The Spring Preview

A sampling of the books of the season.

With publishers bracing to release an unprecedented number of books on politics this season, we wondered whether there would be room for anything else. It turns out that we can look forward to a welcome diversity. Here is a sampling of what's in store.

FICTION

General Fiction

An Absolute Scandal, by Penny Vincenzi (Doubleday, June). When Lloyds of London goes bust, Lucinda must decide between supporting her devastated husband or keeping an irresistible lover.

America America, by Ethan Canin (Random House, June). A yard-boy on the estate of a powerful New York family charms his way up society's ladder to become the confidante of a presidential candidate, until a crime threatens his downfall.

Beijing Coma, by Ma Jian (Farrar Straus Giroux, May). Felled by a bullet on Tiananmen Square, Dai Wei emerges from a coma to an utterly transformed China.

Blood Colony, by Tananarive Due (Atria, June). A new drug made from "the blood of immortals" prompts a powerful underground distributor to set out to cure AIDS.

Breath, by Tim Winton (FSG, June). On the desolate coast of Western Australia, two teenage thrill-seekers go to extremes.

Bright Shiny Morning, by James Frey (Harper, May). The author of A Million Little Pieces tells of characters from far corners of the world who come together, seeking redemption.

Cost, by Roxana Robinson (FSG, June). When Julia learns that her son is a heroin addict, she mobilizes the entire family, including her ex-husband and her frail elderly parents, to help save his life.

The Enchantress of Florence, by Salman Rushdie (RH, June). Alternating between Renaissance Florence and the court of the Mughal Empire, a novel of love and sorcery.

Enlightenment, by Maureen Freely (Overlook, May). The translator of Orhan Pamuk's Snow tells of first love and betrayal in Cold War Istanbul.

Exiles, by Ron Hansen (FSG, May). The shipwreck that prompted Gerard Manley Hopkins to unleash a dazzling torrent of poetry.