In the vast literary landscape, some books shine brighter than others. Bestsellers dominate shelves and conversations, but nestled among them lie hidden gems- captivating stories waiting for us to discover.
Here are eight such gems waiting to get added to your reading list.
Step into a mesmerising yet unsettling world in Susanna Clarke's "Piranesi." The protagonist, Piranesi, resides in a vast, seemingly endless House filled with statues. His only companions are a series of watchful figures and a man he calls "The Other." With each exploration of the House and its secrets, Piranesi unravels a captivating mystery about his identity and the world beyond.
Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is tasked with evaluating a peculiar orphanage. Filled with magical children- a gnome, a sprite, a water spirit- and their caretaker, the orphanage is unlike anything Linus has encountered. This heartwarming tale celebrates acceptance, found family, and the magic found in everyday life.
In a world grappling with mysterious and frequent exits, Mohsin Hamid's "Exit West" explores themes of displacement, love, and the search for belonging. A young couple living in an unnamed city, Nadia and Saeed navigate a reality where doors appear randomly, transporting people to unknown destinations. Their journey through these exits leads them across continents, forcing them to confront the complexities of love, loss, and the search for a permanent home.
Blake Crouch's "Recursion" offers a thrilling puzzle for fans of mind-bending science fiction. Memory police get dispatched to contain False Memory Syndrome, where people's pasts get rewritten. NYPD detective Barry Sutton investigates a case that challenges everything he believes about reality. As the lines between truth and illusion blur, Barry must unravel a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of existence.
Min Jin Lee's sweeping historical saga, "Pachinko," follows the journey of Sunja, a young Korean woman, and her family across four generations. Forced to leave her homeland due to the Japanese occupation, Sunja embarks on a life-changing journey to Japan. The story chronicles their struggles, triumphs, and resilience as they navigate cultural and societal barriers while clinging to their Korean identity.
Madeline Miller reimagines the myth of Circe, the sorceress from Homer's Odyssey, in a captivating and feminist tale. Exiled to a lonely island by her powerful father, Helios, the sun god, Circe discovers a newfound strength in her magic. Through encounters with mythical figures like Odysseus and Hermes, Circe learns to embrace her power and carve out her destiny.
For a classic with a twist, look no further than T.H. White's "The Once and Future King." This retelling of the Arthurian legend focuses on the upbringing of King Arthur, following him from a young boy living under the tutelage of the wise Merlin to his coronation as king.
Han Kang's unsettling "The Vegetarian" is a powerful story about one woman's rebellion against societal expectations. Yeong-hye, a seemingly ordinary housewife, announces that she will turn vegetarian. This simple act of defiance sets off a chain reaction, unsettling her family and plunging her into a state of mental turmoil.
So, step away from the usual suspects and dive into these hidden gems to discover your next favourite read!
