"The Eye in the Door" is a historical novel set during World War I. The story follows a British army officer suffering from shell shock, as well as his psychologist, as they navigate the traumas of war and the tumultuous political climate. The book explores themes of mental illness, homosexuality, and the societal pressures of the time, all against the backdrop of the war and its effects on those involved.

This novel weaves together the lives of diverse characters through a narrative that spans decades, centering on a teenage runaway with psychic abilities. As she becomes embroiled in a covert war between immortal factions, the story explores themes of mortality, power, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The intricate plot moves through different times and places, revealing a hidden world of mysticism and a looming apocalyptic crisis, all while examining the impact of our actions on the future of the planet.

The novel follows the journey of its eponymous protagonist, a man who retreats from the chaos of London to the rural tranquility of Dorset in an attempt to find solace and meaning in life. Throughout his introspective quest, he grapples with complex relationships, the haunting presence of the past, and the mystical allure of nature. As he navigates through a series of personal and philosophical dilemmas, he encounters a rich tapestry of characters, each embodying different aspects of the human condition, ultimately leading him to confront the profound questions of existence and his own inner turmoil.

The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. The story unfolds as a complex exploration of obsession, loneliness, and manipulation.

"The Green Knight" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of morality, truth, and the nature of good and evil through the interconnected lives of its characters. The story revolves around a middle-aged woman and her three daughters who become involved with a mysterious stranger after he is accidentally injured by the woman's brother. As the stranger insinuates himself into their lives, the characters are forced to confront their own personal failings and the complexities of their relationships with each other.

The novel centers around the unexpected and profound connection between Zeke, a man with Asperger's syndrome who is skilled in carpentry and house renovation, and Verona, a pregnant radio host who is significantly older than him. Their lives intersect when Verona hires Zeke to work on her house, and despite their differences, they form an intense bond. However, when Verona suddenly leaves for London, Zeke is compelled to follow her, embarking on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into a series of unpredictable and transformative experiences. The story explores themes of love, the challenges of communication, and the ways in which people's lives can become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways.

"Brazzaville Beach" by William Boyd is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of scientific research on our understanding of the world. Set in the lush landscapes of Africa, the story follows Hope Clearwater, a primatologist who finds herself caught between the chaos of civil war, the ethical dilemmas of her research, and the turmoil of her personal life. As she grapples with love, loss, and the pursuit of knowledge, Hope's journey becomes a captivating exploration of the human condition and the fragile balance between progress and destruction.

The novel revolves around a young woman named Alice Raikes, who, after an unexpected and traumatic event, slips into a coma. As she lies unconscious in a hospital, the narrative delves into her past, unraveling the complexities of her relationships with her family and her intense love affair. Through a series of flashbacks and the perspectives of different characters, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions that bind and separate us. The reader is taken on a poignant journey through Alice's life, uncovering the secrets and memories that led up to the fateful moment that changed everything.

In "Boy, Snow, Bird," a young woman named Boy Novak escapes her abusive father in New York City to settle in a small town in Massachusetts, where she marries a widower and becomes stepmother to his daughter, Snow. After giving birth to her own daughter, Bird, who is dark-skinned, it is revealed that her husband and stepdaughter are light-skinned African Americans passing as white. The book explores themes of identity, beauty, and the damaging effects of racism as Boy grapples with her feelings towards Snow and Bird, and the societal implications of their different skin tones.

The book follows the life of an eccentric and socially awkward woman in her early thirties, whose regimented and solitary existence is disrupted when she develops an unlikely friendship with a bumbling IT guy from her office. After they save an elderly man who has collapsed on the street, the trio forms a bond that ultimately leads her to confront her troubled past. As she grapples with her mother's cruelty and the secrets that have haunted her for years, she learns that opening up to others can be the key to healing and that she is capable of finding love and companionship. Through this journey of self-discovery, she realizes that she can break free from her previously lonely and routine life, challenging the notion that she is completely fine as she is.

The book is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning. It follows the intertwined lives of two men, one a privileged banker and the other a mathematician from Bangladesh, as they navigate personal and global crises. Through their conversations and reflections, the book delves into themes of race, class, war, and the nature of knowledge, challenging readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs.

This novel explores the profound and complex journey of self-discovery and emotional liberation. It follows the story of a woman who, amidst her struggle with a loveless marriage and a crisis of faith, encounters a controversial psychologist. Their meeting sparks an unexpected and intense relationship, leading her on a path towards understanding her deep-seated needs and desires. Through a narrative that weaves together themes of love, spirituality, and the quest for meaning, the book delves into the intricacies of human connections and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

"Ducks, Newburyport" is a sprawling and ambitious novel that explores the inner thoughts and experiences of an Ohio housewife as she goes about her daily life. The narrative is presented in a stream-of-consciousness style, with the protagonist's mind constantly jumping between various topics, memories, and anxieties. Through her musings, the novel delves into themes of motherhood, love, politics, and the anxieties of modern society, offering a unique and intimate portrait of one woman's existence.

The book revolves around the lives of three main characters: a psychoanalyst, his wife, and his mistress. The psychoanalyst lives a double life between his wife and children and his mistress, who lives nearby with their son. The story explores themes of love, morality, guilt, and identity as it delves into the consequences of the psychoanalyst's actions on the lives of those around him. The narrative takes a tragic turn when the wife discovers the affair and the two families are thrown into a complex and painful situation.

"The Children of Dynmouth" is a chilling and suspenseful novel about a 15-year-old boy who uses his knowledge of the town's dark secrets to manipulate and control the lives of its residents. The teenager's disturbing behavior and sinister plots create a sense of unease and tension among the townspeople, leading to a climax that reveals the true nature of his intentions. The book explores themes of innocence, evil, and the power of knowledge, providing a deep and unsettling examination of human nature.

The novel follows the life of Eliza Peabody, a bored, middle-aged housewife living in a wealthy London suburb. As her life starts to unravel, she begins writing a series of unsolicited letters to her neighbor, Joan, offering unsolicited advice. When Joan disappears, Eliza continues her one-sided correspondence, revealing more about her own life and its gradual descent into madness. The novel is a darkly comic exploration of loneliness, mental illness, and the human need for connection.