In lesser-known books, there exist those authors who shine like celebrities. Their names pop up here and there. They are writing about the best sellers in the nation, and everyone around you is probably raving about them. So what about authors that don't really get too much attention? What about people writing great stories yet are unknown to many readers? These underrated authors are hidden literary gems, and their books deserve the same attention that popular ones are getting. When you are on the lookout for something new and different, try these underrated new authors you should read now.
Ocean Vuong is a Vietnamese-American poet and novelist who's been gaining a bit of notice but isn't yet getting the recognition he deserves. His debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, is a beautifully written letter from a son to his mother. It's a story about family, love, and identity, and it's filled with poetic language that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Vuong's work is emotional and raw, and it's perfect for anyone who loves lyrical writing and heartfelt stories.
Author of the fantasy novel series The Bone Season compared to those of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, author Samantha Shannon manages to stand alone. Her imagination in world-building is fantastic; her characters have depth and a lot of personality. The premise of the novel is set in a dystopian future where government agencies hunt and persecute clairvoyants, full of action, suspense, and romantic interest. If you love fantasy, you are going to be hooked on this series.
R.F. Kuang is a dark and compelling fantasy author whose The Poppy War trilogy is based on Chinese history. The novel is about a young girl who discovers she possesses a powerful gift that is deadly. Kuang's writing is intense and provocative, and the author does not shy away from the hard truths of war, colonialism, and morality. Her work would appeal to the reader who savors complex characters and morally ambiguous stories.
Helen Oyeyemi is a British-Nigerian author who writes magical realism and fairytale-inspired stories. Her books are strange, beautiful, and unlike anything else you've read. Boy, Snow, Bird is a retelling of Snow White that explores race and identity, while Gingerbread is a quirky and imaginative story about family and tradition. Oyeyemi's writing is whimsical and poetic, and her stories are full of surprises. If you're looking for something different, her books are a great place to start.
Kazuo Ishiguro is a Nobel Prize-winning author, but he's still not as well-known as some of his contemporaries. His novels are quiet and introspective, and they often explore themes of memory, identity, and loss. These are novels about love and death: a haunting tale in Never Let Me Go, and another a poignant tale of regret unspoken feelings: The Remains of the Day. Ishiguro is subtle and mighty, and his books are not soon forgotten once read.
N.K. Jemisin is a fan-favorite science fiction and fantasy author who has earned several Hugo Awards, but she's yet to become as widespread as some other science fiction and fantasy writers. Her work: "the Broken Earth" trilogy, is built like a masterpiece of world-building and storytelling. The entire series is based upon the concept of a world predominantly tormented by natural disasters, and it follows the context of a woman having control over the earth. Jemisin is bold in her imagination, showing how the people survive as well as oppress each other. These themes are generally explored under speculative fiction. It's just a must-read for anyone who loves speculative fiction.
Carmen Maria Machado is an author who writes horror, fantasy, and memoirs. A feminist horror and fairy-tale-infused short story collection, Her Body and Other Parties is sure to make you question long after the reading is over. Her memoir, In the Dream House, is an innovative and powerful work on the themes of abuse and queer relationships. Machado is bold, experimental, and unafraid to push the limits of the genre. If you're looking for something unique and thought-provoking, her work is a great choice.
Tayari Jones is the author of An American Marriage, a novel that discusses the effect of imprisonment on a marriage. The book is emotionally and intellectually evocative, and it's a sharp commentary on race and justice in America. Her writing is candid and honest; her characters feel like real people and are very relatable. If you're looking for book recommendations that make you think and feel, then An American Marriage is an excellent choice.
Jesmyn Ward is a National Book Award-winning author, but she's still not as well known as she should be. Her novels, Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing, are powerful stories about family, poverty, and survival in the American South. Ward's writing is lyrical and haunting, and her characters are deeply human. Her books are a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction.
Rivers Solomon is a non-binary author who writes speculative fiction that explores themes of identity, memory, and community. Their debut novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts, is a sci-fi story set on a spaceship that's divided by race and class. Solomon's writing is bold and imaginative, and they tackle important issues like oppression and resistance. If you're a fan of science fiction that's both thought-provoking and action-packed, their work is a great choice.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who has gained some recognition, but she's still not as widely read as she should be. Her novels, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah are powerful stories about love, race, and identity. Adichie's writing is sharp and insightful, and she has a talent for capturing the complexities of human relationships. If you're looking for a book that will challenge your perspective, her work is a great choice.
She's a new face in the field of writing but has been gaining much attention, especially after releasing her debut novel, Such a Fun Age. This sharp and witty modern American novel, which delves into the problems of race, class, and privilege, would be one exciting read for fans of this sort of writing. Reid's new writing style can be seen here, with young, complex characters that are truly relatable and engaging.
Station Eleven is written by Emily St. John Mandel, about a pandemic wiping out most of the world's population. It is a beautiful and haunting book that is deeply a story of art, memory, and survival; this is very lyrical and evocative. Their characters are the very best humanity. If you are looking for a good read that combines being timely yet timeless, it should be this: Station Eleven.
Tommy Orange is one of the brilliant Native American voices, and his debut novel There There holds the essence to tell an interesting story of modern urban Native America. This powerful and moving collection of stories showcases a kaleidoscope of perspectives and voices regarding identity and a sense of home. His works are bold in originality, while his characters and characters in those stories never escape the minds or hearts. Try reading a novel that makes the reader shift views: look into There There.
Sara Novi is a deaf author writing novels about the deaf experience. Her debut novel, Girl at War, is a great novel about the survival of a young girl during the Croatian War of Independence. The writing is so vivid and emotional, capturing complexities in human experience. She's a very great author for one who is interested in opening one's eyes to a different perspective.
One of the underrated indie writers worth discovering is T. Kingfisher (pen name of Ursula Vernon), who has works that blend fantasy, horror, and humor, as well as unique stories like The Hollow Places and Nettle & Bone. Her self-published fantasy novels have won awards, so she is a pretty great indie literature gem.
Reading underrated authors is one of the best ways to find new voices and perspectives. Their work is not as popular as that of some of their colleagues, but it is no less valuable or important. You're not only helping their careers when you read their books, but you're also expanding your horizons. So the next time you are looking for a new book to read, come across these underappreciated authors and give one of their books a try. You might just find your new favorite writer.
In conclusion, there is a plethora of undiscovered literary gems. Underrated authors have new perspectives, different voices, and unforgettable stories. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, literary fiction, or something in the middle, you can find that underrated author that awaits you.
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