Short But Sweet: Nine Novellas To Read In a Single Afternoon

In the age of social media and instant gratification, readers often find themselves with limited time for leisure activities. However, novellas offer a perfect solution for those who crave a good story without committing to a lengthy novel. Novellas, typically ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 words, have historically been overlooked by publishing houses, but that narrative is changing.

Novellas allow readers to immerse themselves in a story for a few hours without feeling overwhelmed. They provide the perfect balance of brevity and weight, making them an ideal choice for those with busy lives.

For example, "Echoland" by Per Petterson tells the story of a boy's summer trip to Denmark through the eyes of a young protagonist named Arvid. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of family dynamics, trauma, and adolescence, all in a mere 160 pages.

Another novella worth exploring is "Foster" by Claire Keagan. This 90-page story follows a young Irish girl sent to a family farm for the birth of her mother's next child. Despite the bleak circumstances, the story is filled with subtle acts of kindness and emerging love, all conveyed through the quiet and shy narrator.

Finally, "The English Understand Wool" by Helen DeWitt is a 65-page novella that delves into the world of upper-class English society. The story centers on a teenage girl navigating her demanding mother's expectations of proper behavior and her secret endeavor to write a memoir. Through twists and turns, DeWitt exposes the peculiarities of privilege, celebrity, and the publishing industry.

These modern novellas showcase the power of brevity while still delivering a rich literary experience. So, the next time you have a couple of hours to spare, consider diving into one of these compact yet impactful stories.