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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Author Archives: J D Jung
The Ferryman and His Wife – Frode Grytten, translated from the Norwegian by Alison McCullough
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Ferryman Nils Vik has spent decades carrying people across the fjord. Widowed for many years and the father of two grown daughters, he wants this crossing to be his last day on earth or sea. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Reviewers' Top Picks, Scandinavian Literature
Tagged death, life, Norwegian literature
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An UnderratedRead Revisited:The Sable Cloak – Gail Milissa Grant
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, readers are first taken to Greenston, South Carolina, in 1934. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Revisited
Tagged African American history, family, Jim Crow, racism, segregation, St. Louis
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine – Alexander Vindman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Without Ukraine, Russia is a country; with Ukraine, it’s an empire.” Without an independent Ukraine we will see an acceleration of authoritarianism. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Revisited
Tagged authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Ukraine
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Happy New Year 2026
(by JD Jung) We at UnderratedReads wish all our readers a safe and happy New Year filled with health and love throughout 2026. Personally, I want to emphasize the importance of continuing to stand against fascism and authoritarianism. There is … Continue reading
Posted in Let's talk
Tagged authoritarianism, coffee, democracy, fascism, New Year, refugees, Russia, Ukraine
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The Silver Book – Olivia Laing
(Reviewed by JD Jung) It’s September 17, 1974, and twenty-two-year-old art student Nicolas flees London after the death of his older lover, Alan, sensing that staying would invite suspicion he cannot afford. Venice seems like the perfect place to begin … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction
Tagged Italian cinema, Italy, LGBTQ
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Grime – Thea Matthews
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I usually don’t read or appreciate this genre, but this collection completely disarmed me. From the opening pages, the poetry and poetic prose captivated me, pulling me into voices and lives that linger long after the … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry
Tagged addiction, Georgia, Las Vegas, New York City, pain, poetry, poverty, prison, San Francisco, South Carolina
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The Quiet War: Canadian Front – Michael J. Lalonde
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This debut espionage thriller introduces readers to an often-overlooked corner of military fiction: Canadian special operations. In The Quiet War, the immediate threat is Al-Najm al-Saghir, who isn’t just a terrorist; his long-term plan is to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Canada, espionage, military fiction, thriller
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A Timely UnderratedRead Revisited: Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker – Maggy Krell
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “While a commercial sex transaction may seem consensual on the surface, the lopsided power dynamic, the history of trauma and abuse, and the lack of options often make the consent illusory. And sex without consent … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged autobiography, human trafficking, rape, sex trafficking, Sexual abuse
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