unknown classics

[Lisa]

Hi,
I'm in a really difficult situation. I have no idea what a friend of mine could like as present but I think a book would be a really good choice.
But I search for something special.
Does anybody know any good classics that are a bit unknown but as good as very popular and famous ones? The topic should be a more political one but it don't have to be something realistic. It can be fictional too and humour is also not the worst mistake.

I hope someone can help me. And I need a fast answer. I have time 'till Thursday :D
I'll be thankful for any advice

Oh and I'm sorry if this is the wrong folder

[Petra]

ALthough not classics, here are a few lesser known, but really good, books that may spark your friend's interest:

The Sparrow (there's a sequel if she likes this one)
Set This House in Order: A Romance of Souls (also Bad Monkeys)
Maus
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

I'll try to think of a classic that fits your description.

[Leigh]

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I'm reading it right now. Really good book. It was recommended to me by a few people.

[Eldarwen]

might be an idea. Considered a classic already almost though not quite there yet.
is on a similar scale as Nervous Conditions.

is not political as such but it's a really good classic dystopian novel.

I'll repost if I can think of something more typically defined as classic that isn't quite as well-known.

[N]

A Fine Balance is Indian or Beneath the Lions Gaze is African - both very political and well written.

[Arielle Rae]

The Twenty-one Balloons not very political but is really good with plenty of humor

[Jodi]

Nicola wrote: "A Fine Balance is Indian or Beneath the Lions Gaze is African - both very political and well written."


I second A Fine Balance. I have read it twice. One of my favourite books of all time.

[Crimson]

I like A Clockwork Orange. You have to be an avid reader and be able to read between the lines and be able to understand the slang which is written. It's not really political though. It centers around good and evil and choosing between the two. A good read that I feel everyone should try to read at least once and add to their collection.

[Kirsten]

The Last Man by Mary Shelley

[Lisa]

Thanks everyone. This is a good collection of books. I'll go to my favourite old book store tomorrow and will search for some of this :D
I think I'll read a couple of this by myself

[Deborah]

Eldarwen wrote: " might be an idea. Considered a classic already almost though not quite there yet.
is on a similar scale as Nervous Conditions.

[boo..."

*We* is the novel read by Orwell and Huxley both before creating their own dystopic masterpieces. It's a Russian novel (not a surprise, dystopic lit. having its roots in Russia with it's history and worldview).

[Petra]

Nicola wrote: "A Fine Balance is Indian or Beneath the Lions Gaze is African - both very political and well written."

I third this book. It's wonderful.