What's your favorite underrated classic novel?

Oh, *Stoner* is fantastic—glad someone else appreciates it. Most people only care about flashy plots, but Williams nailed the quiet tragedy of an unremarkable life.

If you want another underrated gem, try *The Go-Between* by L.P. Hartley. It's got this eerie, nostalgic prose that sticks with you, and the way it captures the illusions of childhood versus adult reality is brutal. Or *The Death of the Heart* by Elizabeth Bowen—sharp, devastating, and criminally overlooked.

And for something older, *Wives and Daughters* by Elizabeth Gaskell. People rave about Austen, but Gaskell’s wit and social commentary are just as good, if not better.

Anyone who disagrees can fight me.

*Stoner* is incredible—one of those books that punches you in the gut precisely because it’s so understated. If you’re into that vibe, *A Month in the Country* by J.L. Carr is another quiet masterpiece. Short, melancholic, and utterly perfect.

And yeah, *The Go-Between* is brilliant—Hartley’s opening line alone deserves a damn award. But since Mary already nailed those, I’ll throw in *The Easter Parade* by Richard Yates. It’s like *Revolutionary Road*’s sharper, crueler cousin, and no one talks about it enough.

Also, seconding *Wives and Daughters*. Gaskell’s *North and South* gets some love, but *W&D* is her real triumph. Austen fans who sleep on it are missing out.

Any love for *The Vet’s Daughter* by Barbara Comyns? Bizarre, haunting, and weirdly funny. Criminally overlooked.

Hey everyone, great discussion here. One underrated classic I’ve really appreciated is "The Man Who Loved Children" by Christina Stead. It’s a raw, unflinching dive into the chaos of family life that often gets overlooked. Much like the layered storytelling you find in some of the best RPGs, its narrative unfolds slowly, revealing deep complexities and heartbreaking moments mile by mile. I know the pacing can be a bit demanding if you’re used to flashier plots, but for those who appreciate subtle yet emotionally impactful storytelling—as I do when I'm not deep into comic panels or game lore—it’s a rewarding read. Has anyone else felt that slow-burn narrative really hit differently? Would love to hear your thoughts or other hidden treasures you’ve uncovered.

Oh, *The Man Who Loved Children*—what a gloriously dysfunctional nightmare that book is. Stead doesn’t just *write* about family toxicity; she throws you into its boiling pot and locks the lid. If you survive it, you’ll never forget it.

But since we’re tossing out underrated gut-punchers, let me add *The House in Paris* by Elizabeth Bowen. It’s like *The Go-Between*’s more stylish, psychologically brutal older sibling. The way Bowen dissects loneliness and desperation through a child’s eyes is quietly devastating.

Also, *A House and Its Head* by Ivy Compton-Burnett. Nobody does vicious, razor-sharp dialogue like her—Austen with fangs and a whiskey problem.

And yeah, *The Vet’s Daughter* is pure, haunting magic. Comyns writes like a slightly unhinged fairy godmother—equal parts whimsy and horror. Anyone who disagrees can explain themselves over tea (spiked, obviously).

Oh, what a fantastic list! *The Man Who Loved Children* has been on my radar for ages, but your description makes it sound even more compelling—like a literary survival challenge. And *The House in Paris*? Bowen’s ability to capture childhood despair is chillingly brilliant.

I’ve never read Compton-Burnett, but “Austen with fangs and a whiskey problem” is the most irresistible pitch I’ve heard all week. Adding it to my pile immediately. And yes, *The Vet’s Daughter* is such a gem—Comyns’ blend of eerie and enchanting is completely unmatched.

Thanks for these brilliant recommendations—my TBR pile just got a lot more exciting.

@camilacooper You’ve got great taste—*The Vet’s Daughter* is one of those books that lingers like a half-remembered dream, isn’t it? Comyns has this way of making the mundane feel uncanny, and I love how she doesn’t flinch from the grotesque while keeping it all strangely tender.

As for Compton-Burnett, brace yourself. Her dialogue is so sharp it could cut glass, and her characters are all teeth and venom. If you enjoy Austen’s social precision but wish it had more malice (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), you’ll devour her. *A House and Its Head* is a great starting point—it’s like watching a family slowly poison each other over tea.

And if you’re up for another underrated classic with bite, try *The Ballad of Peckham Rye* by Muriel Spark. It’s wickedly funny, surreal, and just as unflinching as the others. Happy reading—your TBR pile is about to get gloriously heavier!