Tired of having the same to-read list as your fellow book-lovers? Confused about what to pick next when you go to the library? Not to worry because there is a vast expanse of undiscovered words waiting to reveal themselves to a new experience. The old coffee, sometimes tea stained pages or the new crisp pages wait for you to turn them, holding a story as great as any other, but not acknowledged the way it deserved to be. There are so many books which go unnoticed, shadowed by other great books adding to a list of top underrated novels. But this is no reason to not to read them.
We present to you a list of top underrated novels which you won’t regret reading!
1. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Set during World War II, 12-year-old David is still mourning the death of his mother when his father remarries. With no one else to turn to, David finds friends in the books his mother left for him. But soon the books start whispering to him and in a strange turn of events he finds himself in a different world altogether, ruled by a mysterious king. Haunted by evil monsters and befriending heroes on his way, David embarks on the journey for the Book of Lost Things.
A modern retelling of the old classic fairy tales in its unique style, the exceptional book brings a different experience for its readers. Definitely, one of the top underrated novels ever.
Buy it from here: The Book of Lost Things Illustrated Edition
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The circus is a mystery for everyone which one can experience but never entirely figure out. It arrives without any prior information and leaves without a hint. Presenting a set of delightful feasts, the circus never disappoints. With a magnificent range of characters who have their lives entwined with the circus like the contortionist who can fit herself into the smallest of boxes, the twins with magical powers and two illusionists in a deadly game which only one will survive. The only problem is that the illusionists fall in love.
Grip your hearts as these two enthralling beings with many others bring a beautiful story for you and create a vivid imagery with moments that will leave you in awe.
Buy it from here: The Night Circus
3. The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson
The book revolves around a minister Gideon Mack who questions the existence of God. All his life he has believed them to be stories, meant to be enjoyed but not believed. But this is till the day he falls into a pit and is supposedly saved by the devil himself. The plot of one of the top underrated novels, revolves around unresolved relationships, questioning one’s belief and whether Gideon Mack really met the devil or just lost his mind.
An unconventionally twisted book and a must read for anyone who wants to dissect the nature of belief.
Buy it from here: The Testament of Gideon Mack
4. I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The list of top underrated novels is incomplete without I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. Ed Kennedy leads a pretty normal life who has nothing to look forward to but his hopeless existence. But his life takes a sharp turn when he receives the first of many aces with a message in the mail, predicting his actions and their consequences in turn. With every message received Ed needs to bring about a change in the world. But he has no clue about who is actually behind this.
A deep and meaningful read with a climax that will not fail to take you by surprise.
Buy it from here: I Am the Messenger
5. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Ever imagined how it would feel like if everyone else could hear your thoughts? Ever imagined a place without women? Welcome to Prentisstown where everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts commonly called Noise in the book. Todd is the last boy in Prentisstown and is only a month away from becoming a man when he and his dog Manchee discover an area of complete silence. They stumble upon a dark hidden secret that may even cost them their lives.
The first of three books in the Chaos Walking series, The Knife of Never Letting Go raises many questions. What happened to the women of the town? Why is it important for Todd to reach his birthday and become a man? This page-turner explores the themes of slavery, racism, sexism and promises an addictive read. Therefore, it is one of the top underrated novels.
Buy it from here: The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking)
6. Out Backward by Ross Raisin
After being thrown out of the school after an accident concerning him, Sam Marsdyke is forced to work in his family farm and compelled to live a monotonous lonely life. This is till the day he notices his new neighbor Josephine from London and strikes up a friendship with her. However, the start of this innocent friendship slowly starts giving way to something very frightening, showcasing what really lies in the depths of Sam’s mind.
This is one of the top underrated novels that has a gripping read with a well plotted story. Disturbing yet difficult to put down book will definitely leave the reader speechless.
Buy it from here: Out Backward
7. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn is also one of the top underrated novels of all time. The book is about a girl Ella Minnow Pea who lives in the fictional island of Nollop. The island is named after Nevin Nollop who was the supposed author of the immortal pangram, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” In the book Ella finds herself acting against the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters as and when they fall from the memorial statue of Nollop, where the pangram has been carved. These fallen letters also start disappearing from the novel, requiring more effort to interpret.
A hilarious read, an ingeniously written book and a must read for anyone who wants to read something different.
Buy it from here: Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters
8. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The book is written from the point of view of a dog named Enzo. It showcases his deeply observed insight into the human life. An almost educated dog, Enzo philosophies life, comparing it to racing. The book showcases stories of love, trust, loyalty and all that makes a family through the eyes of this dog.
A captivating novel showcasing the hardships and the realities of human life and an added bonus for all the dog lovers out there is yet a top entrant in the list of top underrated novels.
Buy it from here: The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
9. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
Imagine the life of a sixteen-year-old boy. Nothing exceptional, right? But Frank Cauldhame is not your ordinary sixteen-year-old. The wasp factory is one of the top underrated novels of all time that features a murderer. Sometimes he has his reasons and sometimes he kills just because he felt like. Till date he has killed three people and intends to discontinue this practice. He says it was just a stage. But was it?
Buy it from here: The Wasp Factory
10. Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Judas Coyne is an aging rock star with a weird fascination with macabre. On coming across a ghost for sale on an online auction, he buys it and this is where the roller coaster ride starts. The mail that the rock star receives contains the spirit of a dead man seeking vengeance for something Coyne did years ago. The spirit is ready to kill Coyne and anyone who tries to help him. So what happens next? The debut novel of Joe Hill, this book will take you on a scary journey making you want to read more.
Buy it from here: Heart-Shaped Box
These top underrated novels are definitely worth a read. After that, you’ll know if they’re good enough or not!
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