Set in early 19th-century France, the narrative follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey towards redemption. The story touches upon the nature of law and grace, and elaborates upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. It is known for its vivid and relatable characters, and its exploration of societal and moral issues.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, this novel follows the life of a young Southern belle, who is known for her beauty and charm. Her life takes a turn when she is forced to make drastic changes to survive the war and its aftermath. The story revolves around her struggle to maintain her family's plantation and her complicated love life, especially her unrequited love for a married man, and her tumultuous relationship with a roguish blockade runner.

The novel is a detailed psychological portrait of Julien Sorel, a young man from a provincial background who aspires to rise above his humble beginnings. He uses his intelligence and hypocrisy to advance in the post-Napoleonic French society, which is deeply divided by class and political loyalties. The story is a critique of the society's materialism and hypocrisy as Julien's ambitions lead him to a tragic end. The title refers to the contrasting uniforms of the army and the church, the two routes available to him for upward mobility.

Set in the 1870s, the novel revolves around Newland Archer, a young lawyer from New York's high society, who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. His life takes a turn when he meets May's cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, who has returned from Europe after leaving her scandalous husband. Torn between his duty and passion, Archer struggles with the constraints of the society he is a part of. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations in the upper-class New York society of the late 19th century.

The novel follows the life of a young Italian nobleman, who, driven by romantic ideals and a thirst for adventure, leaves his comfortable life to join Napoleon's army. After surviving many trials and tribulations, he returns home to a life of political intrigue, love affairs, and power struggles in the court of Parma. The narrative provides a vivid and satirical depiction of the political and social life in Italy during the 19th century.

"Cold Mountain" is a novel set during the American Civil War, following a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the army to make a perilous journey back home to his beloved. The narrative alternates between his arduous trek and the struggles of the woman he left behind as she tries to maintain their North Carolina homestead. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the destructive impact of war on the human spirit.

The novel follows a World War II nurse who accidentally time travels back to 18th century Scotland. There, she meets a handsome and brave Scottish warrior and is torn between her loyalty to her husband in her own time and her growing love for the warrior. As she becomes more entwined in the past, she must navigate the dangers of a time not her own, including political unrest and violence, while trying to find a way back home.

"The Magnificent Ambersons" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in the early 20th century that explores the dramatic changes brought about by the industrial revolution in America. It follows the decline of the once-prosperous Amberson family as their fortune and influence wane with the rise of new money and modern technology. The story is centered around the prideful and spoiled George Amberson Minafer, whose arrogance and inability to adapt to the changing world lead to his downfall.

The novel is a heartwarming tale of friendship and love that transcends the boundaries of time and age. Set in Alabama, it alternates between two storylines: one in the 1980s where an unhappy housewife befriends an elderly woman in a nursing home who tells her the story of an indomitable woman in the 1930s. The other story focuses on the life of that woman who runs a café with her sister-in-law, their strong bond, and the murder mystery surrounding them. The narratives intertwine to create a touching and inspiring story about the power of female friendship, resilience, and courage.

"A Lost Lady" is a story set in the American West, focusing on a beautiful and captivating woman who is married to a much older, wealthy railroad magnate. As her husband's health and fortune decline, she becomes involved with a younger man, which leads to scandal. The narrative explores themes of changing societal norms, the decline of the pioneer era, and the transformation of the American West.

"Une Vie" is a tragic tale about a young, naive aristocrat who dreams of love and happiness. However, her life becomes a series of heartbreaks and disappointments as she endures a loveless marriage, infidelity, the death of her children, and financial ruin. Despite her struggles, she maintains her faith in the goodness of life and its potential for happiness. The novel explores themes of disillusionment, the harsh realities of the world, and the often wide gap between expectation and reality.

"Le Diable au corps" is a French novel focusing on a teenage boy who engages in a passionate and scandalous affair with a woman whose husband is fighting at the front during World War I. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms, while highlighting the consequences of their illicit relationship, including the woman's pregnancy, the boy's expulsion from school, and the tragic death of the woman during childbirth. The story is a poignant portrayal of youthful recklessness, war's impact on society, and the destructive power of love.

The novel is a historical romance that blends adventure, love, and time travel. It follows the story of a World War II combat nurse who is mysteriously swept back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she encounters clan rivalries, the harsh realities of life in the past, and a gallant Scottish warrior with whom she falls deeply in love. As she becomes entangled in the intrigues and dangers of a world that is not her own, she must navigate her dual existence and decide where her heart truly belongs.

"Aurélien" is a novel set in post-World War I Paris, following the life of the protagonist, a war veteran, who falls in love with a woman he sees in a café. However, the woman is already engaged to a friend of his, leading to a tumultuous love triangle. The book explores themes of love, war, and the struggle of the human condition, presenting a vivid picture of the social and political landscape of Paris during the 1920s.

The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.

Set in the 1950s on the fictional San Piedro Island in the northern Puget Sound region of the state of Washington, the plot revolves around the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese American accused of murdering Carl Heine, a respected fisherman in the close-knit community. The trial really serves as a means of exploring the inter-ethnic tensions of the post-WWII era, as flashbacks reveal the shared history of the island's residents including the forced internment of its Japanese population during the war. The novel also delves into the love affair between Ishmael Chambers, a local reporter, and Hatsue Miyamoto, Kabuo's wife.

This novel is a historical romance set in the nineteenth-century United States, telling the story of two women who defy the conventions of their time. The narrative follows a farmer's daughter and a painter who fall in love and dream of a life together. Despite societal pressures and the challenges posed by their families and community, the couple embarks on a journey to find a place where they can live openly and build a future. The book explores themes of love, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal freedom, as the protagonists navigate the obstacles of their era to carve out a space for themselves.

"11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

"The Devil's Pool" is a bucolic tale set in rural France during the mid-19th century. The story revolves around a hardworking widower and his three children. When the widower falls in love with a young shepherdess, their relationship and impending marriage face opposition from the local community, including his own children. The novel explores themes of love, rural life, societal norms, and the struggle between tradition and change.

The book is a romantic epistolary novel that explores the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a young noblewoman and her tutor. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century France, the narrative unfolds through letters that reveal the protagonists' innermost thoughts and feelings. Their love, fraught with social inequalities and moral dilemmas, challenges the conventions of their time. The novel delves into themes of nature, emotion, and the conflicts between societal expectations and personal desires, ultimately questioning the possibility of true happiness within the constraints of society.

The novel follows the story of a young woman named Eliza Wharton, who, after the death of her fiancé, enjoys her newfound independence and engages in flirtations with multiple suitors. Despite societal pressures to marry and settle down, Eliza is drawn to the charm of a man known for his libertine ways, leading her down a path of emotional turmoil and social scandal. The narrative, presented through a series of letters, explores themes of female autonomy, morality, and the consequences of defying the rigid social norms of late 18th-century America, ultimately culminating in a tragic cautionary tale about the dangers of unrestrained individualism and the societal expectations placed upon women.

The novel is a 19th-century adventure tale that follows the spirited and daring Capitola Black, a young orphan who escapes her abusive life to discover she is the heiress to a vast fortune. Rescued by a wealthy benefactor, she is brought to live in the grand estate of Hurricane Hall, where she embarks on a series of thrilling escapades, often dressing as a boy to evade societal constraints. Her fearless nature leads her to confront villains, rescue the distressed, and unravel mysteries, all while challenging the gender norms of her time. The story is a blend of gothic elements, humor, and social commentary, showcasing a strong female protagonist who uses her wit and courage to navigate a world of danger and deception.

"The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" is a captivating tale of two Cuban brothers who emigrate to New York City in the 1950s to pursue their dreams of becoming famous mambo musicians. The story is told through the memories of the older brother, now a middle-aged man living in the U.S., as he reflects on their past glories, struggles, romantic entanglements, and the cultural and personal identity conflicts they faced in their journey. The book also explores themes of love, passion, music, and the immigrant experience.

The novel presents the story of a wealthy Chinese woman who, upon reaching her 40th birthday, decides to change the course of her life. She arranges a concubine for her husband to take over her marital duties and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Throughout the narrative, she explores the constraints of traditional roles and the possibilities of intellectual and spiritual freedom, forming a deep connection with a foreign missionary. This relationship challenges her beliefs and the societal norms of the time, leading her to question the very foundations of her existence and her place in the world.

"The Lamplighter" is a 19th-century novel that follows the life of Gerty, a spirited and neglected orphan girl who is rescued from her abusive caretaker by a kind lamplighter named Trueman Flint. Under Flint's guidance, Gerty grows into a virtuous and pious young woman, despite the many hardships and emotional trials she faces. The novel explores themes of Christian redemption, the importance of kindness and mentorship, and the transformative power of love and perseverance. As Gerty matures, she navigates complex social relationships and personal challenges, ultimately finding her place in the world and the possibility of happiness.