This novel exposes the harsh conditions and exploited lives of immigrants in the United States in Chicago and similar industrialized cities. The protagonist, a young Lithuanian immigrant, works in the meatpacking industry and experiences the extreme poverty, poor working conditions, and lack of social services. The narrative explores the corruption of the American meatpacking industry in the early 20th century and the hardships faced by the working class, leading to significant public outcry that contributed to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act.

The novel revolves around a young boy in Illinois who befriends a new classmate, Cletus, whose father has been murdered. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the murder, imagining the events leading up to the tragedy from the perspectives of the involved parties. The novel explores themes of memory, guilt, and the impact of trauma on childhood friendships.

"The Professor's House" is a narrative revolving around a middle-aged professor who is struggling with a mid-life crisis. As he moves into a new home, he can't help but feel disconnected from his family and former life. His only solace is his unfinished study in his old house, where he spends most of his time. The book also explores his relationship with his former student, Tom Outland, whose story of discovering an ancient Native American settlement in the Southwest impacts the professor deeply. The novel explores themes of change, nostalgia, and the search for meaning in life.

The novel follows two intertwined narratives. In the first, set in 1908, a Jewish immigrant is wrongfully accused of anarchism and murdered by the Chicago Chief of Police. In the second, set in modern times, a writer from Eastern Europe is investigating the century-old murder, leading him on a journey across Eastern Europe and eventually back to the United States. The narratives explore themes of love, immigration, and the pursuit of the American dream.

"The Cliff Dwellers" is a novel that explores the intricate lives of various characters residing in a high-rise building in Chicago, symbolizing the burgeoning urban lifestyle of the late 19th century. The narrative delves into the complexities of social stratification, ambition, and personal struggles as experienced by the building's tenants. Through a vivid portrayal of life in a modern city, the novel examines themes of isolation, the impact of industrialization on human relationships, and the pursuit of success in an increasingly impersonal society.

"Paper Fish" is a poignant novel set in Chicago's Italian-American neighborhood during the 1940s and 1950s. The story centers around Carmolina BellaCasa, a young girl navigating the complexities of her family's past and the cultural tensions of her immigrant community. As she grows, Carmolina grapples with her mother's mental illness and the haunting memories of her grandmother's struggles in Italy, all while trying to find her own identity. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of memory and the impact of heritage on personal identity, weaving a rich tapestry of community life, familial bonds, and the enduring strength of women.

"So Big" is a novel that follows the life of Selina Peake De Jong, a woman who moves from Chicago to a rural Dutch community in Illinois after the death of her father. She becomes a school teacher and marries a farmer, living a life of hardship and poverty. Despite the challenges, she instills a love of beauty and art in her son Dirk, who grows up to become a successful architect. The book explores themes of resilience, the American Dream, and the often overlooked value of hard work and artistic integrity.