by Timothy Mo (1986)
This title documents the first Anglo-Chinese Opium War through the eyes of two young Americans on the China Coast in the 1830s.
Kazuo Ishiguro
As Japan rebuilds her cities after the calamity of World War II, the celebrated painter Masuji Ono should be enjoying a tranquil retirement. But as his memories continually return to a life and career deeply touched by the rise of Japanese militarism, a dark shadow begins to grow over his serenity.
Jessamyn West
Christie Fraser went to court Cate Conboy on Xmas Eve 1899. He had only met her once at his cousins sociable. During his visit he learned a lot about Cate, her family, and the inmated of the Poor Farm her father ran. The reader learns what happed to Cate's courtship and what role the "diggers" played.
Norman Mailer
Arguably the greatest book from America's most heroically ambitious writer, THE EXECUTIONER'S SONG follows the short, blighted life of Gary Gilmore who became famous after he robbed two men in 1976 and killed them in cold blood. After being tried and convicted, he immediately insisted on being executed for his crime. To do so, he fought a system that seemed intent on keeping him alive long after it had sentenced him to death. And that fight for the right to die is what made him famous.
Anne Tyler
My Rough Diamond is a celebrated work by Anne Tyler (Pulitzer Prize Winner), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.