In the age of the fourth technological revolution, where we are able to access an abundance of information and content, it is often difficult to process and digest all that we are read and watch. A common issue is finding the time to read novels in-between juggling work, studies and spending time with our loved ones. Being an adult is pretty hard, leaving us with little to no time for self-care and indulging in a novel or two. This is why novellas are great reads! Novellas are short novels, deriving from the Italian word novella, meaning 'new', often providing between 17 500 and 40 000 words.
That's why we're bringing you our 10 suggested short novels you could easily finish in one day. These novels promise interesting tales, adventure, and love.
1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for his novels of flamboyance and superfluity. Fitzgerald's third novel, The Great Gatsby, is set in New York during the Jazz era, telling the tragic story of Jay Gatsby and the pursuit of his long-lost love, Daisy, whom he lost five years earlier. Follow Gatsby's journey from poverty to wealth as he becomes a self-made millionaire in order to attract Daisy's interest once again. The novella is comprised of 218 pages and assured to leave you wanting more as the chaotic adventure unravels page after page.
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Antoine de Saint-Exupery writes of a little prince who meets a pilot stranded in the desert. The prince tells the pilot of his life on an asteroid and his journey across multiple planets, meeting strange individuals. The little prince travels the universe gaining wisdom from the adults he encounters on his journey. de Saint-Exupery's novella covers the tale of the French fable Le Petit Prince, offering a modern twist on the classic story. This novella continues to be a popular read, and had been translated into hundreds of languages. This novella is comprised of only 96 pages. Although one of the shorter pieces we're covering today, de Saint-Exupery's fantastical and whimsical tale unfolds a world you will be able to immerse yourself in, again and again.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
Breakfast at Tiffany's relays the story of Holly Golightly, a countrygirl who becomes a Manhattan playgirl through the diverse range of friends. Through the omniscient narrator, the reader is presented a story of a young writer who leaves his small town to live on his own in New York in order to pursue his dreams of becoming a successful writer. The young writer soon befriends his neighbour, Holly Golightly. Holly lives a life of excess, with Capote describing her as "an American geisha". Follow the life of outspoken and fun-loving Holly Golightly in her exploits in New York. This exciting novella consists of 179 pages, assured to brighten up your day.
4. Sula by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison's second novella, Sula, centres on the life of a young black girl of the same name. Facing distrust and hatred from the black community, Sula grows from a girl to a strong and hard-working woman. The novel explores themes of motherhood, doubleness and symbolism. The novel juggles ambiguity through exploring conflicts of race, gender and ideologies. Join Sula as she navigates life, questioning concepts of "good" and "evil". Sula does not shy away from asking difficult questions, demonstrating the beauty and horror of the ambiguities of life. Not to mention that this incredible novel consists of only 192 pages!
5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter's children's book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, although falling outside the category of novellas, still remains a wonderful read, sporting only 56 pages. The Tale of Peter Rabbit follows the troublesome adventures of little Peter Rabbit. Little Peter Rabbit creates havoc as he invades Mr McGregor's garden. This wonderful tale is suitable for all ages despite being published as a children's book. Enjoy Beatrix Potter's playful tale accompanied with detailed illustrations for a short read.
6. Speedboat by Renata Adler
Renata Adler's 1976 modernist novel Speedboat presents a fragmented narrative relaying the experiences of titular character, Jen Fain. In this coming of age novel, Fain is a young journalist within New York. Adler's novel has been described as ironic, and without complying to any novelistic conventions. Originally published within the New Yorker as a series of short stories, this sardonic novel offers an interesting first-first narrative. This novel comprised of 192 pages ensuring an engrossing day's read.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
This Roald Dahl classic continues to be a wonderful read across all ages following Charlie Bucket's life living with his parents and four grandparents. Despite living in extreme poverty, Charlie maintains an optimistic outlook on life. Everyday Charlie passes by the largest chocolate factory in the world, run by the mysterious chocolatier, Willy Wonka. This whimsical tale consists of 192 pages of imaginative fun.
8. The Story of Doctor Dolitte by Hugh Lofting
The Story of Doctor Dolittle is the first novel of Hugh Lofting's Doctor Dolittle series of children's novels. The series centres on the life of a John Dolittle who discovers he has the ability to talk to animals. He soon becomes their defender as he seeks to protect animal life. This novel series emphasises the importance of kindness to animals and humans alike. within only 180 pages, you, too, might be inspired to spread a little more kindness.
9. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
As always, Virginia Woolf regales her readership in her exploration of a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway. This tale of the upper-class Londoner and her marriage to a member of Parliament in the 224 pages the novel offers. Woolf allows her readers into the mind of Clarissa Dalloway, exploring her fears of death and intrusive thoughts. The novel offers meaningful interactions and experiences through even the mundanity of everyday life.
10. Night by Elie Wiesel
This novel by Elie Wiesel follows the experience of his father in Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald in the 1940s, during the Second World War. This memoir centres on Eliezer, a twelve-year-old Jewish boy from Sighet. Once Hungarian police begin deporting foreign Jews within the town. Follow the tumultuous tale featuring the Gestapo, fascism, and fears of Hitler's intention to exterminate the Jewish population in the Hungarian town. This heartbreaking tale of 115 pages will have you at the edge of your seat, rooting for Eliezer's plight.
We hope this diverse range of novellas offer you an imaginative day's journey, everyday. You'll be left wanting to return to these novellas again!
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more book recommendations and other great content.
Коментари