One underrated genre is historical fiction set in less - explored time periods. For example, novels set during the Byzantine Empire can offer a really unique reading experience. You get to learn about a different culture and time while enjoying a fictional story.
Literary fiction from non - Western countries is often underrated. There are so many amazing novels from Asian, African and South American countries that don't get as much attention as they should. These novels can offer different perspectives on life, love and society that you might not find in more mainstream Western literature.
The genre of epistolary novels, which are written in the form of letters, is also underrated. It gives a very personal and intimate feel to the story. 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker is an example of a great epistolary novel. Reading novels in this genre can be a refreshing change from the more common narrative styles.
One underrated light novel is 'Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?'. It has an interesting premise of a girl reincarnated as a spider in a fantasy world. Another is 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'. While it has gained some popularity, it's still relatively underrated compared to some huge mainstream light novels.
Mystery stories are also very engaging. They keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the culprit is. Agatha Christie's novels are masterpieces in this genre.
There are many great story genres to explore. Fantasy stories, for example, often take us to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures and extraordinary powers. Science - fiction stories can transport us to the future or other planets, exploring advanced technologies and alien civilizations. Mystery stories keep us on the edge of our seats as we try to solve the puzzles along with the characters. Adventure stories are full of excitement, with characters going on thrilling quests and facing various challenges.
Telugu folktales are a great option. They are full of moral lessons, cultural values, and interesting characters. For example, stories about the cleverness of village children outwitting the bad guys.
Good underrated novels usually have deep characters that are not fully appreciated. 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Díaz is one such novel. The main character Oscar is a complex and relatable figure, but it might not have reached as many readers as it should. The setting can also play a role. If it's set in a less - known or less - popular location, like 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, it might not get as much attention. And sometimes, it's just a matter of bad timing. A book might be released when there are a lot of big - name releases, and it gets overshadowed, like some small - press novels.
Contemporary fiction. There are many Malayalam authors who write engaging novels and short stories about modern - day life, relationships, and social issues. Reading these can give insights into the current Malayalam society, its values, and the way people think and interact.
In the science - fiction genre, 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is quite underrated. It has a complex and multi - layered story with a diverse set of characters. Each character's tale is like a mini - masterpiece, and when combined, they create a grand epic set in a far - flung future universe.
One good underrated Victorian novel is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It is often considered a precursor to the modern detective story. It has a complex plot full of mystery, with multiple narrators that add to the intrigue. Another is 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. It explores the social divide between the industrial North and the more genteel South in England, as well as themes of class, love, and social change. And 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton (although she was American, her works were influenced by Victorian values). It's a tragic story of a woman caught in the strict social hierarchies of the time, and her attempts to navigate through them.
One good underrated light novel is 'Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?'. It has an interesting premise where the protagonist is reincarnated as a spider in a fantasy world. The story gradually unfolds with unique world - building and character development. Another is 'Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash'. It presents a more realistic take on the isekai genre, focusing on the struggles of the characters in a new world rather than just overpowered heroes. And 'The Saga of Tanya the Evil' is also underrated. It has a complex and somewhat controversial main character, Tanya, and a unique military - fantasy setting that makes it stand out.
One good underrated Victorian novel is 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. It explores themes of class differences, industrialization, and the relationship between a southern gentlewoman and a northern mill owner. Another is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, which is often considered a precursor to the modern detective story. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and intrigue. Also, 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton, although set in America during a similar period, has strong Victorian elements and is an in - depth study of a woman's struggle in a society governed by strict social norms.