What makes a book a 'sleeper hit' like 'I Who Have Never Known Men'?

Sleeper hits are books that gain significant popularity long after their initial publication, often due to factors like social media trends, retranslations, or strategic re-releases.

How important is translation to a book's second life, as seen with 'Perfection'?

Retranslation is crucial, as it can capture the original author's voice more accurately, attracting new audiences and breathing fresh life into a book.

Can social media, like TikTok, truly make a book a bestseller?

Yes, platforms like TikTok can create massive buzz and drive sales for books, turning them into unexpected bestsellers through viral trends and recommendations.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Books' Second Lives: From Obscurity to Stardom

Books' Second Lives: From Obscurity to Stardom

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Books achieve surprise success years after original publication.
Retranslation and modern design significantly boost book sales.
Social media buzz and celebrity endorsements fuel reader interest.

Books' Second Lives: From Obscurity to Stardom

Some books achieve remarkable success long after their initial publication, bypassing typical release timelines to find a powerful second life. This phenomenon, often termed 'sleeper hits,' emerges from an alchemical blend of online enthusiasm, strategic retranslations, appealing design, and bookseller advocacy.

Jacqueline Harpman's 'I Who Have Never Known Men,' originally published in 1995, saw sales jump dramatically after a 2019 reissue with a restored title and improved translation. Similarly, Vincenzo Latronico's 'Perfection' exploded in popularity after its English translation, becoming an Instagram favorite.

Factors like captivating cover art, the desire for escapism, and strategic placement by booksellers are crucial. While there's no strict formula, the unpredictable resurgence of these titles highlights the dynamic interplay between content, presentation, and contemporary cultural moods.