Well, many of the 50 underrated novels are rich in subtext. There are hidden meanings and allusions that require careful reading and analysis. They also tend to be ahead of their time in terms of the ideas they present. For example, some might have been exploring gender equality or environmental issues long before they became mainstream topics. Their language use can be very precise and evocative. They use words not just to convey a basic story but to create a mood and atmosphere. And often, they are the works of authors who were not part of the literary mainstream at the time of writing, which might be why they were overlooked initially.
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.
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 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.
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.
One underrated fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It combines elements of Middle Eastern and Jewish mythology in a unique way. The story follows the lives of a golem and a jinni in 19th - century New York City. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a beautiful, fairytale - like quality with a strong female lead and an interesting magic system. And 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also underrated. It tells the story of Kvothe, a gifted young man with a mysterious past and great magical abilities.
One underrated horror novel is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It weaves a complex and terrifying tale around a fishing trip gone horribly wrong. Another is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. Its unique formatting and mind - bending story about a haunted house make it a great but often overlooked horror read. Also, 'The Lesser Dead' by Christopher Buehlman, which offers a fresh take on vampires in a gritty urban setting.