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Writer's pictureShreya Mishra

Beyond the Classics: 5 Hidden Gems in English Literature You Need to Read

Updated: 2 days ago


An open classic literature with illustration

Literature is not merely knowledge acquired from reading and writing; instead, it is a thread that weaves people together on profound levels. The tie it makes is so powerful that it transcends borders and time. It concatenates distinct cultures and communities. It enables us to dive into historical and cultural depths while staying in touch with the present, allowing us to comprehend the past, value the present, and contemplate the future.


English literature creates a sense of affiliation despite distinctions and reminds us that we all share similar emotional trails. These trails encompass the struggles, triumphs, and nuances of people and civilizations across centuries and take us to a world of imagination, wisdom, and empathy.


English literature projects the power of language. It celebrates the magnificence and preciseness of phrases, proving how language can be a means for both contemplation and communication. The articulateness of literary giants inspires us to appreciate the nuances of diverse voices that resound in the form of novels, poetry, and plays. much like the soul-stirring poetry of Rumi that beats time or the scalding societal critiques seen in the works of George Orwell.


The study of English literature allows us to evolve an awareness of how readers, poetry, and prose contribute to civilization. When we read a medley of styles, genres, and types of literary work, we learn how to contextualise and evaluate texts to comprehend the subjects, authors, and readers.

Classic literature is used as a cultural and historical compass that provides a glimpse into ancient ages while charming the literary landscape. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves through the ages. When we venture beyond the classics, we meet modern, contemporary, or lesser-known literary pieces that might not have achieved classic status but propose unique perspectives and portrayals.


This blog is an invitation to broaden your literary horizons, discovering the hidden gems in English literature beyond the widely celebrated classics that you need to read. You will explore a few works by contemporary authors, diverse voices that may not fit the definition of a classic but bring fresh insights and relevance to the ever-evolving landscape of literature.


5 Non-classical Hidden Gems in English Literature Worth Your Read


The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov



Book cover of the non-classical literature, The master and margarita


This Russian classic was penned during Stalin's rule and remained unpublished until years after the author's demise. Combining satire, fantasy, and philosophy, Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita explores the follies of Soviet society through the lens of the devil's stay in Moscow. It's a valiant and visionary work that leaves an eternal imprint.


The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón



Book cover of the non-classical literature, the shadow of the wind

Lodged in the boardwalks of post-war Barcelona, “The Shadow of the Wind” is a literary fable that integrates mystery, love, and the magic of books. Zafón's storytelling is exquisite, and the description weaves through time, touching characters and stories in a way that intrigues the reader's imagination.


The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern



Book cover of the non-classical literature, the night circus

This captivating reader threads a bewitched shade around the competition between two youthful illusionists in a creepy and mythical chaos that only emerges at dusk. Morgenstern's prose is mellifluous, and the ornate plot is a dance of dream and splendour, making it a modern masterwork that goes beyond the conventional.


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro


Book cover of the non-classical literature, Never let me go

Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go is a haunting and thought-provoking quest for love, essence, and the mortal state. Set in an alternate England, it observes the lives of three companions who mature in a hidden boarding school. The revelation of their pursuit in life raises deep ethical queries, and Ishiguro's controlled yet vigorous portrayal adds a layer of poignancy to this dystopian gem.


Stoner by John Williams


Book cover of the non-classical literature, Stoner

Stoner is a quiet masterpiece that pursues the dynamism of William Stoner, a literature professor. Stoner, published in 1965 and shunned for many years, "Stoner" digs the intricacies of a mundane life with vivid chasm. Its prose is poignant, and its quest for love, literature, and the human condition is extremely deep.


Beyond the classics lies a literary terrain affluent with gems waiting to be scooped. These hidden gems not only expand our literary horizons but also contribute to the enduring annals of human experience, reminding us that the magnificence of literature knows no bounds and continues to shape our awareness of the world through the years.


ABOUT THE BLOGGER


SHREYA MISHRA



Shreya Mishra


Meet Shreya Mishra, a medical student and content creator. With her glasses perched on her nose, she peers at the world not as it is but through the lens of what it could be. At first glance, she may seem quiet, but within her is an ember of passion that burns bright. It is like a hidden fire, and you can often feel its warmth through the pages of her writings.

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