Underrated short novels frequently have a strong sense of atmosphere. They can create a vivid world in just a few pages. Their plots may be deceptively simple on the surface but actually hold multiple layers of meaning. These novels are often overlooked because they don't have the marketing push or the instant appeal of some more commercial works. They might also focus on characters who are marginalized or on the fringes of society, which can make them less accessible to a wide audience but more interesting in terms of their depth and perspective. For instance, some underrated short novels might tell the story of an outcast in a small town, revealing the hidden power dynamics and prejudices there. They can also use language in a very creative and economical way, making every word count.
One characteristic is that they often deal with complex themes in a concise way. For example, they might explore deep psychological states or social issues within a relatively short number of pages. Another is that they may not have received as much mainstream attention as they deserve, perhaps because their style is more experimental or their subject matter is a bit niche. Underrated short novels also tend to have unique voices that might not conform to popular literary trends at the time of their publication.
The 50 underrated novels often have deep and complex characters. These characters are not the typical one - dimensional ones you find in more mainstream books. They can be morally ambiguous, with complex motives and desires. Their settings are also diverse. They can be set in remote places or in specific sub - cultures that are not well - known. Moreover, these novels tend to break the norms in terms of narrative structure. Instead of the traditional linear story - telling, they might jump around in time or use multiple narrators to tell the story, which can make them more challenging but also more rewarding for the patient reader.
The best underrated fantasy novels usually have a distinct narrative voice. For instance, 'The Thief' has a very matter - of - fact and yet engaging voice. They also often explore moral and ethical themes in a unique way. In 'The Black Company', the characters have to make difficult decisions in a world full of grey areas. And they may have a setting that's not your typical high - fantasy landscape. 'The Night Circus' has a very unusual circus - based setting that adds to its charm.
Some underrated 19th - century novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'Villette', the main character Lucy Snowe has a very nuanced personality. They also tend to deal with important social issues. 'North and South' looks at the divide between the rich and the poor during the industrial revolution. Another characteristic is their unique narrative styles. 'The House of the Seven Gables' has a somewhat gothic narrative style that sets it apart.
A short story can be underrated when it challenges the reader too much. Some stories have complex themes, non - linear narratives, or unusual writing styles. For example, stories that use stream - of - consciousness writing might be difficult for some readers to understand, and so they don't gain as much popularity. Another factor is that the story might be overshadowed by the author's more famous works. For example, an author who is known for a blockbuster novel might have some great short stories that are ignored because people are more focused on their well - known work.
One underrated short novel is 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka. It tells the strange story of a man who wakes up transformed into an insect. It's a profound exploration of alienation and the human condition. Another is 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville. It's about a clerk who simply refuses to do his work, which is a unique look at passive resistance. Also, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor is great. It shows the dark side of human nature in a disturbing yet thought - provoking way.
Some underrated horror novels could be 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons. It creates a sense of unease with a spooky house. Another might be 'The Elementals' by Michael McDowell, which has a unique take on horror with its setting and characters. And 'Lost Souls' by Poppy Z. Brite is also often overlooked. It has a dark and edgy take on vampires and the gothic subculture.
Well, 'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer could be considered underrated in the context of gay novels. It follows the journey of a gay writer as he travels around the world. 'Call Me by Your Name' by André Aciman is quite popular now but was perhaps underrated at first. It tells a tender and bittersweet love story between two men. Also, 'A Boy's Own Story' by Edmund White is an important yet underrated work that delves into the experiences of a young gay boy growing up.
I think 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an underrated gem. It's a family saga filled with love, politics, and magic realism. It follows the Trueba family over generations in Chile. Allende's writing is so vivid that you can almost feel the South American landscape and the passion of the characters.
One underrated light novel is 'The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria'. It has a really unique and mind - bending plot that involves time loops and complex character relationships. Another one could be 'Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers'. It has an interesting premise of six heroes coming together but with a twist of a possible imposter among them.
One of the most underrated fiction novels is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in turn - of - the - century New York. The characters are richly drawn, and the exploration of different cultures and their mythologies is really fascinating.