Hidden Gems: 10 Lesser-Known Classic Novels Every Book Lover Should Read
Disclaimer: This article uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!
Greetings, fellow classic novel lovers! If you’re like me, then you’re probably getting tired of re-reading the same classics over and over again (yes, I’m looking at you, now go put that copy of Pride and Prejudice down, you’ve read it six times already!), and you’re aching for something new and exciting, yet with the familiar feel of your favorite classic books.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Because today, we’re going to talk about a few hidden literary gems, which have somehow managed to slip through the cracks of mainstream fame. So let’s dive in, and unveil 10 lesser-known classic novels, which you’ve probably skipped in favor of re-reading The Count of Monte Christo for the umpteenth time.
The Book of Disquiet, by Fernando Pessoa
The Street of Crocodiles, by Bruno Schulz
Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset
The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov
Zorba the Greek, by Nikos Kazantzakis
The Radetzky March, by Joseph Roth
Independent People, by Halldór Laxness
The Cairo Trilogy, by Naguib Mahfouz
The Glass Bead Game, by Hermann Hesse
Cancer Ward, by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Book of Disquiet, by Fernando Pessoa
Born in Lisbon in 1888, Fernando Pessoa was not simply a poet and writer. He was a true mastermind of the literary labyrinth, a connoisseur of multiple personalities. And no, I’m not just saying down for effect. He quite literally had over 70 alter egos, known as “heteronyms”, each of which had a distinctive style, background and, most importantly, view point. He could pretty much have a full-scale literary debate by himself, advocating both sides with his unparalleled ability to splinter his identity at will and explore diverse facets of human thought, experience, and emotion. Pessoa was among a rare few individuals who could plumb the deepest depths of human consciousness and convey what they found there with striking ability.
“The Book of Disquiet” was, surprisingly, published after Pessoa’s death. Much like the author himself, it has a rather unique format, being a sort of semi-autobiographical diary, but authored by one of Pessoa’s heteronyms, Bernardo Soares. The book is a beautiful collection of musings and reflections, delving into themes like isolation, the nature of time, and the monotony of everyday life. It won’t offer you a traditional plot, but what it will offer is a glimpse into the most intimate corners of human psyche, rendered in beautifully introspective prose.
The Book of Disquiet's is one of those lesser-known classic novels that you won’t likely pick up by yourself, but it is a true masterclass in internal exploration, and an absolute must-read for anyone seeking to deep dive into the nuances of classic literature. And, to be honest, what better way to dive into those nuances than by reading the thoughts of a mind that held over 70 personalities?
The Street of Crocodiles, by Bruno Schulz
The name of Bruno Schulz is often overshadowed by the giants of classic literature, but the Polish-Jewish writer and artist can easily stand tall with the rest of them. Born in 1892, in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Schulz’s powerful and unique literary voice and grand imagination quickly established him as one of the prominent authors of his generation. It is often speculated what marvels of classic fiction he would have produced, had it not been for his untimely death during World War II at the hands of a Gestapo officer.
“The Street of Crocodiles” is more than a mere book. It is a vivid collection of stories that interconnect with one another, traversing the childhood memories of the protagonist in the fictional Polish city of Drohobycz. The city itself is home to the pulsating, living entity, which is the titular Street of Crocodiles, where shop mannequins come to life and family members get to transform into birds. But Shulz’s genius lies not only in his imagination, but in the details with which he explores the labyrinth of his protagonist’s memories, masterfully layering reality and imagination to illustrate the transformative power that stories hold in our world.
If you ever wished to lose yourself in the fine line between dreams and reality, and experience the poignant beauty of the world through a child’s eyes, then this gem from the annals of classic literature is an absolute must-read.
Kristin Lavrandsdatter, by Sigrid Undset
Sigrid Undset might have been born in Denmark in 1882, but having spent most of her childhood in Norway, she is now regarded as one of the most celebrated figures in Norwegian literature. Her writings brought to life the most beautiful aspects of Norway - it’s howling fjords, blinding midnight suns, and… saucy medieval epics? Yep, you read that right. Undset was renowned for her ability to punctuate with realism all aspects of Norwegian life, not just dabbling with fiction, but brining unparalleled historical depth to everything she created. Her depictions of Northern life during the Middle Ages had such an impact that she was, rightly, awarded the 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature.
“Kristin Lavrandsdatter” (a mouthful, I know), spans three volumes - “The Wreath”, “The Wife”, and “The Cross” - and is a true testiment to Undset’s brilliance. Following the life of the titular protagonist Kristin, the series follows her through the various stages of her life - from a passionate, but impulsive young girl, all the way to a sagely, but flawed and burdened, old woman. Taking place in the medieval Norway, the books dive deeply into the intricacies of family, societal expectations, and personal faith, while at the same time exploring the themes of love, betrayal, and devastating moral dilemmas.
You might be wondering why we picked this particular lesser-known jewel to adorn our list of classic novels everyone should read? Well, for starters, it is a beautifully written love letter to life in Norway, allowing readers to experience it’s world in the 14th century with a cultural richness few other novels offer. But more importantly, Undset challenges the often held perception that classic literature couldn’t possibly delve into studying the intricate character of women. Because Kristin is no passive heroine, no sir! She’s fierce, complex and crafty enough to navigate a world that is as beautiful as it is cruel. So if you’ve been wondering “what book should I read” next on my classic novel pilgrimage, “Kristin Lavrandsdatter” is the underdog choice you won’t regret.
The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov
Born in 1891 in Kiev, Mikhail Bulgakov is one of the brightest luminaries of 20th-century Russian literature. His life was almost as enigmatic as his stories: his journey took him from serving as a medical doctor in the Russian Civil War, to becoming a renowned Moscow author and playwright, whose works often irked Soviet authorities. Bulgakov spent most of his life walking a fine line between tolerable disfavor and outright persecution, waging battle after battle against the iron grip of Stalinist censorship, in order to get his works published.
“The Master and Margarita” is Bulgakov’s magnum opus, a masterpiece so feared by local authorities that it wasn’t published in his homeland until a whopping 27 years after the author’s passing. And they feared it for a good reason! The narrative swings between two settings: Moscow in the 1930s and the biblical Jerusalem. Moscow is thrown into chaos by the arrival of the Devil, in the disguise of a professor, and his motley crew, including a vodka-swilling, pistol-swinging, giant black rat. It is a brilliant satire on the hypocrisy and absurdity of Soviet society at the time. The story interweaves the tragic love story of a writer, known simply as the Master, and Margarita, who makes a Faustian pact to save him. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate confronts his own destiny and mortality, as he faces the trial of Yeshua.
The troves of classic literature hold many treasures, but The Master and Margarita shines particularly bright with it’s captivating plot and snipping commentary on an artist’s plight against an oppressive regime. It’s not merely a book: it’s an experience, weaving together elements of fantasy, romance, satire, and philosophy in a dazzling literary cocktail, which will both exhilarate you and make you question your understanding of good and evil. It’s a book that, in some regards, remains as relevant today as it was when Bulgakov first wrote it. So if your “classic books to read” TBR pile feels a tad bland, this tale of a love that defies the devil himself is the perfect addition to spice it up!
Zorba the Greek, by Nikos Kazantzakis
Born in Crete in 1883, Nikos Kazantzakis was not just another novelist. He was a philosopher, poet, and avid traveler, who made it his life’s mission to experience everything that human existence has to offer. Possessed by a fervent thirst for answers to life’s bigger questions, Kazantzakis travels took him from the monasteries of Mount Athos to the deserts of North Africa. He was a man of insatiable curiosity, with a burning passion for the freedom of spirit, which he imparted on every page he wrote. While not possessing the same fame as more prominent novelists, in the realms of classic literature Kazantzakis stands a true colossus. His works, filled with existential reflections and delving into the deepest abysses of human passion have garnered equal amounts acclaim and controversy.
“Zorba the Greek” is Kazantzakis’s ode to the pursuit of existence in its raw, unfiltered form. The narrative focuses on two main characters: a young and intellectual Greek writer, and the passionate Alexis Zorba, possessed of a larger-than-life personality. A chance meeting between the two sets them both on a journey to Crete on a glamorous quest to… mine lignite. I know, probably not where you were expecting this sentence to go. But mining has, in fact, very little to do with the novel. It has to do with exploring their vastly contrasting personalities - the introspective writer and the hedonistic man-of-the-world. Throughout the book, the quest slowly shifts to Zorba teaching the writer to embrace life with all its chaos and beauty, by introducing him to the simpler pleasures of life.
Amongst a sea of classic novels, Zorba the Greek shines like a beacon that allows readers to rediscover their innermost desire to truly live. It is a dance, a celebration, a melody, which serves as an invigorating reminder of the transient beauty of existence, and the joy of living life without restraints. So let Zorba take your hand and lead you in to his dance to freedom.
The Radetzky March, by Joseph Roth
Born in 1894, Joseph Roth witnessed the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s final days. His life was characterized by a blend of nostalgia and disenchantment, which was echoed by the clash of the old world world with the new. In his role as a journalist and novelist, he had a front row seat to the transformation that Europe went through in those years, awkwardly embracing modernity while watching the collapse of old structures. This sense of loss and longing is prevalent in his writings, which are nonetheless elevated by the lyrical romanticism for an age long gone.
“The Radetzky March” is a monumental piece of work, and it is rightly regarded as Roth’s crowning achievement. It chronicles the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the perspective of three generations of the Trotta family. We are introduced to this world through the lens of Lieutenant Trotta, who valiantly fought at the Battle of Solferino, followed by the disillusioned District Captain, and finally his son, Carl Joseph, a hapless officer marked by war, duty, and fleeting romances. Three tales of war, that capture the grand waltz of an empire on the brink of dissolution in a melancholic, yet resplendent manner.
So why does “The Radetzky March” deserve a spot on our list of lesser-known classic books to read? It is a haunting reminder of the fleeting nature of grandeur, which offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the intimate interplays of personal (and familial) destinies, to the backdrop of grand historical narratives. It’s a somber, beautiful march that you shouldn’t miss.
Independent People, by Halldór Laxness
Halldór Laxness, born in 1902, is often hailed as one of Iceland’s most accomplished novelists. Throughout his career, he journeyed multiple philosophical and artistic landscape, from socialism to Catholicism, yet his deep connection to his home land, with its vast landscapes of fire and ice, ancient sagas, and wonderous folklore, left a mark on Laxness, which is visible in his writing from the first page. A man of profound depth and curiosity, his prolific contributions to the literary landscape led to him receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955.
“Independent People” is an epic testament to the enduring spirit of Iceland’s people, at the heart of which is Bjartur, a simple sheep farmer in the Icelandic highlands, who is the living embodied of the land’s rugged spirit and love of independence. Bjartur is motivated by one simple desire - to raise his sheep in peace and live a life free from debts and external influences. Yet this saga is not simply about his quest for independence. It’s an intricate weave of hardship, family, and pride, where one is forced to wage constant battle against nature’s unforgiving grip.
Despite being written through the prism of Icelandic socio-cultural values, “Independent People” deeply resonates with readers on a universal level. It’s themes of freedom, determination, and the often steep price for independence, make it an immersive experience that all of us can relate to in one way or another. So let Bjartur transport you to the harsh, yet mesmerizing terrains of Iceland, and give you a lesson on the complexities of the human soul, and the triumphs and travails of its indomitable spirit.
The Cairo Trilogy, by Naguib Mahfouz
Born in Cairo in 1911, Naguib Mahfouz is often celebrated as one of the Arab world’s most celebrated writers. During his impressive literary career, which spanned six whole decades, he produced works that captured the beating pulse and soul of Egyptian society, while still resonating with universal audiences. A masterful chronicler of Egypt’s everchanging socio-political landscapes, Mahfouz had the uncanny ability to weave the personal with the political, the historical with the existential. Often credited with being instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional Arabic storytelling and modern narrative techniques, he was also the recipient of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Mahfouz’s magnum opus “The Cairo Trilogy”, consists of three parts: “Palace Walk”, “Palace of Desire”, and “Sugar Street”. The trilogy follows the lives of three generations of the Al Jawad family, who dwell in British-occupied Cairo’s old district. Through the lens of Al-Sayyid Ahmad and his descendants, the reader gets a glimpse into the dynamic shifts of Egyptian society, and gets to experience the political upheavals and civil unrests in a manner few other sources have managed to capture. But the trilogy is not merely a chronicle of the Al Jawad family. It’s a work of art that captures the unique essence of contradiction, which seeps through Cairo - the clash between tradition and the modern, reverence and rebellion.
So why does “The Cairo Trilogy” deserve a spot on this list? It is because of it’s deep dive into the heart of a society that stands at a crossroads. It is because it is an exercise in exploration of what truly ties people together, and what fuels revolutions, both silent and loud, that shape an entire country’s destiny. It is because it more than another “classic book to read” - it is a sparkling jewel of narrative brilliance and cultural insight!
The Glass Bead Game, by Hermann Hesse
Born in 1877, Hermann Hesse’s journey of both geographical and spiritual discovery, took him from the enchanted Black Forrest of Germany, to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Switzerland, earning him the nickname “the soul-searching sage” of German literature. His works dive deep into the human psyche, often dancing on the edge of self-discovery and introspection, with a tinge of spirituality in the mix. He unashamedly flirts with Eastern philosophies, incorporating elements, especially those of Buddhism, into his novels, allowing him to transcend the often rigid narrative hue of his peers.
Also know as “Magister Ludi”, “The Glass Bead Game” is Hesse’s final, and probably most ambitious work. Unlike most classical novels that explore the turbulent times their authors witness first-hand, it is set in the distant future in the lands of the fictional province of Castalia. The intellectual elite of Castalia are dedicated to The Glass Bead Game, a synthesis of arts and sciences, melding cultural achievements through symbolic beads. The book’s protagonist, Joseph Knecht, has only one goal in mind - rising through the ranks and becoming the game’s master. But where he finds elevation on his path to this goal, he also finds disillusionment. Cleverly disguised behind the format of a game, The Glass Bead Game explores themes, such as intellectualism versus life’s simple truths, as well as the search for a genuine meaning to life.
Hesse’s masterpiece challenges readers to ponder on the balance between intellectual pursuits and heartfelt simple living. It is a philosophical and spiritual journey of profound introspection, striving to uncover the very essence of culture and existence.
Cancer Ward, by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The last entrant on our list of 10 lesser-known classic novels is Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, one of the absolute titans of 20th-century Russian literature. Born in 1918, he lived a turbulent life, often finding himself at odds with the Soviet system, which led to imprisonment, persecution, and eventually, exile. But through every obstacle that the oppressive system put him through, Solzhenitsyn’s pen pushed through, etching out narratives that exposed the grim realities of life under the thumb of the Soviet machine. Dedicating his life to be the voice of the silenced victims, his fierce commitment to the truth and unparalleled contributions to the literary world led to him being rightfully awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970.
Set in a cancer ward of a Soviet hospital, “Cancer Ward” is perhaps one of Solzhenitsyn’s more metaphorical works. The entire narrative unravels over the span of only a few weeks, yet in that short time the reader gets a shockingly striking depiction of the patient’s lives, hopes, and fears. The plot has an impossible to miss underlying allegory, where the battle with a terrifying disease, which the patients wage constantly, symbolizes the malignant nature of the repressive regime. But the novel doesn’t merely dissect the societal rot, spreading under the totalitarian rule. It also boldly addresses themes of mortality, resilience, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
“The Cancer Ward” is a microcosm of Soviet society, offering an unflinching glimpse into the soul of a people under extreme duress. For those seeking to fathom the depths of human endurance, Solzhenitsyn’s work stands as an ever-lasting testament to the resilience of the human spirit amid the darkest of adversities.
