Literary Oddities: Explore These Underrated (and Unexpected) Literary Gems

As writing styles evolve, so do the genres and subgenres that shape the literary world. These unconventional stories break away from traditional norms, blending elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and the bizarre.

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Are you feeling burnt out by the usual romance arcs? Tired of fantasy stories that feel like carbon copies of each other? Maybe you’ve read one dystopian novel too many. Sure, trends come and go, but sometimes the most interesting genres are the ones that quietly thrive on the fringes.

Bildungsroman

You’ve definitely read one, you just might not have known the term. A bildungsroman is a coming-of-age story that follows a character’s emotional or psychological growth over time. While classics like Jane Eyre fit the mold, modern hits like Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (2022) by Gabrielle Zevin also fall under this genre. 

Microfiction

Born long before the internet but made for the age of Twitter and Tumblr, microfiction tells a complete story in just a few lines or even a sentence. The famous (and probably misattributed) Hemingway tale “For sale: baby shoes, never worn” is a hallmark of the form. More recently, you’ll find bite-sized narratives going viral on platforms like Reddit and Threads. Want an example? Try the r/Microfiction subreddit for daily doses.

Bizarro Fiction

Think absurd. Think grotesque. Think so-bizarre-you-can’t-look-away fiction. Bizarro fiction blends surrealism with satire and weirdness for the sake of entertainment. One current standout is Brian Asman’s Man, Fuck This House (2021), a haunted house story with a foul-mouthed, unhinged twist. 

Matron Literature

This subgenre of contemporary women’s fiction centers on older female protagonists navigating love, life, and rediscovery. Think chick lit, but with more wisdom and just as much heart. A great modern example is The Change (2022) by Kirsten Miller, which combines empowerment, mystery, and supernatural twists.

Cyberpunk

Set in near-future dystopias, these stories explore everything from corporate control to cybernetic enhancements. While classics like Neuromancer built the genre, newer titles like Autonomous (2017) by Annalee Newitz or the Netflix adaptation of Altered Carbon (2018) have kept the style alive and relevant. Expect gritty cities, rogue hackers, and moral complexity.

Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi)

As the world grapples with climate change, so does fiction. Cli-fi explores the environmental and social consequences of global warming and ecological disaster. A recent standout is The Ministry for the Future (2020) by Kim Stanley Robinson, a dense, gripping narrative that imagines how the world might respond to climate collapse. This genre feels more relevant than ever.

Techno-thriller

Equal parts action and science, techno-thrillers put the spotlight on high-stakes scenarios involving cutting-edge tech, espionage, and geopolitics. Michael Crichton may have laid the groundwork, but newer titles like Daemon by Daniel Suarez (2009) or The Quantum Spy by David Ignatius (2017) carry the torch. It’s a genre for readers who love suspense—and aren’t afraid of a little jargon.

Mathematical Fiction

For readers who find elegance in equations, this genre fuses math and narrative in creative ways. Whether exploring abstract concepts or featuring mathematician protagonists, these stories show that numbers can be deeply human. A newer example? An Elegant Solution (2013) by Paul Robertson, a novel set in 18th-century Basel that explores math, philosophy, and obsession.

Subterranean Fiction

What lies beneath? Subterranean fiction is all about hidden worlds below the Earth’s surface. Sometimes utopian, sometimes nightmarish. This genre has roots in works like Journey to the Center of the Earth, but also surfaces in games like Hollow Knight or novels like Jeff Long’s The Descent (1999). If you love mystery and claustrophobic wonder, dig in.

Ero Guro Nansensu

Translating to “erotic grotesque nonsense,” this Japanese genre isn’t for the faint of heart. Blending horror, eroticism, and absurdity, it peaked in popularity in the early 20th century and still influences manga and niche literature today. Edogawa Rampo’s The Human Chair (1925) remains a standout: a disturbing tale of obsession, identity, and confinement. Curious? Start there but consider yourself warned.

TikTok Alternate Universes (AUs)

Alternate universes (AUs) have long been a staple in fanfiction, allowing creators to reimagine characters in different settings or scenarios. On TikTok, this concept has evolved into a dynamic storytelling method where users craft short videos depicting characters from various media franchises in alternate contexts. These narratives often utilize popular audio clips, creative costumes, and on-screen text to convey stories within the platform's brief video format.

Creators produced content imagining interactions between these characters, blending elements from both universes. This trend exemplifies how TikTok users innovate within the AU framework to produce engaging and unique content.

Epistolary Fiction

Epistolary fiction, which tells stories through documents like letters, emails, or diary entries, has found a modern resurgence on platforms like Wattpad. Authors leverage this format to create intimate and immersive narratives that resonate with contemporary readers.

A notable example is Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira. This 2014 novel employs the epistolary style, narrating the story through letters written to deceased celebrities. The book received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of grief and adolescence.

Whether you're a reader, a writer, or somewhere in between, diving into these under-the-radar genres might be just what you need to break out of a reading slump.

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