20 Forgotten Books That Deserve a Second Life

Stoner by John Williams

At first glance, “Stoner” seems almost too ordinary to be extraordinary. The novel quietly follows William Stoner, a farm boy turned English professor, who leads a life marked by disappointment and quiet endurance. When the book was first published in 1965, it barely made a ripple—selling only a few thousand copies. But after a surprising resurgence in 2013, it sold over 100,000 copies in the U.S. alone. Readers and critics alike have been moved by its subtle yet powerful depiction of perseverance, loneliness, and the sometimes invisible struggle to find meaning in everyday life. John Williams’s prose has been called “mesmerizing,” and its slow-burning emotional impact is now celebrated. The story’s honesty about failure and resilience resonates with anyone who has felt overlooked. “Stoner” stands as proof that the quietest stories can sometimes leave the deepest marks.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Once banned in the Soviet Union, “The Master and Margarita” is a novel that combines magical realism, political satire, and religious allegory. Set in Stalinist Moscow, the story follows the Devil, disguised as a mysterious foreigner, as he wreaks havoc on the city’s corrupt elite. The novel also weaves in a retelling of the trial of Jesus, exploring the eternal battle between good and evil. Bulgakov wrote much of it in secret, and it wasn’t published in full until the late 1960s. Its daring blend of fantasy and sharp critique of Soviet bureaucracy caused shockwaves when finally released. Today, the novel has been adapted for theater and film, and its themes of truth, power, and courage continue to inspire new generations of readers. The story’s wild, surreal humor is both timeless and eerily relevant in today’s world.

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes

“Nightwood,” published in 1936, is a novel that has grown in stature as a pioneering work of queer literature. Djuna Barnes’s writing is dense, poetic, and filled with emotional complexity, focusing on a group of expatriates in Paris. Its central characters grapple with love, loss, and alienation in a world that is often hostile to difference. Although largely ignored at first, the novel is now hailed for its innovative narrative structure and its raw, honest depiction of sexuality and identity. Modern critics call it a “masterpiece of modernist prose,” and its themes of longing and belonging feel especially urgent in today’s ongoing conversations around gender and inclusion. Barnes’s imagery lingers with readers long after the last page, making “Nightwood” a haunting literary experience.

The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson

Often described as “Game of Thrones meets The Odyssey,” “The Long Ships” is an epic Viking tale that masterfully blends humor, adventure, and historical detail. Written in 1941 by Swedish author Frans G. Bengtsson, the novel follows the exploits of Orm Tostesson as he navigates battles, intrigue, and love across the Viking world. This book was a bestseller in Scandinavia but remained little-known elsewhere for decades. Its recent rediscovery has been fueled by the global fascination with Viking history and culture. Readers are drawn in by its vivid storytelling and the larger-than-life characters who leap off the page. The blend of action, wit, and philosophical musings makes this a book that entertains and challenges in equal measure. Its enduring appeal speaks to the timelessness of adventure and the human spirit.

Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm

Max Beerbohm’s “Zuleika Dobson,” first published in 1911, is a satirical gem that skewers the romantic pretensions of Oxford’s privileged students. Zuleika, a mesmerizing and unconventional woman, arrives at Oxford and drives the male students to collective madness with her beauty. The resulting chaos is both hilarious and tragic, delivering biting commentary on youthful obsession and academic folly. Beerbohm’s dry wit and sharp eye for absurdity make every page a delight. The novel’s playful treatment of romance and tradition continues to strike a chord with readers, especially those who appreciate British humor. Despite its early critical acclaim, the novel faded from public memory for decades. Its return to print has introduced a new audience to Beerbohm’s wickedly clever world.

The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

Published posthumously in 1982, “The Book of Disquiet” is a fragmented, introspective work filled with existential musings. Written by the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, it takes the form of a fictional diary kept by Bernardo Soares, a humble office clerk. The book’s structure mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of the human mind, offering snippets of philosophy, poetry, and sorrow. Pessoa’s reflections on solitude, identity, and the meaning of life are hauntingly beautiful and deeply relatable. Over time, the novel has attracted a passionate following of readers who find comfort in its melancholy wisdom. Today, it’s considered a classic of existential literature, praised for its lyrical prose and the honesty of its emotional exploration.

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

“We” is a dystopian novel that has had a profound influence on the genre, predating George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World.” Written in 1920 and banned in the Soviet Union for decades, it depicts a society stripped of individuality and freedom. The story’s protagonist, D-503, struggles to reconcile his personal desires with the demands of a totalitarian state. Zamyatin’s visionary work laid the groundwork for many later explorations of surveillance, conformity, and the human spirit’s resistance to oppression. In recent years, the novel has experienced a resurgence, with scholars and readers alike recognizing its relevance to modern debates on privacy and governmental control. Its chilling predictions and stark warnings remain startlingly fresh.

Speedboat by Renata Adler

“Speedboat” is a novel that captures the pulse and fragmentation of urban life in 1970s America. Written by journalist Renata Adler and published in 1976, the book is composed of brief, elliptical scenes that jump from topic to topic, mirroring the chaos of modern existence. Its protagonist, Jen Fain, navigates love, career, and social turmoil with wit and intelligence. Though initially polarizing, the novel found new life after being reissued and praised by contemporary writers for its sharp observations and innovative style. Readers are drawn to its honesty about the messiness of the human experience and its refusal to offer easy answers. “Speedboat” is now recognized as a trailblazer for the fragmented storytelling that has become so common in today’s literature.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

First published in 1908, “The Man Who Was Thursday” is a thrilling and philosophical novel that explores themes of chaos, order, and faith. The plot follows Gabriel Syme, a poet who infiltrates a secret anarchist society, only to be swept into a surreal adventure filled with twists and revelations. Chesterton’s playful language, combined with his deep spiritual insights, make this book a unique blend of detective story and metaphysical parable. Over time, the novel has been praised for its wit, inventiveness, and enduring questions about the nature of evil. Recent interest in Chesterton’s work has brought “The Man Who Was Thursday” back into literary conversations, where it continues to challenge and entertain readers.

Fancies and Goodnights by John Collier

“Fancies and Goodnights” is a remarkable collection of short stories published in 1951, though many were written earlier. John Collier’s tales are filled with irony, dark humor, and a sense of the uncanny, drawing frequent comparisons to “The Twilight Zone.” The stories range from the whimsical to the macabre, each one showcasing Collier’s gift for surprising endings and clever twists. Despite being well-regarded in his lifetime, Collier’s work faded from view for many years. Recent anthologies and critical reassessments have introduced a new generation to his singular voice. For fans of speculative fiction and literary suspense, “Fancies and Goodnights” offers a treasure trove of unforgettable stories.

The Street by Ann Petry

Ann Petry’s “The Street,” published in 1946, broke new ground as one of the first novels by an African American woman to achieve bestseller status. The story centers on Lutie Johnson, a single mother struggling against poverty, racism, and sexism in Harlem. Petry’s unflinching portrayal of urban hardship and systemic injustice is as relevant today as it was over seventy years ago. The novel’s vivid characters and stark realism have earned it renewed attention in recent years, especially amid contemporary movements for social justice. “The Street” is now recognized as a cornerstone of American literature, praised for its emotional power and insight into the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.

A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes

“A High Wind in Jamaica,” published in 1929, is a dark and unsettling novel that subverts the traditional adventure story. The plot follows a group of British children kidnapped by pirates after a hurricane destroys their home. Rather than focusing on the pirates’ villainy, Hughes explores the children’s shifting morality and ambiguous innocence. The novel’s disturbing themes and ambiguous tone shocked early readers but have since been praised for their psychological depth. In recent years, critics have noted how the book’s exploration of childhood trauma and resilience anticipates many modern discussions about youth and violence. Its strange, haunting atmosphere lingers long after the final page.

The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

Shirley Hazzard’s “The Transit of Venus,” published in 1980, is a slow-burning literary masterpiece that traces the intertwined fates of two Australian sisters over several decades. Hazzard’s prose is celebrated for its elegance and subtlety, with critics calling the novel “exquisite” and “utterly absorbing.” The story explores themes of love, destiny, and the ways small decisions can change the course of a life. Long overlooked, the novel has enjoyed a resurgence as contemporary readers rediscover its emotional depth and nuanced characterizations. Its meditation on time, regret, and possibility strikes a chord with anyone who has wondered about the roads not taken.

Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West

Published in 1933, “Miss Lonelyhearts” is a novella that dives headfirst into the despair of Depression-era America. The protagonist, a newspaper advice columnist, becomes overwhelmed by the suffering in the letters he receives and spirals into existential crisis. West’s dark humor and biting satire offer a bleak yet compelling look at the search for meaning in a world filled with pain. Despite its short length, the novel packs a powerful emotional punch and has been called a “masterpiece of American fiction.” Its themes of alienation and disillusionment have only grown more relevant with time, drawing new readers to its tragicomic vision.

Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar

“Memoirs of Hadrian” is a historical novel that takes the form of a letter from the Roman emperor Hadrian to his successor. Written by Marguerite Yourcenar and published in 1951, the book offers a meditative exploration of power, love, and mortality. Yourcenar spent years researching and crafting Hadrian’s voice, resulting in a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The novel’s philosophical reflections have resonated with readers across generations, and its recent revival speaks to a renewed interest in historical fiction that is both intellectually rich and emotionally engaging. “Memoirs of Hadrian” remains a high watermark for literary ambition and empathy.

Desperate Characters by Paula Fox

First published in 1970, “Desperate Characters” is a novel that brilliantly dissects the unraveling of a marriage in Brooklyn during a time of social turmoil. Paula Fox’s writing is known for its psychological acuity and precise language. The story of Sophie and Otto Bentwood, whose seemingly stable life is disrupted by a series of small calamities, captures the anxiety and uncertainty of modern existence. The novel was largely forgotten until its reissue brought it new acclaim, with critics praising its “quiet devastation.” Its themes of alienation, communication breakdown, and societal change feel just as urgent today as they did fifty years ago.

The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh

“The Loved One,” published in 1948, is Evelyn Waugh’s scathing satire of the American funeral industry. The novel lampoons the excesses and absurdities of death rituals in Los Angeles, blending dark comedy with sharp social critique. Waugh’s wit is razor-sharp, and his observations about consumerism, vanity, and the human need for meaning are as relevant now as ever. Although sometimes overshadowed by his other works, “The Loved One” has found new fans among readers who appreciate its grotesque humor and fearless irreverence. The novel’s blend of horror and hilarity makes it a unique and memorable read.

The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen

Elizabeth Bowen’s “The Death of the Heart,” published in 1938, is a novel that delves into the complexities of innocence, betrayal, and the English upper class. The story follows sixteen-year-old Portia, who is sent to live with her half-brother and his wife in London, only to find herself adrift in a world of emotional coldness and duplicity. Bowen’s nuanced portrayal of character and setting has earned her a reputation as one of the twentieth century’s great novelists. The novel’s psychological depth and exploration of social mores have attracted renewed attention, especially as readers seek out stories with subtlety and intelligence.

Ice by Anna Kavan

“Ice,” written by Anna Kavan and published in 1967, is a surreal and haunting novel that blends science fiction with psychological horror. The story unfolds in a frozen, apocalyptic landscape, where the unnamed narrator searches desperately for a mysterious woman. Kavan’s prose is dreamlike and unsettling, drawing readers into a world of obsession and destruction. The novel was largely ignored during Kavan’s lifetime but has since been rediscovered as a cult classic. Its themes of environmental catastrophe and mental breakdown are strikingly relevant in today’s world. “Ice” is now considered a landmark work of speculative fiction.

Tirra Lirra by the River by Jessica Anderson

Jessica Anderson’s “Tirra Lirra by the River,” published in 1978, is a quietly powerful novel about self-discovery and the passage of time. The story follows Nora Porteous, an elderly Australian woman who returns to her childhood home and reflects on her life’s choices and regrets. Anderson’s writing is noted for its lyricism and psychological insight, offering readers a moving meditation on memory, creativity, and aging. The novel won the Miles Franklin Award, Australia’s most prestigious literary prize, yet remained curiously underread for years. Today, it is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of a woman’s journey to understanding herself and her past.