40 Great Short Books You Can Read in a Weekend
Want to read more but don't have the time for lengthy novels? This list of 40 great short books is the perfect solution. Featuring novellas and short novels from around the world, mostly under 200 pages, you can easily devour these compelling stories in a weekend or even a single sitting. Get ready to discover some new favorites!
1. "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
This is a classic of existential literature. It follows Meursault, a man detached from conventional society, as he navigates life and reacts to a shocking event. It's a thought-provoking exploration of meaning and indifference.
2. "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
One of the most bizarre and unforgettable stories ever written. Imagine waking up one morning as a giant insect! This novella dives into themes of alienation, family, and the absurd. It's short, but it will stay with you.
3. “The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Don't let the fact that it's often categorized as a children's book fool you. "The Little Prince" is a profound and beautifully written fable about friendship, loss, and the importance of seeing with your heart. It's a quick read, but it offers a lifetime of wisdom.
4. “The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway
This is a powerful and moving story about an aging fisherman's epic struggle with a giant marlin. It's a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals. Hemingway's simple yet evocative prose makes this a truly unforgettable read.
5. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang
This is a disturbing and beautifully written novel about a woman who decides to become a vegetarian after a series of disturbing dreams. It explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the complexities of the human body. It's a challenging but rewarding read.
6. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell
A brilliant allegorical novella that uses farm animals to satirize the Russian Revolution. It's a sharp and insightful commentary on power, corruption, and the dangers of totalitarianism. It's a quick read with a powerful message that still resonates today.
7. "Letter from an Unknown Woman" by Stefan Zweig
This is a deeply emotional and poignant novella told entirely through a letter from a woman to the man she has loved obsessively her entire life. It's a powerful exploration of unrequited love, obsession, and the passage of time.
8. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe
A cornerstone of African literature, this novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in a Nigerian village, and the impact of British colonialism on his community. It's a powerful and moving portrayal of cultural clash and the loss of tradition.
9. "So Long a Letter" by Mariama Bâ
This epistolary novel tells the story of two Senegalese women who are dealing with polygamy and the changing roles of women in their society. It's a powerful and intimate exploration of female friendship, resilience, and the challenges of navigating tradition and modernity.
10. "Death in Venice" by Thomas Mann
This is a haunting and atmospheric novella about an aging writer who becomes obsessed with a beautiful young boy during a stay in Venice. It's a meditation on beauty, aging, and the destructive nature of obsession. The setting of Venice adds a layer of rich atmosphere.
11. "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" by Gabriel García Márquez
This is a captivating novella about a murder that everyone knows is going to happen, yet no one can prevent. It's a masterclass in suspense and explores themes of honor, fate, and collective responsibility. Márquez's magical realism adds a unique and unforgettable flavor.
12. "Pedro Páramo" by Juan Rulfo
This is a haunting and dreamlike novel about a man who travels to his deceased mother's hometown, only to find it populated by ghosts. It's a powerful exploration of memory, loss, and the weight of the past. It's a short but incredibly impactful read.
13. "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy
This is a profound and moving novella about a man facing his own mortality. It's a powerful exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Tolstoy's insightful prose makes this a truly timeless and thought-provoking read.
14. "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros
This is a beautiful and poignant collection of vignettes about a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago. It's a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, family, and community. Cisneros's lyrical prose and vivid imagery make this a truly special read.
15. "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata
This is a quirky and insightful novel about a woman who finds comfort and purpose working in a convenience store. It's a unique exploration of societal expectations, conformity, and the search for belonging. It's a short, sharp, and very memorable read.
16. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson
A classic tale of duality and the dark side of human nature. This novella explores the conflict between good and evil within a single person. It's a suspenseful and thought-provoking story that has captivated readers for generations.
17. "Season of Migration to the North" by Tayeb Salih
This is a powerful and complex novel about a Sudanese man who returns to his village after studying in England. It explores themes of colonialism, identity, and the clash between cultures. It's a challenging but rewarding read that offers a unique perspective.
18. "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto
This is a heartwarming and melancholic novella about a young woman who finds solace in the kitchen after the death of her grandmother. It's a beautiful exploration of grief, healing, and the importance of human connection. Yoshimoto's gentle prose makes this a comforting and touching read.
19. "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" by Cho Nam-joo
This is a powerful and timely novel that explores the challenges faced by women in South Korean society. It's a poignant and thought-provoking look at sexism, inequality, and the struggles of balancing work and family life. It's a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary social issues.
20. "The Guest Cat" by Takashi Hiraide
This is a charming and heartwarming novella about a couple whose lives are changed by the arrival of a stray cat. It's a gentle and observant exploration of the simple joys of life and the unexpected connections we make. It's a perfect read for cat lovers and anyone seeking a heartwarming story.
21. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
This is a beloved allegorical novel about a shepherd boy who follows his dreams to Egypt. It's a simple yet profound story about listening to your heart, pursuing your personal legend, and finding your place in the world. It’s a quick, inspirational read.
22. "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
A heartbreaking story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, and their dream of owning a farm during the Great Depression. It's a powerful exploration of friendship, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life. Be prepared for an emotional read.
23. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote
This stylish and charming novella introduces us to Holly Golightly, a captivating and enigmatic socialite in New York City. It's a portrait of a free spirit, searching for her place in the world, and a glimpse into the glamorous and sometimes lonely world of high society.
24. "Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton
A tragic and haunting novella set in rural New England. It tells the story of Ethan Frome, a man trapped in a loveless marriage, and his desperate longing for a different life. It's a dark and powerful exploration of isolation, desire, and the consequences of our choices.
25. "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
This is a philosophical novel about a young man's spiritual journey to enlightenment. It explores themes of self-discovery, the search for meaning, and the importance of experiencing life fully. It’s a thought-provoking and beautifully written read.
26. "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London
A thrilling adventure story about a domesticated dog named Buck who is stolen and forced to survive in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon. It's a classic tale of survival, adaptation, and the call of the wild. A must-read for adventure lovers.
27. "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" by Shirley Jackson
A chilling and atmospheric gothic novel about two orphaned sisters who live in isolation in their family's ancestral home. It's a suspenseful and unsettling story about family secrets, paranoia, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface.
28. "Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabata
A beautiful and melancholic novella about a love affair between a wealthy man from Tokyo and a geisha in a remote mountain hot spring town. It's a subtle and evocative exploration of beauty, longing, and the fleeting nature of human connection.
29. "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea" by Yukio Mishima
A disturbing and intense novella about a group of teenage boys who become obsessed with a sailor and his glamorous lifestyle. It's a dark exploration of disillusionment, violence, and the loss of innocence.
30. "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
A poignant and beautifully written novel about an English butler who reflects on his life and career. It's a subtle and moving exploration of duty, loyalty, and the quiet regrets of a life lived in service.
31. "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck
This is a powerful parable about a poor pearl diver who finds a magnificent pearl, only to discover that it brings him more misfortune than happiness. It's a poignant exploration of greed, fate, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
32. "Bonjour Tristesse" by Françoise Sagan
This is a stylish and provocative novella about a teenage girl spending the summer with her widowed father and his young mistress on the French Riviera. It's a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships.
33. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A classic of American literature, this novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire obsessed with winning back his lost love. It's a poignant portrayal of the American Dream, the Roaring Twenties, and the destructive nature of illusion.
34. "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
This is a groundbreaking novel about a married woman who seeks independence and self-discovery in late 19th-century Louisiana. It's a powerful and controversial exploration of female desire, societal constraints, and the search for personal freedom.
35. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This is a coming-of-age classic about Holden Caulfield, a disaffected teenager who navigates the complexities of adolescence and the adult world. It's a timeless exploration of alienation, rebellion, and the search for authenticity.
36. "Woman at Point Zero" by Nawal El Saadawi
This is a powerful and harrowing novel based on a true story about a woman on death row in an Egyptian prison. It's a searing indictment of social injustice, patriarchal oppression, and the abuse of women. It's a difficult but essential read.
37. "Heart of a Dog" by Mikhail Bulgakov
This satirical novella tells the story of a stray dog who is surgically transformed into a human being. It's a sharp and humorous commentary on social engineering, the nature of humanity, and the absurdities of Soviet society.
38. "Bartleby the Scrivener" by Herman Melville
This is a classic short story about a law clerk who mysteriously refuses to perform his duties, repeatedly uttering the famous phrase, "I would prefer not to." It's a thought-provoking exploration of nonconformity, alienation, and the human condition.
39. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
This beloved novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. It's a heartwarming and timeless tale of redemption, compassion, and the true meaning of Christmas.
40. "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" by Nikolai Leskov
This is a dark and intense novella about a bored and restless woman who falls in love with a younger man and commits a series of violent acts. It's a powerful exploration of passion, obsession, and the destructive consequences of unchecked desire.
See also: The 50 Best Short Stories of All Time: A Must-Read List for Any Fan of Literature
