The novel revolves around a middle-aged man who, after his twin brother's accidental death, is left to take care of the family farm and his ailing father in the Dutch countryside. Trapped by duty and familial expectations, he struggles with loneliness and the burden of an unfulfilled life. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the profound impact of family dynamics as the protagonist grapples with his past and the stark reality of his present circumstances. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the stark, flat landscape, mirroring the protagonist's internal desolation and longing for a different existence.

"Intimacies" by Katie Kitamura is a novel that follows an interpreter named Ana as she navigates her personal and professional life in The Hague. Ana becomes involved with a married man, explores her own desires and boundaries, and grapples with the complexities of language and communication. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a high-profile case involving a war criminal, forcing her to confront the moral implications of her work and her own actions. The book explores themes of intimacy, power, and morality, and raises questions about the nature of relationships and the limits of human connection.

The Baroque Cycle is an expansive historical fiction series that weaves together a rich tapestry of themes including science, politics, philosophy, and adventure during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The narrative follows an eclectic cast of characters, ranging from natural philosophers and mathematicians to pirates and nobles, as they navigate the complex socio-political transformations of the Enlightenment era. The series delves into the origins of modern finance, the scientific revolution, and the geopolitical power shifts of the time, all while exploring the intricate interplay between the emerging modern world and the intricate, ornate culture of the Baroque period.