"The Sorrow of Belgium" is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II. The narrative follows the life of a young boy in a Flemish town, as he navigates through the complexities of adolescence, family relationships, and the harsh realities of war. The novel provides an insightful exploration of Belgian history, culture, and the nation's struggle under the Nazi occupation, all through the eyes of the protagonist.

"The Tiger's Wife" is a captivating novel that weaves together the lives of a young doctor and her grandfather in war-torn Balkans. As the doctor embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her grandfather's mysterious death, she unravels a tapestry of folklore, superstition, and family secrets. Through her exploration, she uncovers the extraordinary story of the tiger's wife, a woman believed to possess the power to communicate with animals. This beautifully written tale explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling.

"The Tiger's Wife" by Téa Obreht is a multi-generational tale that follows a young doctor named Natalia as she navigates her way through the aftermath of her grandfather's death. As she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding his final days, Natalia reflects on her childhood memories of her grandfather and the stories he told her about a tiger that haunted his village. Along the way, she uncovers dark family secrets and learns about the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the complexities of the human experience.

"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.