1950s. The narrative explores her struggles with family secrets, abuse, and the oppressive nature of her small, rural community. The protagonist's journey towards understanding and overcoming her traumatic past forms the crux of the story, which is set against the backdrop of post-war Europe.

"Children of Gebelawi" is a novel that allegorically presents the stories of Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed through the lives of characters in a Cairo neighborhood. The patriarch, Gebelawi, has five children, each representing a different prophet or religious figure, and their struggles mirror the religious and philosophical conflicts of the 20th century. The book explores themes of power, faith, and redemption, and it sparked controversy upon publication due to its portrayal of sacred figures.

The novel is set in Cairo during World War I and revolves around the life of a conservative Muslim family. The patriarch, a shopkeeper, has two wives and several children, and the story explores the dynamics within the family, particularly the tyrannical father's relationships with his wives and children. As the family navigates through a changing society, they encounter various challenges including political unrest, societal norms, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

"The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

"The Alberta Trilogy" is a series of three novels that follow the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman growing up in a small Norwegian town in the early 20th century. The trilogy explores Alberta's struggle with societal expectations, her pursuit of independence and her journey to becoming a painter. Set against the backdrop of a harsh Norwegian landscape, the series highlights the protagonist's struggle with poverty, her relationships, and her exploration of her identity and place in the world.

"Journey by Moonlight" tells the story of a newlywed Hungarian couple, Mihály and Erzsi, who honeymoon in Italy. Mihály, however, is haunted by his past and becomes increasingly obsessed with his adolescent years, his old friends, and a mysterious brother and sister. This results in him abandoning Erzsi in order to embark on a strange and dark journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

"Édes Anna" is a novel that revolves around the life of a young servant girl, Anna, who works for a bourgeois family in early 20th century Hungary. The narrative explores Anna's experiences of exploitation, abuse, and societal oppression. As she navigates her way through life, her innocence and naivety are gradually eroded, leading her to commit an act of violent rebellion. The book is a potent critique of class and gender inequalities of the time.

"The Cairo Trilogy" is a captivating tale set in Egypt during the early 20th century, following the lives of the Abd al-Jawad family. The trilogy explores the intricacies of family dynamics, societal changes, and political unrest, as it delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. With vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, the trilogy offers a deep insight into the complexities of Egyptian society, tradition, and modernization, making it a timeless masterpiece of literature.

Set in 1960s Egypt, "Miramar" tells the story of an aging revolutionary, a rich man's daughter, a corrupt journalist, and a real estate agent who all come to reside at the Miramar Pension in Alexandria. Their lives intertwine with the life of the young peasant woman who works there as a maid, and through their interactions, the novel explores themes of social and political change in Egypt, the struggle between old and new, and the power of the individual to shape their own destiny.

Set in an old Cairo neighborhood during World War II, the novel delves into the lives of the residents of a bustling alley, offering a tapestry of human experiences and social issues. Through the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including a young beauty dreaming of a better life, a wealthy businessman seeking love, a cafe owner yearning for his past, and others, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. The alley serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the larger cultural and political changes occurring in Egypt at the time, and the characters' intertwined lives illustrate the complexities of human nature and the universal quest for happiness and meaning.

"Giants in the Earth" is a historical novel that chronicles the story of a Norwegian pioneer family's struggles with the land and the elements of the Dakota Territory as they try to make a new life in America. It is a profound and accurate depiction of the trials, tribulations, successes, and failures of pioneer life, emphasizing the harsh realities of adapting to a new environment. The novel explores themes of man versus nature, cultural displacement, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

"The Melancholy of Resistance" is a surreal and philosophical novel set in a small Hungarian town that becomes isolated by a massive snowstorm. The arrival of a mysterious circus, featuring a stuffed whale and a silent, enigmatic leader, brings with it a wave of change and unrest. The narrative explores themes of chaos, resistance, and the struggle for power through the perspectives of various townsfolk, including a reclusive music theorist and a former political dissident. The novel is known for its complex, long-winded sentences and its bleak yet profound examination of human nature and society.

"Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

"The Door" by Magda Szabo is a novel about the relationship between two women, one of whom is a writer and the other is her housekeeper. The story explores themes of class, power, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two women become increasingly intertwined, their relationship becomes more and more complicated, leading to unexpected consequences for both of them. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others.

This compilation includes a selection of plays by a renowned Norwegian playwright, who is often referred to as the father of realism. The collection showcases his talent for exploring complex human emotions, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. The plays often feature strong female characters, a rarity for the time, and challenge the norms of the 19th-century society, making them timeless and relevant even today.

"The Case Worker" is a novel that follows the life of a young, disillusioned social worker in Hungary who is struggling with the grim realities of his job. He is constantly faced with the harsh and desperate situations of his clients, which include the poor, the mentally ill, and the elderly. As he tries to help them, he becomes increasingly aware of the bureaucratic and social systems that often hinder rather than aid these vulnerable individuals. This leads him to question the effectiveness of his role and the larger societal structures in place.

"The Birds" is a poignant story about Mattis, a mentally challenged man living in rural Norway who struggles to fit into society. He lives with his sister, who is his only caretaker and connection to the outside world. Mattis's life changes when he becomes fascinated by a pair of rare birds that decide to nest near his home. The arrival of these birds and a subsequent encounter with a lumberjack disrupt the quiet routine of his life, leading to a series of events that force him to grapple with his place in the world.

"The Werewolf" is a psychological thriller set in a small Norwegian town where the residents are terrorized by a series of brutal murders. The protagonist, a young man, returns to his hometown after many years abroad and is soon suspected of being the werewolf behind the killings. As he seeks to clear his name, he must confront the town's dark past and its deeply ingrained superstitions. The book explores themes of fear, guilt, and the struggle between rationality and irrational beliefs.

The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.