Hey there! Are you tired of reading the same old books recommended by everyone? Do you want to explore some underrated classics that have been forgotten over time? Well, look no further! In this blog post, I’m going to introduce you to 10 must-read novels from the past that you might have overlooked. So, grab your tea, coffee, or whatever your favorite beverage is, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of underappreciated classics!

1. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Let’s start with a classic that is often overshadowed by Jane Austen’s more popular works like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Northanger Abbey is a coming-of-age story about Catherine Morland, a naive but imaginative young woman, who learns about life and love through her adventures in Bath society. The novel is a witty satire of gothic romances and a clever commentary on social conventions and gender roles in Regency England.

💡 Tip: If you’re a fan of Austen’s signature style of romance and humor, but tired of her typical plotlines, Northanger Abbey is the way to go.

A woman sitting in a garden, reading a book with a mansion in the background.

2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Next up, we have a feminist novel ahead of its time. The Awakening tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a married woman who finds herself dissatisfied with her conventional role as a wife and mother. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening, defying the societal norms of patriarchal Louisiana in the late 19th century. The novel was controversial for its frank depiction of female sexuality and is now recognized as a landmark work of early feminism.

🌟 Highlight: The Awakening is a powerful portrayal of a woman’s struggle to find independence and fulfillment in a society that limits her options based on her gender.

A portrait of a woman gazing out the window with a hint of yearning in her eyes.

3. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca is a masterpiece of Gothic literature that combines elements of romance, mystery, and psychological drama. The novel follows an unnamed young woman who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his estate, Manderley. As she tries to adapt to her new life, she becomes haunted by the memory of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, who died under mysterious circumstances. The twists and turns of the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking conclusion.

🕯️ Mood: Rebecca is a haunting and atmospheric novel that will transport you to the eerie halls of Manderley.

A dark and foreboding mansion with a young woman standing in front of it.

4. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is a poignant novel about loneliness and human connection. Set in a small Southern town during the Great Depression, the novel follows the intersecting lives of five characters, including a deaf and mute man named John Singer. Through their interactions with each other, they learn about the complexities of love, friendship, and identity. The novel is a sensitive portrayal of marginalized people and their struggles for dignity and understanding.

💔 Emotion: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter will make you feel the ache of human isolation and the bittersweetness of human connection.

A blurry photo of people walking on a rainy street with their umbrellas up.

5. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s novel Song of Solomon is a masterpiece of African American literature that explores themes of race, identity, and heritage. The novel follows the life of Macon “Milkman” Dead, a young black man who embarks on a journey to discover his roots and the meaning of his name. Along the way, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters and learns about the legacy of slavery and oppression in America. The novel is a lyrical meditation on the power of flight, both literal and metaphorical, and the search for self-discovery in a hostile world.

🦅 Symbolism: The image of flight is a recurring motif in Song of Solomon, representing freedom, escape, and transcendence.

A flock of birds flying in the blue sky, with a man standing in the middle, looking up.

6. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Another masterpiece from Toni Morrison, Beloved is a haunting novel that explores the psychological trauma of slavery and its lasting impact on African American families. The novel tells the story of Sethe, a former slave who escapes to Cincinnati and tries to make a new life for herself and her children. However, her past catches up with her when a mysterious young woman named Beloved appears on her doorstep. The novel is a powerful allegory of the ghosts of history, the legacy of trauma, and the struggle for healing and redemption.

👻 Theme: Beloved is a ghost story that is both terrifying and heartbreaking, a testament to the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

A woman with tears in her eyes and a haunted expression, holding a small child in her arms.

7. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a lyrical novel that celebrates the strength and resilience of African American women. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, a free-spirited woman who defies the conventions of her time and finds love and independence on her own terms. Through her journey, she learns about the power of community, the importance of self-discovery, and the beauty of living life to the fullest. The novel is a masterpiece of African American literature and a testament to the human spirit.

🎉 Celebration: Their Eyes Were Watching God is a joyful celebration of life and love, a testament to the power of Black women’s voices and stories.

A smiling woman with a colorful headwrap, standing on a sunlit field.

8. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

The House of the Spirits is a magical realist novel that combines history, politics, and family drama in a sweeping epic that spans three generations. The novel follows the lives of the Trueba family, a wealthy landowning clan in Chile, and their struggles with power, love, and revolution. The novel is a playful blend of realism and fantasy, as ghosts, spirits, and telekinetic powers invade the narrative, creating a vibrant and imaginative world.

🔮 Genre: The House of the Spirits is a genre-bending novel that defies categorization, combining elements of political satire, family saga, and magical realism.

A colorful illustration of a house with a ghostly figure floating above it.

9. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Left Hand of Darkness is a groundbreaking novel that explores gender and sexuality in a speculative science fiction setting. The novel is set on the planet Gethen, where the inhabitants are androgynous and only take on male or female characteristics during their monthly periods of fertility. The novel follows the journey of an Earthling ambassador named Genly Ai, who tries to broker a political alliance between Gethen and Earth. Along the way, he learns about the complexities of gender and identity and the limitations of human understanding.

🌌 Worldbuilding: The Left Hand of Darkness is a masterclass in worldbuilding, creating a vivid and unforgettable alien culture that challenges our assumptions about gender and sexuality.

A surreal landscape of icy mountains and a sun setting in the background.

10. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Last but not least, we have a postcolonial novel that reimagines the history of India through the eyes of its protagonist, Saleem Sinai. Born at the exact moment of India’s independence from British rule, Saleem discovers that he has magical powers that connect him to the other “midnight’s children” born on that fateful night. The novel is a kaleidoscopic tale of love, war, politics, and mythology, blending magic realism with historical realism to create a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

🇮🇳 Cultural Context: Midnight’s Children is a rich and complex novel that captures the essence of India’s history, culture, and politics, as well as its diverse communities and traditions.

A colorful illustration of a man riding a bicycle through the crowded streets of India, with the Taj Mahal in the background.

And there you have it, 10 must-read novels from the past that you might have missed. I hope this list inspires you to discover new voices and perspectives in literature. Happy reading! 📚

A stack of old books with a bookmark sticking out of one of them.