Do you know what I hate? Finding an author I love because of their description, their tone, their voice, their storytelling prowess, and/or their raw talent, only to discover that I cannot read any other books by them … because they only wrote the one. That makes me so sad. That's not to say I'm not grateful for the books these amazing one-off writers actually wrote, just that I want more. What can I say? I'm a greedy reader. These talented writers who only wrote one novel, for the most part, left me craving for more:
I love Wuthering Heights and I love the Bronte sisters, but I never really got into them, you know what I mean? So I had no idea this was Emily's only novel – but what a book!
$6.15 at amazon.com
Emily Bronte is known for her iconic novel, Wuthering Heights, which is considered a classic in English literature. However, many may not know that this was her only published novel. Despite this, Wuthering Heights continues to be a beloved and widely read book, showcasing Bronte's talent as a writer. It has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and even a musical. Bronte's writing style and themes of love, revenge, and the destructive nature of passion have resonated with readers for generations. Wuthering Heights remains a testament to Bronte's skill as a writer and her impact on literature.
But everyone knows about J.D. Salinger, yes? I still wonder what else he might have written – but although there are rumors that he left behind more than enough material, I hope none it ever gets released. I don't know, as a fellow writer, I can understand why he never really wanted to publish much again. Although his short stories are phenomenal and his novella, Franny and Zooey, is a good read, nothing quite stacks up to The Catcher in the Rye.
$7.19 at amazon.com
Okay. This one is not technically true, however, Go Set a Watchman is surrounded by controversy. Yes, Harper Lee wrote it, and yes, it is now published and available for you to read, but so many rumors surrounding it insist that Nell didn't really want it published, so … who knows?
$5.89 at amazon.com
I was SO MAD when I finished Memoirs of a Geisha, which is such a beautiful novel, and discovered that I couldn't read any other books by Arthur Golden. Still kinda mad, tbh.
$9.04 at amazon.com
The Bell Jar is … it's something. Sylvia Plath was something – something special and tragic and broken and glued back together. The only bright spot is that after you finish with The Bell Jar, you can go read Plath's poetry instead. All of it. ALL OF IT.
$8.79 at amazon.com
Ah, the book that sparked passionate horse love in children all across the world – and it's the only bit of Anne Sewell magic we get.
$6.99 at amazon.com
This book, man. This book is amazeballs. I don't know, maybe it's so perfect that there's just no room for a follow-up.
$6.83 at amazon.com
Don't worry. If you love Oscar Wilde's sharp wit and vivid turn of phrase, you can read his plays when you finish with the haunting tale of beautiful, self-indulgent Dorian Gray.
$3.60 at amazon.com
Oh, I would give about anything to read one more of Giuseppe's books. The Leopard is incredible.
$13.88 at amazon.com
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Giuseppe Di Lampedusa was an Italian author and aristocrat who is best known for his only novel, The Leopard. He wrote the novel towards the end of his life, but it was not published until after his death. The Leopard is considered a masterpiece of Italian literature and has been translated into multiple languages. Lampedusa's writing style is known for its poetic and lyrical qualities, and his use of symbolism and historical context in The Leopard has been praised by critics. Despite only writing one novel, Lampedusa's legacy as a talented writer continues to live on through his work. The Leopard is available for purchase on Amazon for $13.88.
Ditto here. Ross had a way with description and storytelling, and Raintree Country is just … I think I need to read it again, actually.
$10.70 at amazon.com
Ralph Ellison had so many meaningful things to say. If you haven't read Invisible Man, please do. Please. The perspective you'll gain from it is priceless.
$9.99 at amazon.com
Same. This is why I get sad about authors who only wrote one book. So many of them have such important things to share.
$10.45 at amazon.com
Margaret's personal story is almost as intriguing as her epic Southern classic. She hated the attention she received after publishing her novel, not to mention that she was not a fan of Atlanta society at the time.
$9.63 at amazon.com
I mean, it's technically true that Marcel Proust only wrote one book. It just had several volumes and a lot of pages. A lot.
$9.66 at amazon.com
Boris was a poet, yet Dr. Zhivago is one of the greatest, most tragic love stories ever written. I mean, there's a reason he won the Nobel for history.
$8.17 at amazon.com
Oh yes, this is technically true. By definition, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket was the only novel Poe wrote.
$5.49 at amazon.com
Well, minus a few books on aviation, The Little Prince was it – but what a book to be known for!
$5.63 at amazon.com
Do you get sad when you find out that your favorite authors haven't published many books?