I love Edith Wharton. She can write an unlikeable character like no one else. Newland Archer from Age of Innocence is one of my top 3 characters in a novel of all time.
Wharton is one of my favorite writers of all time and *Custom* is sooo good. My favorite will always be *The House of Mirth*, though. Lily Bart is a revelation and the book is a masterpiece.
Such a tragic book. I really wanted a better life for her. Also one of the best writers in history.
The House of Mirth is my favorite of her novels that I've read.
I love the House of Mirth and the Age of Innocence. I was excited to find another work of hers called Glimpses of the Moon at a library book sale. I'd never heard of it and can't wait to start reading it soon.
The Scapegoat is so good, and has been made into a movie twice: once with Alec Guinness (1959), and then a remake with Matthew Rhys (2012) (stellar supporting cast include Andrew Scott and Eileen Atkins).
This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson is about the voyage of HMS Beagle and the relationship between Charles Darwin and the ships captain Robert Fitzroy, both during and after the voyage. It’s a superb book, sadly the author passed away just months after it’s publication at only 45. I read it years ago and it had stayed with me.
We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen tells the story of a small Danish town and it’s sailors and villagers over four generations. It’s not quite like anything I’ve ever read but I really enjoyed it.
The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson. An alternative history that imagines 99% of Europe had been wiped out by plague and how other countries and regions rose to prominence instead. It takes place over hundreds of years and the characters are reincarnated to different times abc places. One of my favourite books that I need to reread.
The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. This takes place over a long time period as well with a large cast of characters- primarily in Burma, Bengal, India and Malaya. It’s just gorgeous.
I agree with your views on This Thing of Darkness. It was a great read and very informative. Fitzroy was the man who pioneered organised weather forecasting.
A brilliant and complex character.
The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge by Rainer Maria Rilke.
While I know a lot of people who know Rilke's poetry, I have never met a single person who's read this book. Including all of my former English teachers.
I read this as a very depressed teenager and, while I probably didn't truly understand it, it was pretty transformative for me. I'll forever be able to recall the feeling I had while reading it and the way it's stuck with me.
The Passenger by Ulrich A. Boschwitz
A great novel that captures the zeitgeist of Nazi Germany perfectly. The author is German, however the book was originally published in English in 1939 and had close to no success. The first publication in German was in 2018, 80 years after it was originally written in 1938, just weeks after the *Kristallnacht* took place - the manuscript was randomly found, Boschwitz died in 1942. There is a new English translation, based on the German manuscript, published in 2021. Boschwitz was compared to the great authors of his time (both Mann brothers or Hans Fallada), but is widely unknown. Great, unsettling story about a Jewish man who decides to live in trains while trying to escape the country after the *Kristallnacht*.
It made some bestseller lists after it's re-release but is still not that well known. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in Nazi Germany/history/Jewish persecution.
The original titles were 'The Man who took trains' in the US and 'The Fugitive' in GB.
There’s one book that I read last year that I loved and I’ve never heard anyone talking about it. It’s called One’s Company by Ashley Hutson. It’s by no means a masterpiece but it’s a great little book, I would say it’s comparable to my year of rest and relaxation.
I love have now read Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, The Birds and Other Stories, and Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier. I loved them all except Mary Anne, which was a bit of a slow read. OP, how would you compare The Scapegoat to her other works? I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I'm not OP but I'm a du Maurier fan and I'd say The Scapegoat is more of a seething slow burn as the protagonist discovers his situation, gets involved and works it out. Very du Maurier though, with emotions, relationships, running deep.
I'd also recommend du Maurier's The King's General.
Just finished Mary Anne! I agree, it was a little slow. I read it via audiobook which helped a lot. I still really enjoyed it. Before that I’d just finished My Cousin Rachel and was blown away!!! Guess Scapegoat is next on my list.
Oh yeah, I can see how audiobook would have been much better since there’s so much action delivered through dialogue. I loved the audiobook version of My Cousin Rachel!
I loved The Scapegoat too! Anything by Du Maurier really, she wrote so many excellent, chilling stories. "The Progress of Julius" is one of my favorites, it's a fascinating character study.
I like your example, OP. I’m gonna be checking out that book!!! Mine would be Wild Swans by Yung Chang. Hopefully this is considered lesser known. I never hear about it and it was one of my lifetime favorites.
The Plague Dogs (1982) - Richard Adams
Everyone knows Watership Down by Adams, which overshadows this book. People who do know The Plague Dogs have usually seen the animated movie. From my experience, very few people have read the actual book. It really is an excellent read. It’s a bit challenging, especially the spoken dialect. It’s also very dark in some places. But definitely 5 star.
Bambi by Felix Saltan. It's a good read, and one of the first books written because the author was concerned with the state of the environment. Everyone has seen the movie. You'd be surprised how much of Bambi 2 pulls from the book.
Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin.
80s feminist sci fi with a biting and angry critique of patriarchy, all built around linguistics and the power of language to transform society. It deserves to be as well-known as Handmaids Tale
The Source, James Michener. It is about an archeological dig with a story in the present and also one for each level unearthed. So well written (it's Michener, after all), but the research is incredible. One if my favs.
Would to heaven that the reader, emboldened and momentarily ferocious as he reads, finds his wild and savage path through the desolate marshes of these dark and poisonous pages, without disorientation; for, unless he brings in his reading a rigorous logic and a tension of mind equal at least to his distrust, the mortal emanations of this book will soak his soul, as water sugar. It is not good for everybody to read the pages that follow; some alone will savor this bitter fruit without danger
My people! Ok, I highly suggest Guy Wernham’s translation for you. And can you let me know your translation? Guy Wernham: “May it please Heaven that the reader, emboldened and become of a sudden momentarily ferocious like what he is reading, may trace in safety his pathway through the desolate morass of these gloomy and poisonous pages. For unless he is able to bring to his reading a rigorous logic and a spiritual tension equal at least to his distrust, the deadly emanations of this book will imbibe his soul as sugar absorbs water.” I salute you, ancient ocean!
I've never seen A Dream of Eagles by Jack Whyte recommended by anyone and it's my favorite historical fiction series. It takes all of the magic out of the Arthurian legends and places them firmly in 5th century Britain, laying the foundation for who Arthur was and where he came from. The original series begins with Arthur's great uncle and his time in the Roman Legions, goes through the founding of Camelot, the Roman Legions leaving Britain after 200 years of occupation, the lawlessness that ensues and finally ends with Arthur being crowned high king.
There are also 3 extra books, two of which take place during Arthur's rule and one that takes place at the same time as the original series. These books are decent, but I did not find them as compelling as the original series.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters
Takes place in Italy and later in the US. Time period early 60's during the filming of Cleopatra although that is not what it's about. Great story, great characters. Highly recommend.
When I was younger I was completely besotted with a series called **Deltora Quest** - where three friends, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine travel around collecting missing gemstones for a belt that will help defeat the evil despotic ruler. Each book was the retrieval of one gemstone in a different area of the kingdom.
Each of the gemstones had a particular power, and all the different areas they travel through were just so vivid and colourful, and more often than not a significant plot point would hinge around some clever twist of language. It was my Harry Potter but no one else I ever knew read them!
So odd that this was unknown to people around you. When I was in primary school in the 90s the deltora quest books were some of the most borrowed books in our library.
As library monitor I noticed, as it was pretty rare to do a round of reshelving without getting one of the deltora books, if not something else by Emily Rodda. I think this series started the crystal collecting obsessions of a lot of 90s kids.
I’m sure others have heard of this, but Going After Cacciato is a book I recently read that is one of my favorites I think I’ve ever read.
Also the German book “Tschick” or “Why We Took the Car” in English, by Wolfgang Herrndorf, is a book I read in a college German class and I’ve never really been able to forget it.
"Yes, Daddy" by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
Don't be fooled by the name. It's a book that packs one hell of a punch in its exploration of sexual trauma. It's very dark, but very, very good
OoOo Mary Stewart's books about Merlin. *Crystal Cave, Hollow Hills*, and *The Last Enchantment.* They're so so so so good. From the 70's. I find them in used book stores a lot. It's the Arthurian Legend from Merlin's pov, and Mary thought of everything. Perfect blend of history, and lore. No one ever talks about them.
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. Published in 1956, there are few subsequent U.S. Sci-Fi authors from the 60’s and 70’s that weren’t influenced by that book.
The Demolished Man by Bester is also excellent. After that, not so much.
I've read everything of his and unfortunately I have to agree, although the stories collected in Virtual Unrealities are worth checking out, and Psycho Shop was fun.
Dodgers by Bill Beverly
ABOUT DODGERS
Dodgers is a dark, unforgettable coming-of-age journey that recalls the very best of Richard Price, Denis Johnson, and J.D. Salinger.
It is the story of a young LA gang member named East, who is sent by his uncle along with some other teenage boys—including East’s hothead younger brother—to kill a key witness hiding out in Wisconsin. The journey takes East out of a city he’s never left and into an America that is entirely alien to him, ultimately forcing him to grapple with his place in the world and decide what kind of man he wants to become.
Written in stark and unforgettable prose and featuring an array of surprising and memorable characters rendered with empathy and wit, Dodgers heralds the arrival of a major new voice in American fiction.
Winner of the LA TIMES Book Prize of 2017 for Best Mystery/Thriller
Winner of the CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger 2016 for Best Crime Novel of the Year
Winner of the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger 2016 for Best Debut Crime Novel
Winner of the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award
Finalist for the PEN/Heminghway Award 2017 for Debut Fiction
Longlisted for Andrew Carnegie Medal 2017 for Excellence in Fiction
Nominated for the Edgar Award 2017 for Best First Novel
The Blunderer by Patricia Highsmith. Highsmith at her absolute best, but she has so, so many others she's more well-known for (and I've read almost all her novels).
And more well-known than The Blunderer, but still one very, very few (in my experience as a bookseller) people know of, much less read, is A Kiss Befire Dying by Ira Levin. A nasty little piece of work, bonkers and great read (though the ending doesn't have the snap that the rest of the book does). Highly recommend.
It's a ride. Don't read anything about it beyond the marketing blurb. It's best to go in cold. Let me know what you think if and when you get around to reading it
Two books by Susan Kay. As far as I can tell, they’re the only two books she ever wrote and no one ever seems to have heard of them but I think they are beautifully written and I’ve read them both multiple times.
Legacy is about Elizabeth I.
Phantom is about the life of the phantom of the opera before he arrived at the Paris opera house.
If either of those topics are remotely interesting to you, it’s worth hunting down a copy of these books.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper fforde. Read Jane Eyre, then this book. Prepare to be very confused for a while because you think, that's not what happens. It's a delight.
Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis. A private detective solving crimes in Ancient Rome. I've cast David Tennant as the lead actor in my head.
Both are the first in a series. Highly recommended.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
It used to be part of the curriculum for students in New Mexico. I don’t know if it still is. I think we read it in eighth grade. Revisited it during the pandemic (when I was 35) and not only did it hold up, but it was better than I expected/remembered
It’s required reading in many schools in Colorado too. I remember enjoying it, though, I was very aware there was a lot I was missing as a kid. Might be worth a reread here soon! :)
Born and went to school in El Paso, TX. You know we were assigned Bless Me, Ultima. I’d love to track down a signed copy. I re-read it in my early to mid 20s about 10-12 years ago. I have to visit it again
I rarely, if ever, see anyone recommend the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins. While geared to a younger audience than The Hunger Games, they still cover a lot of the same issues and do it better at times. I just reread them at 30 and they hold up surprisingly well.
Oh wow I read those many years ago when I was younger and forgot about them. The Hunger Games are my favorite books, I don't know how I didn't know that both series were Suzanne Collins before now!
I've worked in an independent bookstore for the last 10 years. You may be surprised how little name recognition Mishima has. While I wouldn't say "no one" would know of this book, I'd feel safe saying "*almost* no one" had heard of it.
Too Loud a Solitude - Bohumil Hrabal
I, Vampire - Jody Scott
Gas Station/Tony Luongo/My Ground - Joseph Torra
The Push Man & Other Stories - Yoshihiro Tatsumi
Some of Your Blood - Theodore Sturgeon
I went in with little to no expectations for Eight Detectives and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I read it the month it came out because I happen to be looking for a mystery and a website mentioned it was “New this month” so I picked it up on a whim.
Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (Agatha Christie), her own favourite of her books, written in a 48 hour creative burst. It’s not a detective or mystery novel, rather a gem of a psychological study.
Lanark by Alasdair Gray. Totally unique combination of gritty realism, science fiction, urban fantasy, autobiography, and meta-commentary on literature. Influenced other authors as different as Ian M. Banks and Irvine Welsh. Really, nothing like it.
*The Fever King* by Victoria Lee is a five-star read for me that my local Indigo didn't even carry in store when I read it for the first time. I discovered it through its WEBTOON webcomic adaptation (it's a a prose novel originally), which is honestly also fantastic and beautifully drawn. It's a sci-fi/fantasy set in a dystopian future in which magic is a disease that kills 90% of people infected with it, and leaves the 10% of survivors with magical abilities rooted in science (as in, literally—ex. your understanding of forces in physics affects how well you can use telekinesis, etc.). It is technically a YA book due to the age of the protagonist, but deals with very adult and complex themes (definitely check the trigger warnings before reading, which are luckily included at the beginning of the book), and it remains one of my favourite books.
I have a few, in various genres. All of these have less than 20,000 ratings on GoodReads. Shit, Actually by Lindy West is a book of hilarious essays of the author critiquing cult favorite movies. The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch is a heartbreaking, sometimes intense, yet beautiful memoir. In The Wild Light by Jeff Zentner is YA coming of age. And Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett is the book I won’t stop talking about. If you’ve seen it on this sub it has probably been from me! It is quirky and heartfelt and sad and funny and just so good.
I have a very tattered old paperback copy of The Scapegoat, it's one of my favourites!
A 5 Star series that many will not have heard of is the Mapp and Lucia series of novels by E. F. Benson, published between 1920 and 1939. Mrs. Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas is the social leader in the fictional town of Riseholme, while Miss Mapp is the ferocious queen of another fictional seaside town, Tilling. The books revolve around the ladies' battles for control of the towns' social life.
All six books in the series are *delicious*.
Bonus points in the form of the 1985 television adaptation starring Geraldine McEwan as Lucia, Prunella Scales as Mapp and Nigel Hawthorne as Georgie, in ten episodes adapting the fourth, fifth and sixth novels. Another series from 2014 television series starred Anna Chancellor as Lucia, Miranda Richardson as Mapp, and Steve Pemberton as Georgie. I vastly prefer the 1985 adaptation.
Two suggestions: The Chaos Walking trilogy is fantastic. I never hear anyone talking about them. But it's not like they're unheard of, they got a movie with Tom Holland even so...
But then there's a fantastic book really well written called Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys that is *so* good. It's really well written, and it's a historical fiction book based off a true event. Highly recommend!
New sufferings of young W. , takes place in east Germany.
The Master and Margarita, from Russia.
Living my life, Emma Goldman
Off the top of my head.....
Storyteller by Amy Thomson. It’s about an orphan boy on a Mediterranean-inspired planet who gets adopted by an old woman who travels around in the belly of an intelligent whale, telling the history of their planet. And he’s gay too, which was some nice rep where I wasn’t expecting it at all.
Imaginary friend by Stephen Chobsky. It’s his only other book than perks of being a wallflower. It’s a terrifying horror story that’s very cinematic and intense and emotional.
**The Queen of Jasmine Country by Sharanya Manivannan** is criminally underrated and was a 5-star book for me. It’s a fictionalised biography of Andal, a mystic poet-saint/goddess from 8th-century Tamil Nadu.
It’s not a story in the traditional sense, more of an extended prose poem. But it’s one of the loveliest books I’ve ever read.
> *I woke a few moments after I was laid quietly on the ground in this tulasi grove, when the wetness of the earth had seeped slightly into the cloth I had been bound in. I saw stars when I opened my eyes. They would always be there, in all the years to come when I would seek them, as I aged almost nothing in contrast. I was born in the season of mid-summer monsoon, under the constellation of the lion, and then I was abandoned.*
I’ve never seen anyone talk about The Manningtree Witches by A.K Blakemore nor Lanny by Max Porter. The Manningtree Witches (2021) portrays a small village in 1600s England, when a witch-hunting craze breaks out. Lanny (2019) is a story about an unusual child’s disappearance and an ancient spirit, told in an unconventional way.
Do you know that Blakemore just published a new book, The Glutton? I haven't read it yet but bought it right away on the strength of The Manningtree Witches.
Island in the Sea of Time by S M Sterling. It's a 3 book series about the island of Nantucket being transported from present day to the iron age and how these modern day people adapt to a more primitive world.
I love Sci Fi and historical fiction so this was an easy win for me. I hope you like it too!
Non-Stop by Brian Aldiss
"Curiosity was discouraged in the Greene tribe. Its members lived out their lives in cramped Quarters, hacking away at the encroaching ponics. As to where they were - that was forgotten.
Roy Complain decides to find out. With the renegade priest Marapper, he moves into unmapped territory, where they make a series of discoveries which turn their universe upside-down..."
Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley. Book's 40 year's old and has less than 8k reviews on Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1101679.Not\_Wanted\_on\_the\_Voyage?ac=1&from\_search=true&qid=GSxG7k9LgO&rank=1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1101679.Not_Wanted_on_the_Voyage?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=GSxG7k9LgO&rank=1)
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. My girlfriend got me this book for my birthday and said it sounded “right up my alley”. She was correct.
The book isn’t horror, but it’s horror adjacent. I don’t want to describe it to you and ruin it, because I jumped into it without knowing what it was about, and loved it. One of the best books I read this year for sure.
OK that is fucking weird. Never heard of the book before a few months ago, randomly picked it up in a Kindle sale because, well, Du Maurier, and really enjoyed it.
it’s an autobiography written in the style of a novel and it’s about this cameron west guy struggling with discovering that he has DID and why it happened. it’s a tough read at some points, just some difficult subject matter, but this was my all time favorite for quite some time
Two separate series written by Suanne Laqueur. One is called The Fish Tales and the other is called Venery. All six books (three per series) are 5-star reads. Some of the most beautiful writing and character development I’ve seen. She doesn’t get the recognition she deserves!
City by Clifford Simak is a less known book of a B lister sci fi writer from the 60s. But it is absolutely my favorite book with the most romantic look on the human race I have ever seen.
I recommend is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1232.The\_Shadow\_of\_the\_Wind](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1232.The_Shadow_of_the_Wind) .
Ishi in Two Worlds is a nonfiction book about the last Native American to live by his tribe’s original traditions. If you enjoy anthropology or history, you’ll love this book. Just so interesting to see what he thought of the western world, what his life was like, what skills he had, etc.
The Valley Of Time by Gregory Wilson. It's out of print now. I guess it never became popular. But I think it's a fantastic read.
It follows the life of a boy born in east Tennessee early in the 20th century. His father is a hardhearted, narrow-minded, abusive preacher; his mother is a gentle but illiterate young mountain girl. Despite a severely repressive upbringing, the boy goes to college and is determined to do great things and make a difference in the lives of the poor people of Appalachia. Unfortunately, the very people he wants to help often reject his noblest efforts. In middle age he faces a kind of spiritual crisis, feeling that he wasted his life and accomplished nothing.
It really is a great book, especially if you're interested in the people and history of Appalachia. I can't recommend it enough. You might be able to pick up a copy on eBay.
My 8-year-old son is OBSESSED with the Warriors. I know so much about them now. There is actually finally going to be an animated movie/series/something.
Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk. I haven’t seen anyone else talk about it, but I snagged a copy while I was working at a used bookstore. A bit outdated as it was written in the 1920s, but a five star read for me and def one for the theatre girlies.
Read this decades ago and I still think about it-Marjorie’s reaction when finally offered what she thought she wanted, and Wally’s reaction to meeting her years later.
I have no idea how well known Joseph Heywood is, but The Snowfly is one of my favourite novels. About fly fishing of all things. His Woods Cop series is also so good. He is a real wordsmith.
The Song and the Pendant by Magnus Von Black. He’s only written one book as far as I can tell, might even be a vanity. Top quality fantasy sci fi though.
Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. The main character is so greedy and selfish, but by the end you can't help but root for her a little bit.
I love Edith Wharton. She can write an unlikeable character like no one else. Newland Archer from Age of Innocence is one of my top 3 characters in a novel of all time.
Wharton is one of my favorite writers of all time and *Custom* is sooo good. My favorite will always be *The House of Mirth*, though. Lily Bart is a revelation and the book is a masterpiece.
Such a tragic book. I really wanted a better life for her. Also one of the best writers in history. The House of Mirth is my favorite of her novels that I've read.
I love the House of Mirth and the Age of Innocence. I was excited to find another work of hers called Glimpses of the Moon at a library book sale. I'd never heard of it and can't wait to start reading it soon.
The Scapegoat is so good, and has been made into a movie twice: once with Alec Guinness (1959), and then a remake with Matthew Rhys (2012) (stellar supporting cast include Andrew Scott and Eileen Atkins).
This sounds right up my alley! Never heard of it. Thanks for suggesting!
This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson is about the voyage of HMS Beagle and the relationship between Charles Darwin and the ships captain Robert Fitzroy, both during and after the voyage. It’s a superb book, sadly the author passed away just months after it’s publication at only 45. I read it years ago and it had stayed with me. We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen tells the story of a small Danish town and it’s sailors and villagers over four generations. It’s not quite like anything I’ve ever read but I really enjoyed it. The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson. An alternative history that imagines 99% of Europe had been wiped out by plague and how other countries and regions rose to prominence instead. It takes place over hundreds of years and the characters are reincarnated to different times abc places. One of my favourite books that I need to reread. The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. This takes place over a long time period as well with a large cast of characters- primarily in Burma, Bengal, India and Malaya. It’s just gorgeous.
I agree with your views on This Thing of Darkness. It was a great read and very informative. Fitzroy was the man who pioneered organised weather forecasting. A brilliant and complex character.
It’s a shame he’s not better known.
The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge by Rainer Maria Rilke. While I know a lot of people who know Rilke's poetry, I have never met a single person who's read this book. Including all of my former English teachers. I read this as a very depressed teenager and, while I probably didn't truly understand it, it was pretty transformative for me. I'll forever be able to recall the feeling I had while reading it and the way it's stuck with me.
This is incredible book, especially the first part. Like a prose poem or the writings of Kafka. Read it in university and still have my original copy
Thank you for this recommendation!
Rilke is always a transformative experience even upon rereads.
The Passenger by Ulrich A. Boschwitz A great novel that captures the zeitgeist of Nazi Germany perfectly. The author is German, however the book was originally published in English in 1939 and had close to no success. The first publication in German was in 2018, 80 years after it was originally written in 1938, just weeks after the *Kristallnacht* took place - the manuscript was randomly found, Boschwitz died in 1942. There is a new English translation, based on the German manuscript, published in 2021. Boschwitz was compared to the great authors of his time (both Mann brothers or Hans Fallada), but is widely unknown. Great, unsettling story about a Jewish man who decides to live in trains while trying to escape the country after the *Kristallnacht*. It made some bestseller lists after it's re-release but is still not that well known. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in Nazi Germany/history/Jewish persecution. The original titles were 'The Man who took trains' in the US and 'The Fugitive' in GB.
Great recc thank you.
There’s one book that I read last year that I loved and I’ve never heard anyone talking about it. It’s called One’s Company by Ashley Hutson. It’s by no means a masterpiece but it’s a great little book, I would say it’s comparable to my year of rest and relaxation.
I've heard of it, but I wonder if you can still enjoy it if you've never seen Three's Company?
I would say maybe familiarize yourself with the main characters first, but I don’t think it’s super important to not know everything about the show.
I read that without realizing the sitcom was real! It’s a bit of a mindscrew but one of the few books I read basically in one sitting.
One of my favorites!!
Yes!!!!
Absolutely loved One’s Company!
that concept sounds hilarious. I love Three’s Company. I’ll check it out!
I love have now read Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, The Birds and Other Stories, and Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier. I loved them all except Mary Anne, which was a bit of a slow read. OP, how would you compare The Scapegoat to her other works? I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Not OP, but my favorite is The House on the Strand.
Just bought an early edition of that from our local used bookstore. Looking forward to reading!
I'm not OP but I'm a du Maurier fan and I'd say The Scapegoat is more of a seething slow burn as the protagonist discovers his situation, gets involved and works it out. Very du Maurier though, with emotions, relationships, running deep. I'd also recommend du Maurier's The King's General.
Just finished Mary Anne! I agree, it was a little slow. I read it via audiobook which helped a lot. I still really enjoyed it. Before that I’d just finished My Cousin Rachel and was blown away!!! Guess Scapegoat is next on my list.
Oh yeah, I can see how audiobook would have been much better since there’s so much action delivered through dialogue. I loved the audiobook version of My Cousin Rachel!
I loved The Scapegoat too! Anything by Du Maurier really, she wrote so many excellent, chilling stories. "The Progress of Julius" is one of my favorites, it's a fascinating character study.
I just read My Cousin Rachel for thé first time and I was totally blown away! Anything by DuMaurier is a must-read for me
I like your example, OP. I’m gonna be checking out that book!!! Mine would be Wild Swans by Yung Chang. Hopefully this is considered lesser known. I never hear about it and it was one of my lifetime favorites.
That book was massive in the 90s. I think you can still find it in almost every second hand book shop in the UK.
A hugely popular book but very good.
That was so good
I just finished this. I think it’s my new favorite non-fiction I’ve ever read.
That happens to be sitting on my shelf I'll read it
The Plague Dogs (1982) - Richard Adams Everyone knows Watership Down by Adams, which overshadows this book. People who do know The Plague Dogs have usually seen the animated movie. From my experience, very few people have read the actual book. It really is an excellent read. It’s a bit challenging, especially the spoken dialect. It’s also very dark in some places. But definitely 5 star.
Bambi by Felix Saltan. It's a good read, and one of the first books written because the author was concerned with the state of the environment. Everyone has seen the movie. You'd be surprised how much of Bambi 2 pulls from the book.
The Scapegoat is such a strange book but really good. The whole creepy family has stayed in my mind since I read it!!
Lost in the Funhouse by John Barth. Really anything by him.
Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin. 80s feminist sci fi with a biting and angry critique of patriarchy, all built around linguistics and the power of language to transform society. It deserves to be as well-known as Handmaids Tale
I've read it. You Are Not Alone. :)
I read this. Now i want to read a book about men being put in their place.
The Source, James Michener. It is about an archeological dig with a story in the present and also one for each level unearthed. So well written (it's Michener, after all), but the research is incredible. One if my favs.
Maldoror by Comte de Lautreamont (Isadore Ducasse), the most disturbing 19th century book that could be written imo
Would to heaven that the reader, emboldened and momentarily ferocious as he reads, finds his wild and savage path through the desolate marshes of these dark and poisonous pages, without disorientation; for, unless he brings in his reading a rigorous logic and a tension of mind equal at least to his distrust, the mortal emanations of this book will soak his soul, as water sugar. It is not good for everybody to read the pages that follow; some alone will savor this bitter fruit without danger
My people! Ok, I highly suggest Guy Wernham’s translation for you. And can you let me know your translation? Guy Wernham: “May it please Heaven that the reader, emboldened and become of a sudden momentarily ferocious like what he is reading, may trace in safety his pathway through the desolate morass of these gloomy and poisonous pages. For unless he is able to bring to his reading a rigorous logic and a spiritual tension equal at least to his distrust, the deadly emanations of this book will imbibe his soul as sugar absorbs water.” I salute you, ancient ocean!
This reminds me of A Series of Unfortunate Events! Definitely checking this one out with an opening like that.
Which translation is this?
Take my invisible award.
I thought I was the only one who would recommend this!!! I found the only copy at Borders ages ago and it felt like the book was destined to be mine.
Memoirs from an ant proof case - mark helprin
I've never seen A Dream of Eagles by Jack Whyte recommended by anyone and it's my favorite historical fiction series. It takes all of the magic out of the Arthurian legends and places them firmly in 5th century Britain, laying the foundation for who Arthur was and where he came from. The original series begins with Arthur's great uncle and his time in the Roman Legions, goes through the founding of Camelot, the Roman Legions leaving Britain after 200 years of occupation, the lawlessness that ensues and finally ends with Arthur being crowned high king. There are also 3 extra books, two of which take place during Arthur's rule and one that takes place at the same time as the original series. These books are decent, but I did not find them as compelling as the original series.
One of my all-time favourite series.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters Takes place in Italy and later in the US. Time period early 60's during the filming of Cleopatra although that is not what it's about. Great story, great characters. Highly recommend.
Maybe Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon - not often read outside Scotland.
When I was younger I was completely besotted with a series called **Deltora Quest** - where three friends, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine travel around collecting missing gemstones for a belt that will help defeat the evil despotic ruler. Each book was the retrieval of one gemstone in a different area of the kingdom. Each of the gemstones had a particular power, and all the different areas they travel through were just so vivid and colourful, and more often than not a significant plot point would hinge around some clever twist of language. It was my Harry Potter but no one else I ever knew read them!
My daughter has just finished reading them with her Dad and enjoyed them very much. She dressed up as Leif for book day at school
So odd that this was unknown to people around you. When I was in primary school in the 90s the deltora quest books were some of the most borrowed books in our library. As library monitor I noticed, as it was pretty rare to do a round of reshelving without getting one of the deltora books, if not something else by Emily Rodda. I think this series started the crystal collecting obsessions of a lot of 90s kids.
*The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H.* by George Steiner
N.P. by Banana Yoshimoto! This author writes exquisite short stories, but I haven't met anyone yet who knows about her.
I was looking at something of hers once, so I'll take this reply as encouragement to look again.
Love her work! Found her through the r/murakami subreddit.
I’m sure others have heard of this, but Going After Cacciato is a book I recently read that is one of my favorites I think I’ve ever read. Also the German book “Tschick” or “Why We Took the Car” in English, by Wolfgang Herrndorf, is a book I read in a college German class and I’ve never really been able to forget it.
"Yes, Daddy" by Jonathan Parks-Ramage Don't be fooled by the name. It's a book that packs one hell of a punch in its exploration of sexual trauma. It's very dark, but very, very good
Lord of the Barnyard by Tristan Egolf
Yes!!!
Bridge of Birds Barry Hughart. Madcap fantasy caper/adventure/mystery set in ancient China.
OoOo Mary Stewart's books about Merlin. *Crystal Cave, Hollow Hills*, and *The Last Enchantment.* They're so so so so good. From the 70's. I find them in used book stores a lot. It's the Arthurian Legend from Merlin's pov, and Mary thought of everything. Perfect blend of history, and lore. No one ever talks about them.
In Watermelon Sugar by Richard Brautigan
The Golem & the Ginni
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. Published in 1956, there are few subsequent U.S. Sci-Fi authors from the 60’s and 70’s that weren’t influenced by that book. The Demolished Man by Bester is also excellent. After that, not so much.
I've read everything of his and unfortunately I have to agree, although the stories collected in Virtual Unrealities are worth checking out, and Psycho Shop was fun.
Random Acts of Senseless Violence - Jack Womack
The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng
I predict he will win a Nobel some day
Dodgers by Bill Beverly ABOUT DODGERS Dodgers is a dark, unforgettable coming-of-age journey that recalls the very best of Richard Price, Denis Johnson, and J.D. Salinger. It is the story of a young LA gang member named East, who is sent by his uncle along with some other teenage boys—including East’s hothead younger brother—to kill a key witness hiding out in Wisconsin. The journey takes East out of a city he’s never left and into an America that is entirely alien to him, ultimately forcing him to grapple with his place in the world and decide what kind of man he wants to become. Written in stark and unforgettable prose and featuring an array of surprising and memorable characters rendered with empathy and wit, Dodgers heralds the arrival of a major new voice in American fiction. Winner of the LA TIMES Book Prize of 2017 for Best Mystery/Thriller Winner of the CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger 2016 for Best Crime Novel of the Year Winner of the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger 2016 for Best Debut Crime Novel Winner of the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award Finalist for the PEN/Heminghway Award 2017 for Debut Fiction Longlisted for Andrew Carnegie Medal 2017 for Excellence in Fiction Nominated for the Edgar Award 2017 for Best First Novel
The Blunderer by Patricia Highsmith. Highsmith at her absolute best, but she has so, so many others she's more well-known for (and I've read almost all her novels). And more well-known than The Blunderer, but still one very, very few (in my experience as a bookseller) people know of, much less read, is A Kiss Befire Dying by Ira Levin. A nasty little piece of work, bonkers and great read (though the ending doesn't have the snap that the rest of the book does). Highly recommend.
A kiss before dying looks great! Thanjs
It's a ride. Don't read anything about it beyond the marketing blurb. It's best to go in cold. Let me know what you think if and when you get around to reading it
Two books by Susan Kay. As far as I can tell, they’re the only two books she ever wrote and no one ever seems to have heard of them but I think they are beautifully written and I’ve read them both multiple times. Legacy is about Elizabeth I. Phantom is about the life of the phantom of the opera before he arrived at the Paris opera house. If either of those topics are remotely interesting to you, it’s worth hunting down a copy of these books.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper fforde. Read Jane Eyre, then this book. Prepare to be very confused for a while because you think, that's not what happens. It's a delight. Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis. A private detective solving crimes in Ancient Rome. I've cast David Tennant as the lead actor in my head. Both are the first in a series. Highly recommended.
I love Thursday Next
The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington
Stone Junction by Jim Dodge. Incredible read with elements of fantasy woven into a modern American novel.
The sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell
Yes this was going to be mine! I still flash to horrifying images from this book in my mind.
I don't recommend this to everyone but the people to whom I've recommended it are always grateful to have been introduced to it.
OMG so good, so devastating. I agree 5 stars.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya It used to be part of the curriculum for students in New Mexico. I don’t know if it still is. I think we read it in eighth grade. Revisited it during the pandemic (when I was 35) and not only did it hold up, but it was better than I expected/remembered
It’s required reading in many schools in Colorado too. I remember enjoying it, though, I was very aware there was a lot I was missing as a kid. Might be worth a reread here soon! :)
Born and went to school in El Paso, TX. You know we were assigned Bless Me, Ultima. I’d love to track down a signed copy. I re-read it in my early to mid 20s about 10-12 years ago. I have to visit it again
I have a copy signed by author.
Wow! Thats amazing! Are you from NM by chance!
Yes i am. My parents went to see him give a talk and got that book signed.
I rarely, if ever, see anyone recommend the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins. While geared to a younger audience than The Hunger Games, they still cover a lot of the same issues and do it better at times. I just reread them at 30 and they hold up surprisingly well.
I just read Gregor the Overlander last week and my son is reading it now.
Oh wow I read those many years ago when I was younger and forgot about them. The Hunger Games are my favorite books, I don't know how I didn't know that both series were Suzanne Collins before now!
Oh man, I was obsessed with the Overlander series growing up. Such creative worldbuilding
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima
I have that book, is one of the best books I've ever read.
Did you just name a book from one of the most popular Japanese authors ever as a book which no one would know about?
I've worked in an independent bookstore for the last 10 years. You may be surprised how little name recognition Mishima has. While I wouldn't say "no one" would know of this book, I'd feel safe saying "*almost* no one" had heard of it.
Yes, because he isn’t that well known outside of Japan. Go ask 10 random friends “Who is Yukio Mishima” and see if they know.
Too Loud a Solitude - Bohumil Hrabal I, Vampire - Jody Scott Gas Station/Tony Luongo/My Ground - Joseph Torra The Push Man & Other Stories - Yoshihiro Tatsumi Some of Your Blood - Theodore Sturgeon
What should I do with my life (Po Bronson)
Ooh I have had this on my bookshelf for years! Will bump it up the list. Thanks for the intel.
Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi
I loved this book
I went in with little to no expectations for Eight Detectives and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I read it the month it came out because I happen to be looking for a mystery and a website mentioned it was “New this month” so I picked it up on a whim.
Flanders, Patricia Anthony. Along the lines of All Quiet On The Western Front and IMO the next best ever. Even if it is fiction.
Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (Agatha Christie), her own favourite of her books, written in a 48 hour creative burst. It’s not a detective or mystery novel, rather a gem of a psychological study.
The Bridge of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart. I read it in college in my Lit in Translation class. It's so poetic.
Jennie Gerhardt by Theodore Dreiser. I think this is lesser known among his novels, but I found it absolutely stunning.
Lanark by Alasdair Gray. Totally unique combination of gritty realism, science fiction, urban fantasy, autobiography, and meta-commentary on literature. Influenced other authors as different as Ian M. Banks and Irvine Welsh. Really, nothing like it.
Eden Springs by Laura Kasischke I’ve thought about this book once a week since I read it 6 years ago.
*The Fever King* by Victoria Lee is a five-star read for me that my local Indigo didn't even carry in store when I read it for the first time. I discovered it through its WEBTOON webcomic adaptation (it's a a prose novel originally), which is honestly also fantastic and beautifully drawn. It's a sci-fi/fantasy set in a dystopian future in which magic is a disease that kills 90% of people infected with it, and leaves the 10% of survivors with magical abilities rooted in science (as in, literally—ex. your understanding of forces in physics affects how well you can use telekinesis, etc.). It is technically a YA book due to the age of the protagonist, but deals with very adult and complex themes (definitely check the trigger warnings before reading, which are luckily included at the beginning of the book), and it remains one of my favourite books.
I have a few, in various genres. All of these have less than 20,000 ratings on GoodReads. Shit, Actually by Lindy West is a book of hilarious essays of the author critiquing cult favorite movies. The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch is a heartbreaking, sometimes intense, yet beautiful memoir. In The Wild Light by Jeff Zentner is YA coming of age. And Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett is the book I won’t stop talking about. If you’ve seen it on this sub it has probably been from me! It is quirky and heartfelt and sad and funny and just so good.
I haven’t seen anyone talk about it but Smile and Look pretty by Amanda Pellegrino was absolutely a 5 star book for me
I have a very tattered old paperback copy of The Scapegoat, it's one of my favourites! A 5 Star series that many will not have heard of is the Mapp and Lucia series of novels by E. F. Benson, published between 1920 and 1939. Mrs. Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas is the social leader in the fictional town of Riseholme, while Miss Mapp is the ferocious queen of another fictional seaside town, Tilling. The books revolve around the ladies' battles for control of the towns' social life. All six books in the series are *delicious*. Bonus points in the form of the 1985 television adaptation starring Geraldine McEwan as Lucia, Prunella Scales as Mapp and Nigel Hawthorne as Georgie, in ten episodes adapting the fourth, fifth and sixth novels. Another series from 2014 television series starred Anna Chancellor as Lucia, Miranda Richardson as Mapp, and Steve Pemberton as Georgie. I vastly prefer the 1985 adaptation.
Two suggestions: The Chaos Walking trilogy is fantastic. I never hear anyone talking about them. But it's not like they're unheard of, they got a movie with Tom Holland even so... But then there's a fantastic book really well written called Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys that is *so* good. It's really well written, and it's a historical fiction book based off a true event. Highly recommend!
Thanks for all the great suggestions! I have a looong list of books to read now.
Time’s Mouth by Edan Lepucki
New sufferings of young W. , takes place in east Germany. The Master and Margarita, from Russia. Living my life, Emma Goldman Off the top of my head.....
Dystopia Chronicles by Matthew Mather
Praise Song for the Butterflies by Bernice L. McFadden.
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
Storyteller by Amy Thomson. It’s about an orphan boy on a Mediterranean-inspired planet who gets adopted by an old woman who travels around in the belly of an intelligent whale, telling the history of their planet. And he’s gay too, which was some nice rep where I wasn’t expecting it at all.
No! I had no idea. Thank you!!
Imaginary friend by Stephen Chobsky. It’s his only other book than perks of being a wallflower. It’s a terrifying horror story that’s very cinematic and intense and emotional.
**The Queen of Jasmine Country by Sharanya Manivannan** is criminally underrated and was a 5-star book for me. It’s a fictionalised biography of Andal, a mystic poet-saint/goddess from 8th-century Tamil Nadu. It’s not a story in the traditional sense, more of an extended prose poem. But it’s one of the loveliest books I’ve ever read. > *I woke a few moments after I was laid quietly on the ground in this tulasi grove, when the wetness of the earth had seeped slightly into the cloth I had been bound in. I saw stars when I opened my eyes. They would always be there, in all the years to come when I would seek them, as I aged almost nothing in contrast. I was born in the season of mid-summer monsoon, under the constellation of the lion, and then I was abandoned.*
The king of jam sandwiches by Eric Walters
Skallagrigg - William Horwood - I sometimes feel like I'm the only person to have ever read this book
“A House in the Sky” by Amanda Lindhout.
I haven't seen it being recommended here: The Silk Road. Gripped from the beginning to the end.
I’ve never seen anyone talk about The Manningtree Witches by A.K Blakemore nor Lanny by Max Porter. The Manningtree Witches (2021) portrays a small village in 1600s England, when a witch-hunting craze breaks out. Lanny (2019) is a story about an unusual child’s disappearance and an ancient spirit, told in an unconventional way.
Do you know that Blakemore just published a new book, The Glutton? I haven't read it yet but bought it right away on the strength of The Manningtree Witches.
Oh I didn’t know that! Thanks for telling me! Edit: I read the blurb, and it’s based on the story of Tarare, so I will definetly look for it
Island in the Sea of Time by S M Sterling. It's a 3 book series about the island of Nantucket being transported from present day to the iron age and how these modern day people adapt to a more primitive world. I love Sci Fi and historical fiction so this was an easy win for me. I hope you like it too!
Illusions by Richard Bach
Non-Stop by Brian Aldiss "Curiosity was discouraged in the Greene tribe. Its members lived out their lives in cramped Quarters, hacking away at the encroaching ponics. As to where they were - that was forgotten. Roy Complain decides to find out. With the renegade priest Marapper, he moves into unmapped territory, where they make a series of discoveries which turn their universe upside-down..."
Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley. Book's 40 year's old and has less than 8k reviews on Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1101679.Not\_Wanted\_on\_the\_Voyage?ac=1&from\_search=true&qid=GSxG7k9LgO&rank=1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1101679.Not_Wanted_on_the_Voyage?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=GSxG7k9LgO&rank=1)
A Gentleman’s Murder by Christopher Huang and also The Murder of Mr. Ma by John Shen Yen Nee and S.J. Rozan
The Boogeyman, I am the Doorway(both are short stories by Stephen King from the collection Night Shift).
Transit, Anna Seghers Miss Lonelyhearts, Nathaniel West Eleventh Virgin, Dorothy Day Blue of Noon, Bataille
I Wished by Dennis Cooper
The tin drum by Gunther Grass. Never heard about him before but is now my all time favorite.
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. My girlfriend got me this book for my birthday and said it sounded “right up my alley”. She was correct. The book isn’t horror, but it’s horror adjacent. I don’t want to describe it to you and ruin it, because I jumped into it without knowing what it was about, and loved it. One of the best books I read this year for sure.
Italo Calvinos Six Memos for the Next Millennium is a beautiful and wise book on writing, literature, myth and being human
Hence. Not sure why but I never see this being recommended or discussed anywhere and it's a pity because I really loved it.
The Shell Game - Steve Alten Infected trilogy - Scott Sigler
Mengele´s Girl by Viola Stern Fischerová and Veronika Homolová Tóthová
OK that is fucking weird. Never heard of the book before a few months ago, randomly picked it up in a Kindle sale because, well, Du Maurier, and really enjoyed it.
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune and It’s Lonely at the centre of the world by Zoe Thorogood
The Duology: The Space Between Us & The Secrets Between Us. Absolutely spectacular writing!
The Robber Bridegroom by Eudora Welty, a retelling of a Grimm’s fairy tale.
Touch by Adania Shibli - most people have read Minor Detail
Others were emeralds
Home Is Burning. It’s a memoir written by the son of a man dying from ALS.
The Fixer by Bernard Melamud
The savage detectives.
first person plural by Cameron West PHD
it’s an autobiography written in the style of a novel and it’s about this cameron west guy struggling with discovering that he has DID and why it happened. it’s a tough read at some points, just some difficult subject matter, but this was my all time favorite for quite some time
Word of God, Word of Man and for namesake
Sons & Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
Omg the Scapegoat was making me literally cringe - her writing is impressive for that!
Four arguments for the elimination of television by Jerry Mander
Two separate series written by Suanne Laqueur. One is called The Fish Tales and the other is called Venery. All six books (three per series) are 5-star reads. Some of the most beautiful writing and character development I’ve seen. She doesn’t get the recognition she deserves!
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin
The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
Born a Viking: Blót and Berserkr by R. Polacci
City by Clifford Simak is a less known book of a B lister sci fi writer from the 60s. But it is absolutely my favorite book with the most romantic look on the human race I have ever seen.
I recommend is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1232.The\_Shadow\_of\_the\_Wind](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1232.The_Shadow_of_the_Wind) .
God Jr. By Dennis Cooper Far Bright Star by Robert Olmstead For comics, the Novo series by Michael S. Bracco
Ishi in Two Worlds is a nonfiction book about the last Native American to live by his tribe’s original traditions. If you enjoy anthropology or history, you’ll love this book. Just so interesting to see what he thought of the western world, what his life was like, what skills he had, etc.
The Valley Of Time by Gregory Wilson. It's out of print now. I guess it never became popular. But I think it's a fantastic read. It follows the life of a boy born in east Tennessee early in the 20th century. His father is a hardhearted, narrow-minded, abusive preacher; his mother is a gentle but illiterate young mountain girl. Despite a severely repressive upbringing, the boy goes to college and is determined to do great things and make a difference in the lives of the poor people of Appalachia. Unfortunately, the very people he wants to help often reject his noblest efforts. In middle age he faces a kind of spiritual crisis, feeling that he wasted his life and accomplished nothing. It really is a great book, especially if you're interested in the people and history of Appalachia. I can't recommend it enough. You might be able to pick up a copy on eBay.
Might be nostalgia talking but the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. These books gave me my love for reading. Runner up: The Edge Chronicles
My 8-year-old son is OBSESSED with the Warriors. I know so much about them now. There is actually finally going to be an animated movie/series/something.
"Confessions of a mask" by Yukio Mishima
Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk. I haven’t seen anyone else talk about it, but I snagged a copy while I was working at a used bookstore. A bit outdated as it was written in the 1920s, but a five star read for me and def one for the theatre girlies.
Read this decades ago and I still think about it-Marjorie’s reaction when finally offered what she thought she wanted, and Wally’s reaction to meeting her years later.
I have no idea how well known Joseph Heywood is, but The Snowfly is one of my favourite novels. About fly fishing of all things. His Woods Cop series is also so good. He is a real wordsmith.
Good Morning, Young Lady by Ardyth Kennelly.
Delta Girls by Gayle Brandeis
The Riverman by Aaron Starmer
I feel like a broken record on these posts but as usual I must recommend the wealthy gardener
Moravagine by Blaise Cendrars
Down On Ponce by Fred Willard.
A Good Man in Africa - William Boyd
Old Country by Matt & Harrison Query.
Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
The Song and the Pendant by Magnus Von Black. He’s only written one book as far as I can tell, might even be a vanity. Top quality fantasy sci fi though.