“Family of Pascual Duarte” is a novel by Camilo José Cela that tells the story of Pascual Duarte, a poor and uneducated man living in rural Spain. The novel is narrated in the first person and follows Pascual’s thoughts and actions as he tries to survive and provide for his family in a harsh and unforgiving world. Pascual is a complex and troubled character who is driven by a deep sense of anger and resentment towards those who have wronged him. He is prone to violence and has a criminal past, and throughout the novel he struggles with his own sense of morality and the weight of his actions. “Family of Pascual Duarte” is a powerful and poignant portrayal of poverty, violence, and the human condition. It is a bleak and unflinching portrayal of life in rural Spain, and offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

In The Books of Jacob Olga Tokarczuk explores the themes of identity, belonging, and tradition. This multi-layered, complex novel is considered one of the greatest works of Polish literature and has won several awards, including the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature. The novel is set in the 19th century and follows the life of Jakub, a man who, after experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, decides to reject his family and community and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through Jakub’s journey, the reader is taken on a journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Poland, from the rural countryside to the bustling cities. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Tokarczuk’s mastery of language. She writes with a fluid, lyrical style that creates vivid, captivating images and characters. Her words paint a vivid picture of the world of Jakub, bringing to life the rich cultural heritage

In his major novel, The East of Eden, John Steinbeck explores the complexities of family, love, and the struggle between good and evil. Published in 1952, the book is a masterful work of literature that delves into the deep emotions and motivations that drive human beings. The novel is set in the Salinas Valley in California and spans three generations of the Trask family. The central figure of the story is Adam Trask, a simple and honest man who struggles to find love and meaning in his life. His wife, Cathy, is a cunning and manipulative woman who is the embodiment of evil. Together, they have two sons, Cal and Aron, who represent the duality of good and evil. The story is a retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, and the theme of brotherly love and sibling rivalry runs throughout the novel. Cal and Aron are two

Saul Bellow’s novel The Adventures of Augie March is a masterpiece of modern American literature. Published in 1953, it tells the story of the eponymous Augie March, a restless young man growing up in Depression-era Chicago. The novel follows Augie as he navigates his way through various adventures and misadventures, trying to find his place in the world and make a life for himself. The novel is notable for its richly-drawn characters, complex themes, and vivid descriptions of life in mid-twentieth century America. Augie himself is a complex and multi-faceted character, at once optimistic and cynical, ambitious and aimless, curious and jaded. He is constantly searching for something more, but never quite sure what that something is. Bellow’s prose is rich and evocative, full of memorable turns of phrases and vivid descriptions of people and places. Bellow has a remarkable ability to capture the rhythms of everyday speech and to

A New Name: Septology VI-VII is the final installment in Jon Fosse‘s major prose work, which explores the human condition. It follows two versions of the same person, both painters grappling with existential questions, as they lead parallel lives. One lives alone on the coast of Norway and has two close friends, while the other is consumed by alcohol and lives in Bjørgvin. The book flashes back to when the two were younger, showing events such as meeting their loves, joining the church, and getting married, and culminates in the first painter agreeing to celebrate Christmas with his fisherman-friend and sister for the first time. Written in slow, hypnotic prose, the novel is a captivating and distinctive read that delves into the human experience. The “slow tone” of the book offers a transcendent exploration of the human condition, resulting in a reading experience that is incantatory, hypnotic, and unlike anything

Ivo Andric’s The Bridge on the Drina is a historical novel that tells the story of the people of Višegrad, a town located in the Ottoman Empire, and their experiences over the course of several centuries. The town was caught between two empires, the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian, for a long time but its 16th-century bridge remained unscathed until 1914 when the Balkan tensions sparked World War I. The bridge of the title is a symbol of the town, its people, and the changing times that they endure. In the novel, Andric depicts the lives of different people from various generations, nationalities, and beliefs that revolved around the bridge. The novel spans the years from the late 16th century to the early 20th century and covers a wide range of historical events, including the Ottoman Empire’s decline, World War I, and the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Throughout the story, the bridge serves

In the 19th century, Sarajevo is home to both Muslims and Christians who coexist with mutual resentment towards the distant Ottoman rule. Omer Pasha Latas is the commander in chief of the Sultan’s armies, known as the seraskier. He arrives in Sarajevo from Istanbul, tasked with bringing the city’s landowners under control, which he accomplishes with his ruthless efficiency. However, his trip to Bosnia is also a moment of self-reflection for him. Born as a Serb in the Balkans and raised under Austro-Hungarian rule, he fled his father’s financial problems and converted to Islam. Despite leading a diverse army of individuals from Europe and Asia, Omer remains an outsider wherever he goes.

“Paradise” by Abdulrazak Gurnah is a novel that tells the story of Yusuf, a young African boy who is sold by his father to pay off a debt and is thrust into the complex world of pre-colonial East Africa. The book follows Yusuf as he navigates the challenges of growing up and witnesses the corruption of African tradition by European colonialism. “Paradise” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Award and was described by the Nobel Prize committee as Gurnah’s “breakthrough” work. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of the natural beauty of Africa and the impact of imperialism on the continent. For another book by a Nobel winning writer that we recommend, check The Family of Pascal Duerte by Camilo Jose Cela.

The novel “Voss” by Patrick White focuses on two main characters, Voss, a German, and Laura, a young woman who has recently lost her parents and moved to the colony of New South Wales. The novel opens with their first meeting at the home of Laura’s uncle, who is also the patron of Voss’s expedition. Voss embarks on an adventure to cross the Australian continent in 1845, accompanied by a group of settlers and two Aboriginal men. Throughout the journey, they face numerous challenges, including a drought-stricken desert and waterlogged lands. Despite these obstacles, Voss and Laura maintain a connection even as Voss is away on the expedition. The novel intersperses the developments in both of their lives, with Laura adopting an orphaned child and attending a ball while Voss is away. The expedition party splits in two and many members eventually succumb to the harsh conditions. The story concludes

This debut novel, set in Nigeria, explores the impact of ongoing and past violence on the characters’ lives as they seek comfort where they can find it, and as they each grapple with feelings of longing and loss. This novel tells the story of an unlikely romance between a Muslim widow and a street-tough drug dealer, as they both face their own struggles. Binta Zubairu, a 55-year-old woman, wakes up to the smell of cockroaches and knows something bad is going to happen, as it has in the past. Her home is robbed by a young man with a knife, but most of the stolen goods are returned a few days later and the thief apologizes. When he returns a third time, Binta and the thief, Hassan Babale, also known as Reza, are overcome by their attraction to each other and begin an illicit romance. Binta must also deal with