“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.”
Some books leave a lasting impression long after you’ve turned the final page, but certain novels in the literary world are even more rewarding on a second read. These stories, filled with hidden layers, intricate character development and subtle clues, often reveal new meanings and insights the second time around. Whether it’s a plot twist you didn’t see coming or themes that resonate more deeply with a second glance, rereading can transform your experience entirely. Which is why we here at What We Reading thought we would pull together some of our favourite books that benefit the most from being reread. Once you know how the story unfolds, these novels offer fresh perspectives and deeper understanding.
1984 – George Orwell
First up on our list of books that are better the second time around is George Orwell’s 1984, arguably the most famous dystopian novel in history. Set in a totalitarian regime where the government, led by the Party and its infamous figurehead Big Brother, controls every aspect of life. Winston Smith is the story’s protagonist. As a low-level member of the Party, he begins to question the oppressive system he lives in, embarking on a journey in search of truth and freedom.
On a first read, 1984 offers a shocking portrayal of totalitarianism at its very worst. The book’s exploration of a nightmarish potential future strikes readers as a terrifying possibility. However, a second reading offers an even deeper experience. Rereading the book allows the audience to focus on Orwell’s intricate details such as the way language (Newspeak) is weaponised, how the Party uses doublethink to manipulate reality and the subtle ways in which Winston is controlled from the very outset.
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Middlesex – Jeffrey Eugenides
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is an epic, multigenerational tale that traces the life of Calliope (later Cal) Stephanides, an intersex man born with ambiguous genitalia. The story is told over decades, chronicling Cal’s Greek-American family’s journey from migration to America to Cal’s own struggle with identity.
During a first read, Middlesex captivates readers with its sprawling narrative and rich characters. However, a second read deepens the experience as you understand the family secrets that shape Cal’s identity. Revisiting Cal’s narration, knowing the full extent of his journey, allows the audience to appreciate better the complex connections between his genetic inheritance, family history and personal transformation. Subtle clues about Cal’s condition and the family’s past, which might go unnoticed the first time around, take on a new significance, showcasing how Eugenides ties personal and historical themes together.
The Secret History – Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a psychological thriller that follows a group of elite college students who, under the influence of their enigmatic professor, become entangled in a murder. Richard Papen, a new student pulled into the group’s secretive and academic world, serves as the story’s narrator. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of morality, obsession and the consequences of privilege.
The Secret History is one of the most gripping dark academia books of all time. But, a second read-through reveals deeper layers, particularly in the motivations and psychology of the characters. Knowing the outcome allows readers to better understand the dynamics within the group and the philosophical ideas that drive their actions. Foreshadowing becomes more apparent, and the small details in character dialogue and interactions gain new meaning.
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To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic set in the 1930s American South. It follows a young Scout Finch as she witnesses her father, Atticus, defend a Black man, Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of sexual assault. Through Scout’s eyes, the novel explores themes of racial injustice, morality and the loss of innocence.
First time around, the novel’s powerful message about racism and inequality is profound, especially in the courtroom scenes. However, a second read allows readers to hone in on the nuanced development of secondary characters. For example, an individual like Boo Radley is initially depicted as a mysterious figure but is given a new meaning when you view him through the lens of empathy and understanding that Scout eventually develops. Harper Lee’s exploration of innocence, hierarchies and human nature becomes more profound after revisiting, making To Kill a Mockingbird a richer experience the second time around.
The Eye Of The World (The Wheel Of Time #1) – Robert Jordan
Beginning with The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series is an epic fantasy saga set in a richly developed world where time is cyclical and the jostling between good and evil unfolds across multiple ages. The story follows a diverse range of characters including Rand al’Thor, who discovers that he is the Dragon Reborn, destined to confront the Dark One and save the world.
On account of its intricate world-building and sheer scale, The Wheel of Time series can be overwhelming on a first read-through. However, a second read unveils the layers of interconnected plotlines and character arcs that might have been hard to pick up on previously. Recognising the subtle foreshadowing and significance of earlier events deepens the readers’ understanding of the characters’ motivations. The themes of duality and the cyclical nature of history resonate more profoundly, and the interwoven destinies of characters become that much clearer.
Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier’s classic work, Rebecca, is a gothic novel that tells the story of an unnamed young woman who becomes the second wife of the wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter. As she attempts to bed into her new life in the imposing Manderley estate, she finds herself haunted by the ghostly presence of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose memory appears to overshadow everything.
Rebecca enthralls readers with its dark atmospheric tension and suspense, as the mystery surrounding Rebecca’s life and death are unveiled. However, the second time around, knowing the truth about Rebecca’s ultimate fate allows readers to appreciate the subtle nuances of the second wife’s insecurities and the manipulations in play throughout Manderley. Small details that first appeared inconsequential take on a new significance, deepening the psychological tension and sense of foreboding.
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a magical fantasy novel that centres around a mysterious circus that appears without warning and opens only during the night. At the heart of the narrative are two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound in a magical competition that unfolds within the enchanting confines of the circus. As their rivalry intensifies, so does their love for one another, enchanting all who visit the circus.
Erin Morgenstern is more than enthrals with its lush prose and imaginative imagery, pulling readers into a beautifully crafted world brimming with stunning illusions and whimsical characters. However, reading the story a second time around reveals the intricate connections between the performers and their acts, enhancing the depth of the narrative. With knowledge of how the competition shapes the characters’ fates, readers can appreciate the hints and foreshadowing Morgenstern weaves throughout the story.
How To Stop Time – Matt Haig
How to Stop Time follows Tom Hazard, a man who appears to be ageing slowly and has lived for centuries. A member of a tiny group of people who age at incredibly slow rates, Tom is forced to grapple with the burdens of immortality, including the heartbreak that comes from losing loved ones and the challenges of adapting to changing times. The narrative switches between his life as a history teacher in the present, and his experiences in the past during different periods.
Matt Haig’s thought-provoking tale delivers a unique premise and an emotionally punchy story, exploring themes of love, loss and human experience across centuries. But, a second read-through reveals deeper layers of reflection and meditation into Tom’s character. How we value time, how we remember it, and how it shapes our identities resonate more potently on a revisit, making this one of the best books to read the second time around.
Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell
Closing out our list of the best books for revisiting comes from David Mitchell in Cloud Atlas, a genre-defying novel composed of six interconnected stories that span different times and places. Each narrative, featuring distinctive characters and styles, reflects the themes of interconnectedness and the nature of history, revealing how individual actions ripple across time and influence the lives of others.
On a first read, Cloud Atlas captivates with its intricate structure and ambitious storytelling. Audiences are captivated by the distinctive voices and settings of each section, lapping up the connections that are unveiled in the process. But, the second time around, familiarity with the characters’ fates allows readers to recognise subtle callbacks and motifs that echo across the stories. The exploration of power dynamics, morality and consequences of choices resonate more profoundly, making each tale feel richer and allowing a reader to appreciate the scope of Mitchell’s skills fully.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
