"Untouchable" is a novel that explores a day in the life of a young Indian man, Bakha, who belongs to the lowest caste, the Untouchables. The narrative follows Bakha's experiences of extreme discrimination and humiliation as he performs his job as a latrine cleaner. Despite the harsh realities of his life, Bakha dreams of a better future and is fascinated by the modern world and British rule. The novel provides a poignant critique of the caste system and the social inequalities in India.

The book is a surreal and satirical narrative that takes the reader on a tragicomic journey aboard a suburban train from Moscow to the small town of Petushki. The protagonist, a disillusioned intellectual and alcoholic, engages in philosophical musings and encounters a variety of eccentric characters, each embodying different aspects of Soviet life. As he delves into ruminations on love, suffering, and the search for meaning amidst the absurdities of existence, the journey becomes a metaphor for the human condition and the societal decay of the USSR, blending dark humor with poignant introspection.

"Clear Light of Day" is a novel set in Old Delhi, which explores the dynamics of the Das family. The story shifts back and forth in time, reflecting on the lives of siblings Bim, Raja, Baba, and Tara, and their relationships with each other and their aunts. The narrative delves into themes of memory, time, and decay, as well as the political upheaval of the Partition of India. The novel is a poignant study of family relationships, personal change, and loss.

"The Gift" is a novel that tells the story of Fyodor, a Russian émigré living in Berlin, who is struggling to establish himself as a writer. The book explores his life, love, and the process of writing, along with his relationships with his fellow Russian émigrés. The narrative also delves into Fyodor's admiration for his father, a renowned explorer who mysteriously disappeared on an expedition. The novel is a profound examination of the creative process, the expatriate experience, and the power of art.

In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

The book revolves around the adventures of a mischievous, self-confident man named Karlson who lives in a small house on the roof of an apartment building. He befriends a young boy named Smidge, who lives in the building below. Together, they embark on various escapades filled with fun and humor, often involving Karlson's quirky inventions and his love for tasty treats. Despite the skepticism of adults, the bond between Karlson and Smidge grows, showcasing a world where the fantastical and the everyday merge through the eyes of a child and his peculiar, flying friend.

This novel is a unique blend of Eastern philosophy and Western literary technique, following the adventures of its protagonist, a British-educated Indian everyman, as he navigates the complexities of life. The narrative is filled with humor, satire, and linguistic playfulness, as the protagonist interacts with various eccentric characters and experiences numerous absurd situations. The book is a critique of both British colonialism and traditional Indian society, offering a distinctive and insightful perspective on the human condition.

In this gripping crime novel, a mass shooting on a bus in Stockholm leaves eight people dead, including a police officer. Inspector Martin Beck and his team are assigned to solve the case, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit within the police force. With time running out, Beck must navigate through a labyrinth of clues and personal vendettas to catch the laughing policeman responsible for this heinous act.

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.

Set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India, the book follows the story of a ten-year-old boy named Swami and his adventures with his friends. The narrative encapsulates the trials and tribulations of school life, family relationships, and friendships in a traditional Indian context. The book is a charming exploration of a child's life in a small town, filled with humor and poignant moments.

"The White Tiger" is a darkly humorous novel set in modern-day India that explores the country's class struggle through the eyes of an ambitious and cunning protagonist. Born in a poor village, he moves to Delhi to work as a chauffeur for a rich family. He eventually breaks free from his life of servitude by committing an act of shocking violence, and uses his newfound freedom to become a successful entrepreneur in Bangalore. The story, told through a series of letters written to the Chinese Premier, is a scathing critique of India's social and economic disparities, and the corruption that permeates all levels of society.

"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 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.

"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.

"Simon and the Oaks" is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II, depicting the life of a young Swedish boy, Simon, who comes from a working-class family but dreams of a world beyond his own. His life changes when he befriends Isak, a boy from a wealthy Jewish family fleeing from Nazi Germany. The book explores their friendship, the stark contrast between their worlds, their shared love for literature and music, and the impact of war on their lives. It also delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and the enduring power of human spirit.

"The Long Ships" is a historical fiction novel centering around the Viking era. The story follows the adventures of a young Viking named Red Orm who is kidnapped by other Vikings, becomes a slave, then a chieftain's henchman, a merchant, explorer, and a soldier. His adventures take him from his native Sweden to Spain, England, Denmark, and Ireland. The novel explores the political, religious, and cultural landscapes of the era, providing a detailed and engaging portrayal of the Viking world.

"The Emigrants" is a historical novel that follows the journey of a Swedish farming family who, driven by poverty and religious persecution, decide to emigrate to America in the mid-19th century. The narrative explores their struggles and hardships, from the decision to leave their homeland, the arduous journey across the Atlantic, to their eventual settlement in Minnesota. The book provides a profound and realistic depiction of the immigrant experience, highlighting the courage, determination, and resilience of the emigrants.

"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.

"The River Sutra" by Gita Mehta is a captivating novel that explores the intertwining lives of various characters along the sacred river Narmada in India. Through vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, the book delves into themes of spirituality, love, and the search for meaning in life. As the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, the river serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. With its lyrical prose and thought-provoking narrative, "The River Sutra" offers a profound exploration of the human experience and the timeless wisdom of ancient traditions.

This book is a satirical take on Indian politics and history, cleverly intertwined with characters and events from the epic Mahabharata. The narrative presents a parallel between the two, with the characters in the novel mirroring significant figures from India's political scene during the Independence and post-Independence era. The book is a humorous yet thought-provoking critique of Indian society and politics, offering a unique blend of myth, history, and satire.

"The Guide" follows the life of Raju, a corrupt tour guide who, through a series of events, ends up in prison, and later becomes a spiritual guide. After his release from prison, Raju is mistaken for a holy man by villagers and gets involved in resolving a drought problem by fasting. The novel explores themes of life, death, and redemption, as well as the complex nature of human relationships and the power of belief.

"The Brothers Lionheart" is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that follows the lives of two brothers, Karl and Jonathan, who embark on an extraordinary journey in the magical realm of Nangijala after their untimely deaths. In this enchanting world, they find themselves caught in a battle between good and evil, where they must summon their bravery and loyalty to protect their newfound friends and fight against the oppressive forces that threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. This timeless story explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of hope, captivating readers of all ages.