The novel follows the life of Ernest Pontifex, from his birth in the early 19th century until his middle age, and his struggle against the restrictive morality of Victorian England. Raised in a stiflingly oppressive household by his hypocritical clergyman father and submissive mother, Ernest eventually rebels against his upbringing, leading to his imprisonment for a minor crime. Upon his release, he rejects his past life and religious beliefs, eventually finding happiness and success as a writer. The novel provides a scathing satire of Victorian-era attitudes towards religion and family life.

This book is an intimate exploration of a man's grief after the loss of his wife. The author delves deeply into the nature of grief, faith, and love, questioning his own beliefs and grappling with profound feelings of loss and sorrow. With raw honesty, he shares his journey through the various stages of grief, ultimately finding a renewed sense of faith and understanding of God's role in human suffering.

This book is a family memoir that traces the journey of a collection of miniature Japanese sculptures, called netsuke, through generations of a wealthy Jewish family. The narrative delves into the family's rise to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their survival during the Nazi regime, their post-war struggles, and their eventual decline. The author uses the netsuke as a lens to explore the themes of art, loss, and family legacy.

This book is a collection of paternal wisdom, offering advice and guidance to a young man navigating through life's challenges. The author shares insights on various life aspects such as integrity, humility, patience, loss, and triumph. The book serves as a timeless guide to personal development, moral integrity, and character-building, emphasizing the importance of these virtues in achieving success and fulfillment in life.

The book is a candid exploration of the author's personal journey into motherhood. It delves into the physical and emotional changes, societal expectations, and the profound identity shift that comes with becoming a parent. The narrative confronts the romanticized notions of motherhood, revealing the often unspoken challenges and complexities. It also explores the profound love and connection that forms between a mother and her child.