Unusual settings can make a fiction book unusual. For example, if a book is set in a world where time runs backwards or in a place with completely different physical laws. Another factor is the narrative structure. A book that jumps between different time periods or perspectives in a non - linear way, like 'Pale Fire' by Vladimir Nabokov, can be considered unusual.
Unusual themes can make a fiction book stand out. For instance, if a book explores the concept of immortality in a very different way than the common vampire or magical elixir stories. It could be about the psychological and ethical implications of never dying. Also, when a book combines different genres in unexpected ways, such as mixing historical fiction with science fiction like in 'The Time Traveler's Wife' where the time - traveling aspect is intertwined with a love story in a historical setting.
Strange or unique characters can contribute to a book being unusual. Think about books with characters that have super - strange abilities or personalities that are not like the typical characters you find in most fiction. Also, an unusual writing style. Books that use made - up languages, like 'A Clockwork Orange' with its Nadsat language, or ones that have a really fragmented or stream - of - consciousness style like 'Ulysses' by James Joyce are unusual.
A historical fiction can be considered unusual when it plays with time in an unexpected way. Maybe it jumps back and forth between different historical eras in a non - linear fashion. It might also re - imagine historical events or figures in a radical new light. For instance, giving a villain in history a more sympathetic backstory. Also, if it combines different cultures or historical periods in a way that's not common, like a story set in ancient Rome that also has elements of a far - eastern culture, that would make it unusual.
You could set your story in a floating city in the sky. The people there have developed unique ways of living, like using clouds as a source of energy. The main character could be an outsider who is brought to this city and has to adapt to its strange customs and figure out how to get back home.
One factor that can make a detective novel unusual is the setting. For example, if it's set in a very unique or strange place like a floating city or an ancient, forgotten civilization. Another aspect could be the detective character themselves. If they have some extraordinary abilities or quirks, like a detective who can communicate with the dead to solve crimes. Also, an unusual narrative structure, such as telling the story from multiple, non - linear perspectives or having the detective be the unreliable narrator, can set a detective novel apart as unusual.
For a novel to be great and unusual, it might have a setting that is out of the ordinary. 'The Master and Margarita' has a setting that blends the real Moscow with the supernatural, which is very unique. The way it treats themes can also be a factor. In 'Gravity's Rainbow', the way it deals with themes like power and paranoia is not like most novels. Moreover, if it challenges the reader's expectations at every turn, like 'If on a winter's night a traveler' does with its constantly changing stories, it can be considered great and unusual.
An unusual fantasy novel might have a very unique magic system. For example, in 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson, the magic system is based on ingesting different metals to gain powers, which is quite different from the typical magic in most fantasy novels.
Unusual classic novels can be so for several reasons. Firstly, the plot might be very unconventional. Consider 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. The story of a black man who is literally invisible and his struggle for identity in a racist society is a very distinct plot. Secondly, the language use can be unique. 'Finnegans Wake' by James Joyce has a very experimental use of language that is almost like a made - up language in parts. This makes it extremely unusual among classic novels. Also, the way it presents social or moral issues in a new light, like 'Nineteen Eighty - Four' by George Orwell, which presents a totalitarian future in a very vivid and disturbing way, can make a novel an unusual classic.
An origin story can be considered unusual when it defies common expectations. For example, if a species has features that are not typical for its group. Like the pangolin, it's a mammal covered in scales, which is really different from most other mammals. This makes its origin story interesting and unusual.
An unusual detective noir novel might have an unexpected setting. For example, instead of the typical urban cityscape, it could be set in a small, seemingly idyllic town that hides a lot of dark secrets. This contrast between the appearance and the reality of the place makes it different from the norm.
An 'unusual world novel' often has a unique concept. It could be a world where time doesn't flow linearly, but in loops or spirals. This would completely change how the characters experience events and how the story unfolds. Also, the use of language can contribute. If the author invents new words or uses language in a very different way to describe the world, it can make the world seem very unusual. For example, a language where every word has multiple meanings depending on the tone in which it is spoken. Additionally, the power dynamics in the world can be strange. A world where the weak are the rulers and the strong are servants would be quite an unusual concept for a novel.
For the shepherds, it's their encounter with angels that makes them unusual. Angels are celestial beings, and for these simple shepherds to have such a direct and supernatural experience, it sets them apart. They were then led by the angels' message to visit the Messiah, which was a life - changing event for them.