A cut above the West: America’s astounding economy

Paek Nam-nyong's *Friend* is a tale of marital intrigue, abuse, and divorce in North Korea. The novel follows a judge who investigates a divorce case, delving into the couple's past and their struggles with love and marriage. It provides a unique insight into the lives of people in North Korea, focusing on universal themes such as individual identity and relationship dynamics.

The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.

The Devil's Dance is a novel that vividly portrays the culture of 19th-century Turkestan, a world of lavish poetry recitals and brutal polo matches. It intertwines the story of a 19th-century courtesan with that of Abdulla Qodiriy, a renowned Uzbek writer who faced imprisonment and execution under the Soviet regime. The novel explores themes of history, literature, and the human condition, blending historical facts with imaginative storytelling.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.

Set in Lorain, Ohio, during the Great Depression, 'The Bluest Eye' tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old African American girl who desperately wants blue eyes, believing they will make her more beautiful and accepted according to white cultural standards. The novel explores themes of race, class, and beauty standards, highlighting the destructive impact of internalized racism and societal pressures on Pecola and her family. Through a non-linear narrative and shifting perspectives, Morrison critiques the systemic racism and social stratification that contribute to Pecola's tragic downfall.

And Tango Makes Three tells the story of Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins at the Central Park Zoo who form a pair bond and, with the help of a zookeeper, raise a chick named Tango. The book explores themes of family and acceptance, based on a real-life story. It has been recognized for its portrayal of diverse families and has won several awards, including the ASPCA Henry Bergh Book Award and ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee.

Lajja explores the violent aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in Bangladesh, focusing on the struggles of a Hindu family amidst rising communal tensions. The novel critiques religious extremism and highlights the erosion of secular ideals in Bangladesh. It has been translated into many languages and remains a powerful commentary on religious intolerance.