Set in the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the novel presents a panorama of Russian society and its descent into the chaos of war. It follows the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, their struggles, romances, and personal journeys through the tumultuous period of history. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life, as it weaves together historical events with the personal stories of its characters.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution, the book follows the life of a physician and poet, Yuri Zhivago, as he navigates the political and social upheaval of the early 20th century. Torn between his love for two women, his wife Tonya and his passionate mistress Lara, Zhivago's personal struggles mirror the larger societal changes occurring around him. The novel explores themes of love, war, and the human spirit, offering a poignant and complex portrait of life during a time of revolutionary change.

In this satirical novel, a man travels through Russia buying up the titles to deceased serfs (or "souls") from their naive landowners, under the guise of a get-rich-quick scheme. However, his real plan is to use these "dead souls" to create a phantom estate and secure a massive loan. The story explores the corruption and greed prevalent in 19th-century Russian society and provides a unique perspective on the human condition.

"A Hero of Our Time" is a novel that follows the life of a young, charismatic, yet cynical and emotionally detached Russian officer, who serves in the Caucasus region. The story is told through a series of narratives, including the officer's own journal entries, revealing his manipulative and self-destructive tendencies. The novel explores themes of disillusionment, morality, and the nature of heroism in the 19th century Russian society.

"Life and Fate" is a sweeping epic that explores the human condition during the Siege of Stalingrad in World War II. The novel delves into the lives of a wide range of characters, from soldiers and scientists to children and victims of the Holocaust, providing a stark and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, the brutality of totalitarianism, and the resilience of the human spirit. At the same time, it also examines themes of love, loss, and the struggle for freedom and dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

"And Quiet Flows The Don" is a sweeping epic set in the early 20th century, following the lives of several characters in the Don River region of Russia. Through the lens of the Melekhov family, the novel explores the impact of war, revolution, and societal changes on both individuals and the community as a whole. With vivid descriptions and rich character development, the book delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for survival amidst the tumultuous backdrop of historical events.

"Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

The novel is a metaphysical narrative about a doctor named Ricardo Reis who returns to Lisbon, Portugal after learning about the death of his friend. He finds himself in a society on the brink of dictatorship, and as he navigates through his daily life, he encounters his deceased friend's ghost and a hotel maid with whom he begins a love affair. The book explores themes of identity, love, and the nature of reality, set against the backdrop of political turmoil.

"Cancer Ward" is a poignant novel set in a Soviet cancer hospital in the mid-1950s. It follows the lives and struggles of patients and doctors, exploring their personal histories, relationships, and the political environment of the time. The hospital serves as a metaphor for the oppressive Soviet state, with cancer symbolizing the malignant growth of totalitarianism. The book also explores themes of mortality, the human spirit, and the will to survive.

"Petersburg" is a symbolist novel set in the heart of Russia during the 1905 Revolution. It follows the story of a young man who is given the task of assassinating his own father, a high-ranking government official, by a radical political group. The narrative is a complex mix of politics, family drama, and philosophical introspection, all set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil. The novel is renowned for its vivid and poetic descriptions of the city itself, making Petersburg as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it.

The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the experiences of a Jewish political commissar serving with the Cossack regiment in the Soviet Red Army during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1921. Through a series of vivid, often brutal vignettes, the narrative explores the harsh realities of war, the cultural tensions between the Jewish intellectual and the Cossack soldiers, and the moral ambiguities faced by individuals caught in the turmoil of conflict. The stories are renowned for their stark, powerful prose and their unflinching examination of the human condition amidst the chaos of war.

"Baltasar and Blimunda" is a historical love story set in 18th century Portugal. The narrative follows a maimed soldier, Baltasar, and a young clairvoyant woman, Blimunda, as they navigate the hardships of life during the Inquisition. Their love story is intertwined with the construction of the Convent of Mafra, a grandiose project initiated by the King. The novel explores themes of love, faith, human resilience, and the struggle against political and religious oppression.

"The Maias: Episodes from Romantic Life" is a compelling narrative set in Lisbon in the late 19th century that follows the lives of a wealthy Portuguese family, the Maias. The story centers around the romantic and professional life of Carlos Maia, but also includes a rich cast of secondary characters. The plot includes themes of love, betrayal, disillusionment, and tragedy, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Portuguese society. The novel is also a critique of the decadence and stagnation of Portuguese society at the time.

The book is a humorous collection of tales that follow the misadventures of a retired British army officer who becomes a Resident Magistrate in the West of Ireland at the end of the 19th century. The protagonist navigates the idiosyncrasies of rural Irish life, dealing with eccentric locals, peculiar customs, and the challenges of maintaining law and order in a community where the letter of the law is often at odds with local tradition. The stories are characterized by their wit, vivid characterizations, and the amusing contrast between the protagonist's English sensibilities and the Irish countryside's unpredictable nature.

"The Enchanted Wanderer" is a collection of short stories that follow the life of a Russian serf, Ivan Flyagin, who is destined to wander forever and never die. Throughout his travels, he experiences a myriad of adventures including becoming a monk, being captured by Tartars, and falling in love. The stories are filled with folkloric elements and offer a vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian society.

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.

Set in 19th century Portugal, this novel follows the life of a young priest, Father Amaro, who is posted in a provincial parish. Despite his religious vows, he falls in love with a beautiful girl, Amelia, who is also the daughter of his landlady. Their forbidden love affair results in Amelia's pregnancy, leading to tragic consequences. The novel vividly portrays the corruption within the Catholic Church and the hypocrisy of the society.

"The Cathedral Folk" is a novel set in 19th-century Russia, revolving around the lives of the people connected to the construction of a grand cathedral. The narrative delves into the intricacies of Russian society, exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the conflicts between progress and the preservation of the old ways. Through a rich tapestry of characters, including craftsmen, clergy, and local gentry, the book examines the human spirit and the complexities of moral choices in a time of social change, all while painting a vivid picture of Russian provincial life with its unique blend of piety, superstition, and the struggle for personal redemption.

"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.

"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.

"Strumpet City" is a historical novel set in Dublin, Ireland, during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters from different social classes as they navigate the struggles and hardships of life during this tumultuous time. The book vividly depicts the poverty, exploitation, and political unrest of the era, offering a rich and detailed portrait of Dublin and its people in the early 20th century.

"Good Behaviour" is a darkly humorous and compelling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the St. Charles family. Set in the early 20th century, the story is narrated by Aroon, the youngest daughter, who chronicles her family's eccentricities, secrets, and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Aroon navigates her way through a world of privilege and societal expectations, she grapples with her own desires and the consequences of her actions. With sharp wit and keen observations, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.

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 narrative centers on the tumultuous political landscape of Russia following the death of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It delves into the ascent of Boris Godunov to the Russian throne amidst power struggles, rumors, and the specter of a pretender claiming to be the rightful heir. The story explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the heavy burden of leadership as Boris grapples with his conscience and the consequences of his actions in a period marked by political intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for legitimacy in a nation on the brink of turmoil.

"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.