What makes a short story underrated?

Good underrated novels usually have deep characters that are not fully appreciated. 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Díaz is one such novel. The main character Oscar is a complex and relatable figure, but it might not have reached as many readers as it should. The setting can also play a role. If it's set in a less - known or less - popular location, like 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, it might not get as much attention. And sometimes, it's just a matter of bad timing. A book might be released when there are a lot of big - name releases, and it gets overshadowed, like some small - press novels.

One characteristic is that they often deal with complex themes in a concise way. For example, they might explore deep psychological states or social issues within a relatively short number of pages. Another is that they may not have received as much mainstream attention as they deserve, perhaps because their style is more experimental or their subject matter is a bit niche. Underrated short novels also tend to have unique voices that might not conform to popular literary trends at the time of their publication.

In my view, the fact that 'A Christmas Memory' is not as flashy as modern Christmas stories makes it underrated. It's a story that slowly unfolds, painting a picture of a rural Christmas. It doesn't have the instant - gratification elements that are so common today. People might overlook it because it requires a bit more patience to fully appreciate its beauty.

There are several reasons for science fiction novels to be underrated. Sometimes, the cover art or the title doesn't attract readers. A dull or unappealing cover can make a potentially great book be passed over. For example, some older science fiction novels with cheesy or uninformative covers might not get the attention they deserve. Also, if a novel doesn't fit neatly into an established sub - genre category, it can be overlooked. A book that combines elements of cyberpunk and space opera in a unique way might not have an obvious audience. Moreover, if the author is not well - known or part of a big - name literary clique, their work might not get promoted as much. This was the case for many indie - published science fiction novels in the past, which often had great ideas but little exposure.

A short story is typically characterized by its brevity. It has a concise plot, limited characters, and aims to convey a single main idea or theme in a relatively short span of words.

A short story typically has a straightforward structure and focuses on one main event or conflict. It doesn't spend a lot of time on background details or secondary characters. The brevity helps convey the core idea or emotion effectively.

Another one is 'Kaiba'. It has a very unique art style and an amazing story. The anime is set in a world where memories can be transferred and stored in cards. The main character, Kaiba, has lost his memories and goes on a journey to find out who he really is. It touches on themes like identity, love, and the value of memories in a very thought - provoking way.

One underrated short novel is 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka. It tells the strange story of a man who wakes up transformed into an insect. It's a profound exploration of alienation and the human condition. Another is 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville. It's about a clerk who simply refuses to do his work, which is a unique look at passive resistance. Also, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor is great. It shows the dark side of human nature in a disturbing yet thought - provoking way.

Sure. 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin is an underrated gem. It presents a thought - provoking scenario about a utopian society with a dark secret. 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville is often overlooked. It's a strange and fascinating study of a man who simply 'prefers not to'. Also, 'The Rocking - Horse Winner' by D. H. Lawrence is worth mentioning. It delves into themes of family, greed, and the supernatural in a very engaging way.

A great short short story often has a concise and engaging plot. It can quickly draw the reader in and make them care about the characters or the situation in just a few paragraphs. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the simple yet selfless acts of the couple are presented in a very short space but still manage to touch the reader's heart.