10 books that were a failure when they were published and are now classics

Did you know that some of the most beloved books in history started out as complete failures? It's hard to believe, but it's true. Throughout the history of literature, There are works that, at the time, were misunderstood, ignored or even despised. by critics and audiences alike. What an eye they had…

Some of these books, now hailed as classics of literature, had such unfortunate beginnings that their authors probably never imagined the legacy they would leave behind. Can you imagine dying without knowing that your work will change literature forever? Well, it happened more than once…

Some writers died without knowing the real impact of their work; others were condemned to oblivion for years. They didn't fit the tastes of the time, they were too ahead of their time or they just didn't have the luck. to have the right support.

But sometimes, The passage of time, that much more just judge, gives them a second chance. and rescues them from oblivion. Today I want to talk to you about those books that went from being failures to becoming cornerstones of literature!

Let's go through the history of ten books that, against all odds, They managed to turn their initial failures into resounding successesReady to discover how time, context and the tenacity of their authors transformed these works into immortal classics?

1. Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville

Published in 1851, Moby-Dick It is today considered one of the great American novels, but at the time it was a resounding failure.The story of the obsessive Captain Ahab and his pursuit of the legendary white whale failed to connect with the public.

The complexity of the narrative, its philosophical themes, and its unconventional style proved confusing and even tedious to many readers and critics of the time. It only sold a few hundred copies! Melville died without knowing that his novel would become a literary classic.

But, as with the best stories, Moby-Dick It was rediscovered over timeIts depth, symbolism and reflections on human nature, fate and obsession finally found their audience.

Today, It is a novel that is studied in universities around the world. and has inspired countless adaptations and cultural references. Melville went from being forgotten to being one of the greats! Justice has certainly been done to this great book.

2. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby Published in 1925, it is today an iconic work of American literature and an unforgettable portrait of the "Jazz Age" - and a great film by Di Caprio. But when it came out, it was met with indifference. It sold fewer than 20,000 copies. and Fitzgerald was devastated by the lack of interest. In fact, when he died in 1940, he thought the book would be forgotten.

Everything changed after World War II. Better times came and The Great Gatsby began to gain popularity, especially among young people and in universities. His sharp criticism of the "American dream" and his portrait of the excesses of the 1920s found resonance. Today, it is one of the great classics and an essential work that continues to impact generations.

3. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, published in 1818, is one of the pillars of gothic and science fiction literature, but at first it was a real disaster. Critics of the time called it "extravagant" and "horrible", and many rejected it when they found out it was written by a young woman. Can you imagine the courage it took for Mary Shelley to create something so revolutionary?

Over the years, Frankenstein was rediscovered and is now recognized not only for its creativity and innovation, but also for its philosophical depth and its questioning of the limits of science. It is a universal classic that continues to inspire debate and has been adapted into film, theatre and many other forms of cultural expression.. You could say that he has become a real literary monster… (Badum tss!)

4. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

Nowadays, Pride and Prejudice It is one of the most beloved novels in English literature, but the road was not easy. Austen wrote the draft in 1797, but it was rejected by several publishers.It was not published until 1813, and although it had some success, critics considered it superficial.

Like Melville, Austen died without knowing the true impact of her work.Can you imagine the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy being almost buried by the editors?

Over time, The novel was praised for its keen social observation and its satire of the mores of the time.Today, the story of Elizabeth and Darcy continues to conquer hearts and has inspired countless adaptations. A true, well-deserved timeless classic.

5. Ulysses, by James Joyce

Ulysses, published in 1922, is one of the most innovative works of modern literature, but also one of the most controversial. Its experimental structure and mythological references confused many., and was banned in several countries for being “immoral.” Joyce must have felt like a misunderstood genius!

Over time, Ulysses was revalued and is today an emblem of modernism. Although it remains a challenge for many readers, It is considered a masterpiece that has changed modern narrative.. Every year, Dublin celebrates Bloomsday in honor of this novel. Joyce, your genius has finally been recognized!

6. In search of lost time, by Marcel Proust

You could say that In search of lost time It is a monumental work, but its initial publication was not received with enthusiasm.. In 1913, when it was published Along Swann's Way —the first of the books that make up the work— was considered tedious and complex by critics.

Proust's introspective narrative was difficult for many to digest. What would Proust have thought if he had seen how his work is today synonymous with literary depth and a reference in universal literature?

Over time, Proust's style was recognized and Today we celebrate his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. In search of lost time It is a source of inspiration for writers and readers around the world. A true literary gem!

7. Leaves of grass, by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman published Leaves of Grass in 1855 and it is now considered one of America's most influential collections of poetry, but its beginnings were marked by controversy. Whitman self-published and even wrote anonymous reviews to generate interest —almost 200 years of difference but these things have not changed that much—.

His free-spirited style and focus on sensuality and nature were too radical. Conservative critics considered him immoral. Imagine having to write your own opinions while taking advantage of your position as a journalist!

Over time, Leaves of grass was recognized for its originality and its connection to the American identityToday, Whitman is "America's poet" and his work is a celebration of life and freedom. He was certainly a visionary.

8. The scarlet letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Published in 1850, The scarlet letter It is today a classic of American literature, but At first it was met with mixed reviews and controversyThe story of Hester Prynne, convicted of adultery and forced to wear a scarlet letter "A", explored taboo themes for the time.

Many readers felt alienated. Imagine how shocking that must have been to the Puritans! Over time, The scarlet letter She was appreciated for her profound analysis of guilt and hypocrisy.Today, it is an essential exploration of morality and personal identity, and Hawthorne is recognized as one of the greats of his time.

9. 1984, by George Orwell

Well-known and fundamental work, 1984 It is one of the most famous dystopian novels, but when it was published in 1949, it was received with skepticism. Many critics considered it too pessimistic, especially at a time when the world wanted to move on from the horrors of war.How can we accept such a bleak vision right after the Second World War?

Over the years, 1984 became a warning about totalitarianism and state surveillance, especially during the Cold War. Today, Terms like “Big Brother” and “doublethink” are part of our everyday language.The novel remains essential and its message more relevant than ever. And given what we've seen recently, it seems that Orwell looked into the future in a painfully accurate way...

10. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye, published in 1951, is one of the most influential novels in modern literature, especially for young people. But Its initial reception was controversialIt was considered vulgar and negative due to its crude language and themes of youth alienation.

It was even banned in some places. And what happens when you ban something? Well, you generate curiosity, rebellion and a desire to break the norm, which led to a rise in general interest in the work.

Over time, the story of Holden Caulfield and his search for authenticity became a symbol of youthful rebellion. Today, The Catcher in the Rye continues to influence generations of readers and writersIts message remains as relevant as ever. A story that never goes out of style among young people and adults alike.

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Time puts everything in its place

There are more examples of what we have talked about, and it will always happen. Perhaps it is the moment, the vision or the type of writing, but for one reason or another there are works that do not fit with the society in which they live.

The history of these books should remind us that the value of a literary work is not always reflected in its immediate success. Literature is full of stories of authors who, despite criticism and initial failures, maintained their vision and created works that ended up transcending their time.Imagine what the literary world would be like if these books had been forgotten!

Literary success does not always follow straight paths; books often need time, context, and new readers to be fully appreciated. The stories of Moby-Dick, The Great Gatsby and many others They are an invitation to rediscover those forgotten treasures and to recognize the power of literature. to influence, move and transform our perspective over time.

Tell me, which of these works have you read? Which of them surprises you the most because it was a failure in its time? Share here and on my social networks which of them you found most interesting and perhaps, if you think they deserved to continue being despised…