The Cook by Maylis de Kerangal (translated by Sam Taylor) is a fictional biography of Mauro, a young man who dreams of working as a cook / chef.

After getting home from a very long shift, Dr. Jafaari is woken up asking to come identify his wife’s body who has been killed in a suicide attack

It is the end of World War II and 14 year old Michiel becomes unwittingly involved with the Dutch Resistance while aiding a wounded British soldier.

A beautiful book, a lyrical and relatable story of the author who was born in Russia but spent his summers with his grandmother Charlotte Lemonnier

A fictional book set in Paris, France. The book discusses philosophy, culture, the class system and more – sometimes on account of a strong story.

The “League of the Scarlet Pimpernel” is famous for rescuing French noblemen from certain death in creative and daring ways. A bounty is placed on their leader

The dark, brooding and punishing interactions between the complex characters are a mastery of storytelling. The characters are also part of this complex plot

The mystery is the way the investigation unfolds, layer by layer while the reader is privy to how the murder was done is a unique way to tell a story

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives examines the compound relationships of a polygamous family, the jealousies, infighting, self deception and conniving.

A collection is the product of a literary competition in the Arab world, young authors & poets, all under 40, competed in a contest sponsored by, among others