Book Lovers Day: 10 Underrated Books You Must Read (Image Credit – Instagram)
Book Lovers’ Day is the perfect time to delve into some hidden gems that may have flown under the radar. Here are 10 underrated books, both contemporary and classic, that deserve a place on your reading list. Each of these books offers a unique and enriching experience, offering new perspectives and unforgettable stories that will capture your imagination and leave a lasting impression.
1. The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
The Buddha in the Attic is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of Japanese “picture brides” who traveled to America in the early 20th century. Through a collective first-person narrative, Otsuka captures the hopes, struggles, and resilience of these women as they navigate a new and often harsh world. Despite its critical acclaim, this novel remains underappreciated and deserves more attention for its lyrical prose and poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience.
2. The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
In The Book of Strange New Things, Michel Faber explores the emotional and spiritual journey of Peter Leigh, a missionary sent to a distant planet to preach to its alien inhabitants. As Peter immerses himself in his mission, his relationship with his wife on Earth begins to unravel. A thought-provoking exploration of faith, love, and the human condition, Faber’s novel offers a unique blend of science fiction and literary fiction that is often overlooked.
3. The Ice Cream War by William Boyd
The Ice Cream War is a historical novel set in East Africa during World War I. Boyd masterfully weaves together the lives of various characters caught up in the conflict, highlighting the absurdities and tragedies of war. With its rich historical detail and dark humor, this novel offers a new perspective on a lesser-known setting of World War I. Despite its brilliance, The Ice Cream War is still underrated and is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.
4. The Listening Trumpet by Leonora Carrington
The Hearing Trumpet is a surreal and whimsical novel by artist and writer Leonora Carrington. The story follows 92-year-old Marian Leatherby, who is sent to a bizarre retirement home where strange events occur. Carrington’s imaginative and eccentric narrative explores themes of aging, rebellion, and female empowerment. While beloved by some, this cult classic is largely unknown to most readers and offers an entertaining and thought-provoking reading experience.
5. The Emigrants by WG Sebald
WG Sebald’s The Emigrants is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, loss, and exile. The novel consists of four interconnected narratives, each recounting the life of a German emigrant. Sebald’s blend of fiction, autobiography, and historical documentation creates a unique and poignant reading experience. Although Sebald is highly regarded in literary circles, The Emigrants is often overshadowed by his later works and deserves more recognition due to its profound impact.
6. Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Plainsong is a quiet but powerful novel set in the small town of Holt, Colorado. Haruf weaves together the lives of several townspeople, including two older brothers, a pregnant teenager, and a high school teacher. With his simple and elegant prose, Haruf captures the beauty and complexity of ordinary lives. Plainsong is a deeply moving and underrated novel that explores themes of community, compassion, and resilience.
7. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
The Housekeeper and the Professor is a tender and thoughtful novel about the friendship between a brilliant mathematician with short-term memory loss and his housekeeper. Ogawa’s sensitive storytelling and lyrical prose create a heartwarming tale that explores the beauty of human connection and the power of memory. While lauded in literary circles, this quiet gem is relatively unknown to a wider audience.
8. The Book of Salt by Monique Truong
Monique Truong’s The Book of Salt tells the story of Binh, a Vietnamese cook who works for Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas in 1930s Paris. Through Binh’s eyes, Truong explores themes of exile, identity, and desire. The novel’s rich and evocative prose, combined with its unique perspective on famous literary figures, makes it a compelling read. Despite its literary merit, The Book of Salt is often overlooked and deserves more attention.
9. The Known World by Edward P. Jones
The Known World is a powerful and complex novel that examines the institution of slavery in antebellum Virginia through the story of a black slave owner. Jones’ complex narrative structure and extensive character development offer a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of morality, power, and freedom. Although The Known World won the Pulitzer Prize, it remains underrated and is essential reading for anyone interested in American history and literature.
10. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard
Shirley Hazzard’s The Transit of Venus is a beautifully written novel that follows the lives of two orphaned sisters from Australia as they navigate love and loss over several decades. Hazzard’s exquisite prose and deep psychological insight make this a profound and moving read. Despite its critical acclaim, The Transit of Venus has not received the widespread recognition it deserves and is a hidden gem of contemporary literature.
These underrated books offer tons of literary enjoyment, each offering unique stories and insights. Whether you’re looking for a classic novel or a contemporary gem, these selections are sure to enrich your reading experience. Celebrate Book Lovers’ Day by adding these hidden treasures to your bookshelf and discovering the riches they offer. Happy reading!
