8 Underrated Books You Haven't Read But Should

When we speak of essential reading, household names like 1984 or To Kill a Mockingbird often surface. However, buried beneath the towering giants of literature are hidden gems—underrated books that have been unjustly overlooked. These are the books that ignite thought, stir emotion, and provide insight as profound—if not more so—than any bestseller list ever could. Below you will find a list of 8 underrated books you haven't read but should.

1. The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington

This feminist surrealist classic centers on 92-year-old Marian Leatherby, who is sent to a bizarre nursing home after receiving a hearing trumpet. Once institutionalized, she uncovers a world of esoteric secrets, conspiracies, and magical transformations. The novel rejects conventional narrative logic, embracing the absurd as a form of resistance. Carrington’s protagonist is one of the most unique in literature—a woman whose age and eccentricity become sources of power.

2. The Bell by Iris Murdoch

Another underappreciated gem by Iris Murdoch, The Bell is set in a religious community where spiritual ideals clash with human imperfections. Murdoch weaves a tale of moral complexity, addressing sexual repression, personal freedom, and spiritual longing. With rich character development and philosophical undertones, The Bell offers a compelling look at how people seek—and fail to live up to—higher truths. It’s both an intimate human drama and a contemplative reflection on faith and desire.

3. Ice by Anna Kavan

A dystopian fever dream, Ice is one of the strangest and most hypnotic novels of the 20th century. Set in a frozen apocalyptic landscape where an encroaching glacier threatens humanity, the story follows an unnamed narrator on a relentless pursuit of a mysterious, fragile woman. Kavan’s writing is chilling, surreal, and emotionally intense, blurring the lines between hallucination and reality. It reads like Kafka by way of J.G. Ballard, with themes of control, obsession, and societal collapse. Though often overlooked, Ice is a cult classic of literary science fiction, haunting and unique in both voice and vision.

4. The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch

Winner of the Booker Prize in 1978, The Sea, The Sea is a richly layered psychological novel about obsession, self-delusion, and the passage of time. It follows Charles Arrowby, a retired theatre director who escapes to a remote seaside house, only to become consumed by memories of a former lover. Murdoch delves deep into his flawed, narcissistic psyche with unflinching honesty. The novel’s language is elegant and philosophical, blending romantic longing with subtle satire. It’s a study in ego, regret, and the destructive power of idealized love—a masterclass in psychological realism and narrative control.

5. Independent People by Halldór Laxness

This epic Icelandic novel, first published in 1934–35, tells the life story of Bjartur, a stubborn sheep farmer determined to achieve independence no matter the personal cost. Laxness, a Nobel Prize laureate, blends folklore, satire, and poetic realism to examine the struggle for dignity amid hardship. The prose is evocative and immersive, filled with moments of quiet tragedy and unexpected humor. This is a masterpiece of world literature—one that deserves far more recognition outside Scandinavian circles.

6. Engine Summer by John Crowley

As he recounts his life to a mysterious audience, the narrative becomes layered, weaving myths, memories, and half-truths into a dreamlike tapestry. Crowley’s language is poetic, almost hypnotic, and the book’s slow, contemplative pace invites deep reflection. Unlike most dystopias, this is a quiet, spiritual journey about loss, identity, and the fragility of memory. It’s a deeply philosophical book that will reward patient readers with rich thematic complexity and timeless insight.

7. The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson

Originally published in Swedish in the 1940s, The Long Ships is a robust Viking saga brimming with adventure, battles, and unexpected humor. It follows Red Orm, a charismatic warrior, through a series of epic voyages across Europe and North Africa during the 10th century. Bengtsson skillfully combines historical accuracy with a modern narrative voice, making the story feel vivid and accessible. Unlike many historical novels, this one is light on pomp and heavy on witty dialogue and human insight. It’s both educational and entertaining—a rare feat. Readers of Game of Thrones or The Odyssey will find this book enthralling.

8. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

A stunning exploration of fate, love, and time, The Transit of Venus follows sisters Caroline and Grace Bell over several decades, primarily set in post-WWII Britain. Caroline’s complex romantic life contrasts with Grace’s more conventional path, forming a rich emotional tapestry of desire, regret, and human fragility. Hazzard’s prose is breathtaking—meticulously crafted, layered with allusion, and emotionally piercing. Her characters are real, fallible, and unforgettable. Though it requires close reading, the novel rewards effort with one of the most elegant and emotionally resonant literary experiences available. It’s a masterclass in language and nuance, and remains criminally underappreciated.

Conclusion

In a world saturated with quick content and algorithm-driven recommendations, these underrated books stand as quiet testaments to the richness and complexity literature can offer. They challenge our views, deepen our empathy, and provide intellectual nourishment often missing from mainstream reads.

These aren’t just forgotten titles—they are windows into uncharted emotional and intellectual terrain. If you're a reader looking for substance, originality, and masterful storytelling, these hidden gems deserve a place on your bookshelf.