Last collection of books

Hallucinating Foucault

1996, Patricia Duncker

"Hallucinating Foucault" tells the story of a young scholar's obsession with a reclusive, brilliant writer. The scholar follows the writer's trail across Europe, discovering his past, his lovers, and the horrifying circumstances of his present life. As he becomes more and more entangled in the write

The Clay Machine-gun

1996, Victor Pelevin

"The Clay Machine-gun" is a surreal and complex novel that explores the nature of reality and illusion. The story is set in post-Soviet Russia and follows a protagonist who has multiple identities, including a poet in 19th-century Russia, a 20th-century psychiatric patient, and a 21st-century advert

Morvern Callar

1995, Alan Warner

The novel follows the story of Morvern Callar, a young woman living in a small Scottish port town, who wakes up one Christmas morning to find her boyfriend has committed suicide. Instead of reporting his death, she decides to erase all evidence of it, appropriates his unpublished novel as her own, a

Santa Evita

1995, Tomás Eloy Martínez

"Santa Evita" is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Eva Peron, the beloved First Lady of Argentina. The book delves into the mysterious journey of her embalmed corpse which was moved around the world and hidden for 16 years after her death. The narrative, interwoven with historical fac

Love's Work

1995, Gillian Rose

"Love's Work" is a deeply personal memoir that explores the life of a renowned philosopher as she grapples with her terminal cancer diagnosis. The book is a profound exploration of love, suffering, and the human condition, as the author reflects on her personal relationships, her career, and her Jew

The End of the Story

1995, Lydia Davis

"The End of the Story" is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of a failed relationship. The protagonist, a writer, is attempting to pen a novel about her past relationship, but finds herself struggling to recall the details accurately. Through her struggle, the novel delves into the nature of me

The Late-night News

1995, Petros Markaris

In "The Late-night News," a seasoned journalist is found murdered in his office. The investigation of the crime falls to a grizzled detective, who uncovers a web of corruption and deceit within the world of Greek media. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds that the journalist was working on a

Troubling Love

1992, Elena Ferrante

This novel follows a woman who returns to Naples after her mother's mysterious death, determined to understand the enigmatic life her mother led. As she delves into her mother's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers more about her own identity in the process. The narrative explores theme

Land

1969, Kyŏng-ni Pak

"Land" is a historical saga that spans several generations of a Korean family from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the trials and tribulations of the Choi family, who are part of the landed gentry, and their servants. The book presents a vivid picture of the

Our Lady of the Assassins

1994, Fernando Vallejo

This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide hi

Pereira Maintains

1994, Antonio Tabucchi

"Pereira Maintains" is a novel set in the backdrop of 1938 Portugal during the fascist dictatorship of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. The narrative follows Pereira, a widowed, overweight editor of the culture section of a second-rate Lisbon newspaper, who becomes politically awakened after meeting a y

City, Sister, Silver

1994, Jáchym Topol

This novel follows the journey of a young Czech man, Potok, as he navigates the tumultuous period of the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath. The story is filled with surreal and often disturbing imagery as it explores themes of chaos, transformation, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly chang

On Love

1993, Alain De Botton

"On Love" is a philosophical and humorous exploration of the complexities of love, told through a fictional narrative. The protagonist experiences the highs and lows of a romantic relationship, from the initial euphoria of falling in love to the despair of a breakup. The story is punctuated with phi

Disappearance

1993, David Dabydeen

"Disappearance" is a novel about a young Indian man who moves to England to work as a carpenter in order to send money back to his family in India. However, he finds himself isolated and struggling to adapt to the unfamiliar culture, language, and climate. As he grapples with his identity and sense

The Invention of Curried Sausage

1993, Uwe Timm

The book is a fictional account of the creation of the popular German fast food, curried sausage. The story unfolds through the narration of a young journalist who visits an elderly woman, believed to be the inventor of the dish during World War II. It explores the woman's tumultuous love affair wit

Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light

1993, Ivan Klima

The novel is set in the twilight of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a television cameraman named Pavel. Despite his dreams of becoming a filmmaker and capturing the truth, he is trapped in a job that requires him to distort it. As the regime starts to crumble, Pavel grapples

Looking For The Possible Dance

1993, A. L. Kennedy

The novel explores the life of Margaret, a young woman living in Glasgow, as she navigates her relationships, her past, and her future. As she deals with her father's death and her mother's mental health issues, Margaret also grapples with her complicated relationship with her boyfriend Colin, her b

Deep River

1993, Shūsaku Endō

"Deep River" is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption, told through the intertwined narratives of four Japanese survivors of World War II. Each character carries their own personal trauma and guilt, leading them on separate spiritual journeys that converge at India's holy Ganges

What a Carve Up!

1994, Jonathan Coe

This satirical novel follows the story of the Winshaw family, a wealthy and corrupt British family who have a significant influence on British society in fields such as politics, business, media, and the arts. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a commissioned biographer who is trying to

Holder of the World

1993, Bharati Mukherjee

The novel explores the life of Hannah Easton, a woman born in 17th century Salem, who gets married to a British adventurer and travels to India. In India, she becomes the concubine of a local ruler and takes on the name "The Holder of the World". The story is narrated by a 20th-century woman who dis

Remembering Babylon

1993, David Malouf

The novel explores the life of a young man who, after being shipwrecked, is raised by Aboriginals in 19th century Australia. After sixteen years, he attempts to reintegrate into European society, but is met with suspicion and hostility due to his adopted culture and lifestyle. The book delves into t

The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll

1993, Alvaro Mutis

"The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll" is a collection of seven novellas that follow the life of Maqroll, a seafarer and adventurer. The stories, set in various locations around the globe, are filled with philosophical musings, poetic language, and vivid descriptions of exotic locales. Maqrol

Before Night Falls

1992, Reinaldo Arenas

"Before Night Falls" is an autobiographical work that chronicles the life of a young Cuban man growing up during the political turmoil of the Cuban Revolution. The protagonist, a rebellious writer and poet, grapples with his sexual identity in a society that is deeply homophobic. Despite facing pers

Life is a Carawanserai Has Two Doors I Went in One I Came out the Other

1992, Emine Sevgi Özdamar

This novel follows the life of a young Turkish girl growing up in the 1950s and 60s, exploring her experiences in a rapidly changing society. The protagonist navigates the complexities of her family life, her struggle with her identity and her eventual emigration to Germany. The book explores themes

Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture

1992, Apostolos Doxiadis

The novel follows the story of a young man who becomes fascinated by his reclusive and eccentric Uncle Petros. As he delves into his uncle's past, he uncovers Petros' obsession with proving Goldbach's Conjecture, a famous unsolved problem in number theory. This obsession led to Petros' alienation fr

The Triple Mirror of the Self

1992, Zulfikar Ghose

"The Triple Mirror of the Self" explores the journey of a man who is trying to understand his complex identity. The protagonist, a writer, embarks on a journey to understand his past and his heritage, which is spread over three continents: Asia, Europe, and America. As he travels through different c

Possessing the Secret of Joy

1992, Alice Walker

The novel explores the life of Tashi, an African woman who voluntarily undergoes the traditional ritual of female circumcision, a decision that haunts her as she moves to the United States, marries, and bears children. The emotional and physical repercussions of this act, along with her struggle to

Indigo

1992, Marina Warner

"Indigo" is a reimagining of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" set in the modern era. The book tells the story of a wealthy London businessman who is exiled to a Caribbean island where he uses his knowledge of science to control the environment and the island's inhabitants. His daughter, Miranda, grows up

The Butcher Boy

1992, Patrick McCabe

The Butcher Boy is a dark and disturbing tale set in small-town Ireland, following the life of a troubled young boy who descends into madness and violence. The protagonist's life is filled with neglect, abuse and mental health issues, and his increasingly erratic behavior and gruesome fantasies lead

Asphodel

1921, Hilda Doolittle

"Asphodel" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of a love triangle involving the protagonist, her husband, and another woman. Set during the First World War, the story is a vivid portrayal of the protagonist's emotional struggles as she navigates her relationships and her

Memories of Rain

1992, Sunetra Gupta

The novel explores the crumbling marriage of a Bengali woman and her Greek husband. The narrative alternates between Kolkata, India, and London, England, and spans over a decade, capturing the protagonist's emotional turmoil, her struggle to reconcile her Indian heritage with her Western lifestyle,

Hideous Kinky

1992, Esther Freud

A young woman travels to Morocco with her two daughters in search of a more fulfilling and adventurous life. The novel explores the experiences of the two young girls as they navigate this new and unfamiliar culture, their mother's search for spiritual enlightenment, and their struggles with poverty

Arcadia

1992, Jim Crace

The novel follows the intertwined stories of three individuals: Victor, a wealthy businessman who seeks to recreate his childhood paradise, an apple orchard, in a city; Anna, a young woman who is drawn to Victor's vision and becomes his personal assistant; and a young boy named Paddy, who is unknowi

Typical

1991, Padgett Powell

"Typical: Stories" is a collection of short narratives that explore various aspects of human life and experience. It delves into the world of eccentric, quirky, and often flawed characters who are navigating through their everyday lives. The stories are set in different locations, from rural regions

Astradeni

1991, Eugenia Fakinou

"Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, oft

The Laws

1991, Connie Palmen

"The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her

Vertigo

1990, W. G. Sebald

"Vertigo" is a complex narrative that combines elements of fiction, travelogue, biography, and autobiography. The novel is divided into four sections, each exploring the life and works of different historical figures such as Stendhal, Kafka, and Casanova, as well as the author's own experiences. The

The Daughter

1990, Pavlos Matesis

"The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of l

Get Shorty

1990, Elmore Leonard

A Miami loan shark travels to Los Angeles to collect a debt from a low-budget movie producer, only to get entangled in the Hollywood scene. Through a series of events, he ends up pitching a movie idea based on his own life as a mobster. This comedic crime novel explores the similarities between the

Stone Junction

1990, Jim Dodge

This novel follows the life of Daniel Pearse, a young boy who becomes an apprentice in a secretive organization of outlaws, magicians, and gamblers known as AMO (the Alliance of Magicians and Outlaws). As Daniel learns the ways of the AMO, he embarks on a quest for a diamond rumored to possess magic

The Midnight Examiner

1989, William Kotzwinkle

The novel follows the life of a former serious novelist turned tabloid editor in New York City. The protagonist's life takes a turn when he gets involved with a B-movie actress and a gangster who wants to finance his own movie. The story is a mix of adventure, comedy, and satire, offering a humorous

The Shadow Lines

1988, Amitav Ghosh

"The Shadow Lines" is a novel that explores themes of memory, family, and national identity through the eyes of a young boy and his experiences growing up in Calcutta, India. The narrative is framed by two major historical events: the 1964 Dhaka Riots and the 1942 World War II. The protagonist's rel

Like Life

1990, Lorrie Moore

"Like Life" is a collection of short stories that explore the nuances of everyday life, delving into the complexities of relationships, love, and loss. The narratives are filled with characters grappling with their past, struggling with their present, and uncertain about their future. The author use

Moon Palace

1989, Paul Auster

"Moon Palace" tells the story of Marco Stanley Fogg, an orphaned young man in New York City who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As he ventures into the American West and delves into his family's past, he encounters a series of adventures and misadventures that challenge his understanding of

The Melancholy of Resistance

1989, László Krasznahorkai

"The Melancholy of Resistance" is a surreal and philosophical novel set in a small Hungarian town that becomes isolated by a massive snowstorm. The arrival of a mysterious circus, featuring a stuffed whale and a silent, enigmatic leader, brings with it a wave of change and unrest. The narrative expl

The Trick Is to Keep Breathing

1989, Janice Galloway

This novel follows the life of Joy Stone, a drama teacher in Scotland who is struggling with depression and anorexia after the death of her married lover, Michael. The story is told through Joy's fragmented thoughts and memories, revealing her struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of

The History of the Siege of Lisbon

1989, José Saramago

This narrative revolves around a proofreader named Raimundo Silva, who, while working on a historical text about the Siege of Lisbon, decides to alter history by adding a single word to the text, turning the factual account into a fictional one. This act of rebellion leads him into a relationship wi

Inland

1988, Gerald Murnane

Inland is a complex and introspective novel that explores the inner workings of the human mind and the concept of reality. The story is narrated by a man who is reflecting on his life, his relationships, and his experiences, using the vast landscapes of his native Australia as a metaphor for his inn

Obabakoak

1988, Bernardo Atxaga

Obabakoak is a collection of interconnected stories that revolve around the inhabitants of a fictional Basque village named Obaba. The stories, which are a blend of the magical and the everyday, explore the complexities of human nature, as well as the rich history and culture of the Basque region. T

Gimmick!

1989, Joost Zwagerman

"Gimmick!" is a novel that explores the life of a young artist in the Amsterdam art scene during the 1980s. The protagonist is caught in a world of excess, parties, drugs, sex, and betrayal while trying to find his place and make a name for himself. The story delves into the struggles of artistic li

Paradise of the Blind

1988, Dương Thu Hương

"Paradise of the Blind" is a poignant tale of a young Vietnamese woman's journey through life amidst the socio-political upheavals of her country. The narrative follows her struggle to reconcile her familial duties with her own personal aspirations, as she navigates through the complexities of her r

The Last World

1988, Christoph Ransmayr

"The Last World" is a novel that reimagines the exile of the Roman poet Ovid in a remote village at the edge of the Black Sea. The story is set in a mythical time and place, where the villagers are haunted by strange transformations and echoes of Ovid's metamorphoses. The novel blurs the lines betwe

The First Garden

1988, Anne Hébert

"The First Garden" is a historical fiction novel set in 17th-century Canada. It tells the story of a young woman who is sent to New France (now Quebec) to be a "Filles du roi" or "King's Daughter" - a program where women were sent to marry the men of New France in order to populate the colony. The p

Nervous Conditions

1988, Tsitsi Dangarembga

"Nervous Conditions" is a semi-autobiographical novel set in colonial Rhodesia in the 1960s. The story follows a young girl from a poor family who gets the opportunity to receive an education after her brother's death. Despite the struggles she faces - including culture shock, racism, and the inhere

Cigarettes

1987, Harry Mathews

"Cigarettes" is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters, all of whom are connected by their relationship to a single object: a pack of cigarettes. Set in mid-20th century New York, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and obsession. Despite the

Kitchen

1988, Banana Yoshimoto

The book is a poignant tale of love, life, and loss intertwined with the themes of food and kitchens. The narrative follows a young woman who, after the death of her grandmother, finds solace in the home of her friend and his transgender mother. As she navigates her grief, she also grapples with her

The Afternoon of a Writer

1987, Peter Handke

"The Afternoon of a Writer" is a contemplative exploration of a day in the life of a solitary writer who, after a successful morning of writing, decides to take a walk through an unnamed European city. As he strolls, he grapples with feelings of alienation and existential dread, questioning his purp

Black Box

1987, Amos Oz

"Black Box" is a novel that explores the complex dynamics of a broken family. The story revolves around a divorced couple who are forced to reconnect after their son begins to display troubling behavior. The husband, a stern and disciplined judge, and the wife, a free-spirited Holocaust survivor, mu

All Souls

1989, Javier Marias

"All Souls" is a novel that follows the experiences of a Spanish professor teaching at Oxford University. His life is filled with eccentric colleagues, a puzzling love affair, and a mysterious sense of intrigue. As the protagonist navigates through the academic world, he becomes entangled in a web o

The Pigeon

1987, Patrick Süskind

"The Pigeon" is a psychological drama about a man whose life is turned upside down by the presence of a pigeon in front of his apartment. The man, a meticulous and orderly bank security guard, has his life thrown into chaos when he encounters the bird, which triggers an existential crisis within him