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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.
Category Archives: World Literature
The Imaginary Life of a Laurel Tree – Mario Fortunato (Author), Michael F. Moore (Translator)
When I was visiting Genoa, Italy, I popped into Feltrinelli Librerie and picked up a book with an intriguing and original plot: The Imaginary Life of a Laurel Tree by Mario Fortunato. Our unnamed narrator, a writer in his forties, … Continue reading
The Eye of Goliath – Diego Muzzio (Author), Rahul Bery (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) When I started reading The Eye of Goliath, I was immediately intrigued by Dr. Edward Pierce, a physician running a sanatorium outside Edinburgh who uses hypnosis and other controversial methods to treat soldiers suffering from the … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Latin American Literature
Tagged insanity, psychological thriller, WWI
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Pereira Maintains – Antonio Tabucchi, translated by Patrick Creagh
(Reviewed by JD Jung) When I picked up Pereira Maintains at Paperback Exchange in Florence, Italy, I had no idea how relevant this novel would feel today. Set in Portugal in the summer of 1938, during the rise of fascism … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Italian Literature
Tagged fascism, Italian literature, political fiction, Portugal
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Almost Blue -Carlo Lucarelli (Author) , Oonagh Stransky (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “That’s why I’m listening to the city tonight, with Chet Baker playing softly in the background.” Another book I picked up while visiting Bologna, Italy, was Almost Blue by Carlo Lucarelli at Feltrinelli Librerie. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Italian Literature
Tagged crime fiction, Italian literature, noir
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Buyer Beware – Catherine Ryan Howard
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set on the outskirts of Dublin in 2025, Buyer Beware follows Ellie as she moves into the first home she’s ever owned. Unfortunately, it’s cold, filthy, and falling apart, and with little money to spare, she can … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Irish Literature, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged Irish literature, murder
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Happy Life – David Foenkinos (Author), Sam Taylor (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Eric Kherson is forty years old, divorced, has little contact with his son, and is struggling to find meaning in his life. He makes a good living but feels disconnected from both his personal life and … Continue reading
Posted in French Literature, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged French literature, life, purpose
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Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop – Alba Donati (Author), Elena Pala (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “People want stories; it doesn’t matter who wrote them, they need stories to take their mind off things, stories to identify with or to take them elsewhere. Stories that won’t hurt, that will heal a wound, … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Italian Literature
Tagged bookstores, Italian literature, memoirs
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The Shy Assassin – Clara Usón, translated by Lily Meyer
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading The Shy Assassin by Clara Usón, but it completely surprised me. What begins as a curiosity about the mysterious death of Spanish “erotic” actress Sandra Mozarowsky … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, More fiction, Spanish Literature
Tagged philosophy, suicide
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Another UnderratedRead Revisited: Affections: A Novel – Rodrigo Hasbún , Translated by Sophie Hughes
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Affections is an intriguing work of historical fiction based on true events following the once- close Ertl family. Hans, the patriarch, was a Nazi propaganda cinematographer, and the family fled Munich and arrived in La Paz, … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Latin American Literature
Tagged Historical fiction, Latin American Lit
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