Hidden Gems: 10 Underrated Classic Novels You Can Find at Perkology Books
While everyone knows about Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations, the world of classic literature is filled with extraordinary novels that deserve far more attention than they receive. At Perkology Books, we're passionate about connecting readers with these hidden treasures. Here are 10 underrated classic novels that you can discover in our collection of over 20,000 used books.
1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Often overshadowed by The Three Musketeers, this epic tale of betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge is Dumas at his finest. Following Edmond Dantès' transformation from innocent sailor to the mysterious Count, this adventure spans decades and continents. It's a masterclass in plotting that keeps you turning pages well past midnight.
Why it's underrated: Many people assume it's just an adventure story, but it's also a profound meditation on justice, mercy, and the corrupting nature of revenge.
Browse our copy of The Count of Monte Cristo | Read reviews on Goodreads
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen
While Pride and Prejudice gets all the glory, Austen's final completed novel is arguably her most mature and emotionally resonant work. Anne Elliot, at 27, gets a second chance at love with Captain Wentworth, the man she was persuaded to reject eight years earlier.
Why it's underrated: It's Austen's most autumnal novel, dealing with regret, second chances, and the wisdom that comes with age—themes that resonate even more deeply as we grow older.
Browse our copy of Persuasion | Learn more about Jane Austen at the British Library
3. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
Anne Brontë often lives in the shadow of her more famous sisters, but this novel is a powerful feminist statement decades ahead of its time. Helen Graham's decision to leave her abusive husband and support herself as an artist was revolutionary for 1848.
Why it's underrated: It tackles alcoholism, domestic abuse, and women's rights with unflinching honesty—subjects that made Victorian readers uncomfortable but feel remarkably contemporary today.
Browse our copy of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall | Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum
4. Villette by Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë's final novel is darker and more psychologically complex than Jane Eyre. Lucy Snowe's journey from lonely English teacher to independent woman in the fictional Belgian town of Villette is both haunting and deeply moving.
Why it's underrated: Lucy is one of literature's most unreliable narrators, and the novel's ambiguous ending continues to spark debate among readers.
5. Another Country by James Baldwin
This bold exploration of race, sexuality, and identity in 1960s New York remains startlingly relevant. Baldwin weaves together the lives of artists, musicians, and writers navigating love and prejudice in Greenwich Village.
Why it's underrated: While Baldwin is celebrated, this particular novel is often overlooked in favour of Go Tell It on the Mountain, yet it's arguably his most ambitious work.
Browse our copy of Another Country | Read about Baldwin's legacy in The Guardian
6. Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin
This Taiwanese cult classic follows a group of queer women at university in Taipei. Written in the 1990s, it's a raw, experimental novel that captures the intensity of first love and the struggle for identity.
Why it's underrated: Only recently translated into English, this novel deserves to be mentioned alongside the great LGBTQ+ literature of the 20th century.
Browse our copy of Notes of a Crocodile | Learn more from NYRB Classics
7. Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson
When Barbara Buncle needs money, she writes a novel about her village—thinly disguising her neighbours as characters. The chaos that ensues when they recognise themselves is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Why it's underrated: This charming 1930s comedy is the perfect antidote to heavy classics, proving that 'light' literature can be just as skillfully crafted.
Browse our copy of Miss Buncle's Book | Discover Persephone Books
8. Animal Farm by George Orwell
While not exactly unknown, this allegorical novella is often dismissed as 'just' a children's book or school text. But Orwell's satirical masterpiece about a farm revolution gone wrong remains one of the most powerful political commentaries ever written.
Why it's underrated: Its brevity and apparent simplicity mask layers of meaning that reveal themselves with each re-reading.
Browse our copy of Animal Farm | Visit the Orwell Foundation
9. A Woman in Arabia by Gertrude Bell
Before Lawrence of Arabia, there was Gertrude Bell—archaeologist, spy, and political powerhouse who helped shape the modern Middle East. This collection of her writings offers a fascinating glimpse into her extraordinary life.
Why it's underrated: Bell's achievements have been overshadowed by her male contemporaries, but her insights into Arab culture and politics remain invaluable.
Browse our copy of A Woman in Arabia | Explore the Gertrude Bell Archive at Newcastle University
10. Great Tales of Horror by H.P. Lovecraft
Lovecraft's cosmic horror has influenced everything from Stephen King to Stranger Things, yet many readers have never experienced his original stories. This collection showcases his unique brand of existential dread.
Why it's underrated: While Lovecraft's influence is everywhere, his actual works are less widely read than they deserve to be—and they're genuinely terrifying.
Browse our copy of Great Tales of Horror | Learn more at the H.P. Lovecraft Archive
Discover Your Next Classic at Perkology Books
These hidden gems are just a small sample of the treasures waiting to be discovered in our collection. Whether you're a seasoned classic literature enthusiast or just beginning your journey, there's something special about holding a well-loved used book and wondering about all the readers who came before you.
Visit us to browse our full Classics Collection, or explore our online catalogue of over 20,000 titles. Every book has a story—let us help you find yours.
Looking for more reading recommendations? Check out our Fiction Collection or browse by Young Adult to discover your next favourite read.
