8 Great Books You've Probably Never Heard Of But Should Read

Amid a landscape ruled by literary giants and bestselling authors, a trove of extraordinary books lies quietly forgotten, waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Here you will find a list of 8 great books you've probably never heard of but should read.

1. The Wall by Marlen Haushofer

The protagonist, a middle-aged woman, finds herself inexplicably cut off from the world by an invisible barrier that isolates her in the Austrian Alps. With only a dog, a cow, and a cat for company, she documents her struggle to adapt to a life stripped of all societal structures. Haushofer’s prose is lyrical, meditative, and deeply psychological, transforming a survival tale into a philosophical reflection on human existence. It’s a quiet, post-apocalyptic masterpiece that asks what it means to live meaningfully when no one is watching.

2. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

The story alternates between 1930s Moscow and biblical Jerusalem, juxtaposing Soviet absurdities with theological reflections. Through outrageous scenes and fantastical events, Bulgakov critiques Soviet censorship and authoritarianism. This novel is layered with allegory, rich in symbolism, and hauntingly beautiful in its lyrical style. A mesmerizing tale of love, freedom, and truth, this book challenges perception and remains strikingly relevant in today’s socio-political climate.

3. The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson

A grand Viking adventure set in 10th-century Scandinavia, The Long Ships chronicles the exploits of Red Orm, a warrior caught between violent conquest and philosophical musings. From Moorish Spain to the Byzantine Empire, Orm’s journey is filled with battles, political intrigue, and moments of unexpected wisdom. Bengtsson’s storytelling is dynamic, blending historical accuracy with humorous and vivid characterizations. This epic delivers action, wit, and cultural insight with an effortless charm. For those who love swashbuckling tales rooted in real history, The Long Ships offers an exhilarating escape into the bold, brutal, and often hilarious world of Norse adventurers.

4. Engine Summer by John Crowley

Set in a society that has forgotten technology and regressed to a tribal lifestyle, the novel unfolds slowly with poetic language and dreamlike imagery. The novel’s structure is complex, with narrative loops and buried secrets, rewarding careful readers with profound revelations. Engine Summer is a rare blend of science fiction and philosophical meditation, offering a tender, melancholic reflection on what it means to be human in a world beyond ours.

5. Ice by Anna Kavan

Ice is a chilling tale that defies traditional genres, blending dystopia, psychological drama, and surrealism into a hypnotic narrative. The story follows an unnamed narrator’s obsessive pursuit of a mysterious woman across a world succumbing to an encroaching ice age. Kavan’s prose is stark, fragmented, and eerily poetic, mirroring the psychological instability of her characters. The book examines themes of control, mental illness, and existential dread, all cloaked in a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere. As disorienting as it is beautiful, Ice draws readers into a landscape where reality and delusion blur—an unforgettable literary experience that grips like a nightmare.

6. The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington

Leonora Carrington’s The Hearing Trumpet is a wildly imaginative novel about Marian Leatherby, a 92-year-old woman who uncovers strange secrets after being placed in an eccentric retirement home. What begins as whimsical satire evolves into a surreal quest involving feminist rebellion, mystical lore, and apocalyptic transformation. Carrington, a surrealist painter and writer, infuses the story with dream logic, bizarre symbolism, and a sharp critique of patriarchal structures. Hilarious and unsettling in equal measure, this novel turns old age into a stage for revolution.

7. Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

Set in Communist-era Czechoslovakia, Too Loud a Solitude follows Hanta, a man who has spent 35 years compacting books and paper, secretly rescuing banned literature while drinking and meditating on life. Hrabal’s prose is poetic and philosophical, filled with dark humor and quiet rebellion. Hanta’s melancholy yet defiant voice becomes a symbol of intellectual freedom in oppressive regimes.

8. The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati

The Tartar Steppe is an existential parable about time, duty, and the illusion of purpose. The protagonist, Giovanni Drogo, is stationed at a remote fortress where he spends his life awaiting a great battle that never arrives. As years pass, hope turns to futility, and the novel becomes a metaphor for the human condition, the passage of time, and missed opportunities. For readers of Kafka and Camus, this novel offers a poignant, universal message about the quiet erosion of dreams and meaning over time.

Conclusion

These eight books defy genre and expectation. They come from different eras and cultures but share one commonality: they are criminally under-read. By exploring these literary treasures, readers will not only broaden their literary horizons but also engage with narratives that challenge, inspire, and linger long after the final page.

If you've grown tired of mainstream bestsellers, take a detour through the less-traveled pages of world literature. The rewards are deeper, the emotions more nuanced, and the insights genuinely transformative.