Every year, I only have room for 20 books on my favorites list. But so many more deserve recognition—especially those that haven’t received much love or attention elsewhere. Each of us is left with a list of underrated books that we didn't read simply because no one brought their beauty to our attention. You'll find a mix of indie works and traditionally published novels, covering various genres.
1 Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera
It's originally written in Spanish. Even in translation, it’s beautifully and skillfully crafted around themes of language, borders, transitions, journeys, and life cycles. The story centers on a Mexican woman who must send a message to her brother, now in America, despite not knowing his whereabouts or condition. The author, Yuri, weaves Aztec mythology into the narrative, particularly the tale of Quetzalcoatl descending to the underworld to restore humanity, paralleling the woman’s own quest. This concise yet profound book tackles numerous deep subjects remarkably well within its few pages, astonishingly reworking Aztec folklore into contemporary Mexican literature with its genius, prose, and creativity.
2 Other People’s Love Affairs by D. Wystan Owen
Why didn’t more readers acknowledge D. Wystan Owen’s Other People’s Love Affairs as the debut of a significant writer, comparable to the best new authors of the decade? Why wasn’t it celebrated as an outstanding book, filled with some of the most beautifully crafted, psychologically intricate, and emotionally tender stories I’ve come across? Owen’s writing captures timeless qualities while also offering a glimpse into the future; it may take us another decade or two to fully appreciate his work. When Literary Hub reviews English-language literature in 2050, D. Wystan Owen’s contributions—and one hopes he will have published many more books by then—will undoubtedly be prominent.
3 The Neanderthal Parallax trilogy by Robert J. Sawyer
A quantum mishap creates a breach between our universe and one were Neanderthals, not Homo Sapiens, became the dominant species. In the chaos, a Neanderthal scientist gets transported to our world. What truly captivates me is the author's exceptional world-building skills and his commitment to thorough research, ensuring both the science and historical details are accurate. Additionally, it's fascinating that he foresaw the advent of social media two decades ago.
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4 The Ghost Theatre by Mat Osman
Once again, let's immerse ourselves in historical London, but this time, during the Elizabethan era. Here, we encounter The Ghost Theatre, a captivating historical fantasy novel that caught me off guard. In this story, a messenger girl burdened with the eerie ability to predict the future by observing bird patterns joins forces with a clandestine theater troupe. This group stages politically charged plays beneath the London night sky, their surreal performances igniting rebellion among the city's outcasts. Against the dramatic backdrop of plague and a city engulfed in flames, Shay forges a special connection with the troupe's leader.
5 The Affairs of the Falcóns by Melissa Rivero
I highly recommend Melissa Rivero’s debut novel, The Affairs of the Falcóns. This remarkable book follows the story of a young undocumented woman striving to build a life for herself and her family in 1990s New York City. You might find it easier to download the app to read the book than to search for it on the bookshelves of your city. Don’t be lazy and do it, the book is worth the effort.
6 Mothtown by Caroline Hardaker
I could have easily included Caroline Hardaker's debut novel, Composite Creatures, on this list due to its underrated and peculiar nature. However, her second novel, Mothtown, stands out even more for its unique and haunting qualities, warranting its place in the spotlight.
Mothtown is a magical realist tale that follows a boy's descent into strangeness after losing his beloved grandfather. To avoid spoilers, I won't reveal much more, but I highly recommend approaching this book with minimal prior knowledge. Immerse yourself in the narrative and experience the protagonist's journey firsthand. Fans of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi will find this novel particularly captivating.
7 Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
I often feel like Cory Doctorow isn't discussed enough. He's an author known for his realistic tech thrillers. My top recommendation is Walkaway. In this novel, society has advanced to the point where almost anything can be inexpensively 3D printed, leading people to abandon traditional society and create their own communities.
Final Words
Of course, we can't know what is the best book to read in life, because it is individual. But this does not mean that we cannot recommend books that have undeservedly not appeared in many ratings and you simply did not know about them. We hope you will like something from the list.
Also share your books that you were lucky to find, but many do not know about them. It will be interesting to read and what is the most impressive book to read?
