When we think of classic literature, we generally envision dense, forbidding tomes that take weeks, if not months, to complete. However, not all masterpieces demand such a substantial time commitment. Some of the most deep and enduring pieces of literature are unexpectedly short but powerful. These books, despite their modest length, leave a lasting impression, conveying powerful themes and telling fascinating stories in just a few pages. Here are 10 classic books that, while brief, will stick with you long after you've finished reading them.
1st "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka ~~ 100 Pages
Explores themes of alienation and identity.
Follows Gregor Samsa, who wakes up transformed into a giant insect.
2nd “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck ~~ 107 pages
Explores the themes of friendship and loneliness, disability and discrimination, and the fragility of hope during the Great Depression.
Follows George Milton and Lennie Small, who dream of owning their own piece of land. The narrative follows their struggles for survival and their friendship in a harsh world.
3rd "Animal Farm" by George Orwell ~~ 112 Pages
A satirical allegoric tale about the rise of totalitarianism.
Uses farm animals to represent the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.
4th "The Stranger" by Albert Camus ~~ 123 Pages
Addresses existentialism, alienation, and absurdism.
Centers on Meursault, whose indifferent reaction to life leads to profound consequences.
5th "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway ~~ 160 Pages
A story of endurance and struggle against nature.
Chronicles an old fisherman’s battle with a giant marlin in the Gulf steam.
6th “Breakfast at Tiffany's” by Truman Capote ~~ 160 Pages
Explores the themes of identity and self-exploration, love and relationships, while contrasting Materialism vs Authenticity. Holly Golightly, a young woman in her twenties who is living in a New York City brownstone. The story is narrated by an unnamed writer who becomes fascinated by Holly, his eccentric neighbor.
7th "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James ~~ 122 Pages
A psychological horror story that delves into ambiguity and perception.
Involves a governess and her eerie experiences with children in a remote estate.
8th "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad ~~ 160 Pages
A journey into the Congo River basin, exploring imperialism and human nature.
Presents a critique of European colonialism.
9th "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson ~~ 128 Pages
A gothic novella that explores the duality of human nature through the relationship between the kind Dr. Jekyll and his sinister alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
10th "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck
A tale about a poor pearl diver who finds a magnificent pearl, leading to greed, tragedy, and a moral lesson about wealth and happiness.
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