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Short and Sweet: 20 Classic Novels That Won’t Take You Long to Read

What is the best part of these classic novels? They are short and sweet literary gems. You won’t need months of reading to have a feel of their brilliance, inspiration, or thrill. A few hours or several days are enough to get captivated by these timeless reads.

Moreover, these masterworks transcend generations and cut across different age groups. Tag along as we travel through the futuristic world, immerse ourselves in captivating love stories and get puzzled by mysterious encounters. We will also enjoy breathtaking adventures through the lens of classic literature. Be part of this discovery below.

Here are the Short and Sweet: 20 Classic Novels That Won’t Take You Long to Read.

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell

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This classic novel is short with about 140 pages and it was published in 1945. It is the work of English novelist Eric Arthur Blair who wrote under the pen name George Orwell.

The narrative is an interesting exposure that uses symbolism to reveal the events that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The story also leaves the reader informed on the importance of political democracy.

Furthermore, it details the situation of the Soviet Union during the Stalinist era. Thus it serves as a cautionary tale on dictatorial leadership. The plot uses farm animals with human traits.

The animals rebel against their owner (human farmer) seeking equality and freedom. A dictator in the form of a pig named Napoleon takes on as group leader. Yet the state of the animals on the farm worsens than before.

The Animal Farm novel is a classic because it paints a picture of modern-day society and the quest for good leadership. The book also points out the greed of human nature.

Check out British Classics: Books to Read.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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A vintage novel that relates to the realities of life in a brief sense within 180 pages. The American author Fitzgerald based the story partially on his romantic life during the jazz age.

In the story, we meet Jay Gatsby who is a mysterious millionaire. He is obsessed to get back with his ex-lover Daisy Buchanan who is a wealthy lady. Gatsby works his way to match Daisy’s lifestyle but he is never good enough for her.

Additionally, Daisy and Tom seem to have it all but they are also in a struggle searching for happiness. Thus the story presents the lesson of illusion versus reality. As well as emphasizing the importance of contentment and leaving the past behind. The book was published in 1925.

The Great Gatsby is a classic because it opens our minds to the facts of life, such as the challenges of love by people of different social statuses. It also helps us appreciate that there is never a satisfactory state for human beings. We are always seeking more.

3. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

An exemplar of the fiction genre that won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It is the creative expression of American writer Hemingway who had it published in 1952. Moreover, this novel is brief with an estimate of 127 pages. The account is an encouragement to never give up no matter the situation.

Santiago is an aging Cuban fisherman who goes fishing for eighty-four days and returns without a single catch. He is lucky on the 85^th day because he gets hold of a giant marlin fish. Though on his way to shore, he is attacked by sharks and they eat up his marlin.

The fisherman returns home with a skeleton of the marlin and gives the head of the fish to his friend. His colleagues pity him but Santiago peacefully falls asleep. He dreams of his youthful days and fun moments on the African beaches alongside its wildlife.

The Old Man and the Sea is outstanding as it serves as an inspiration. It speaks hope and motivation that amidst challenges, there’s always something that can bring peace and calmness.

4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

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It is a masterpiece by the American novelist Salinger. A perfect revelation of the struggles of teenagers and young adults. The novel explores issues of identity, morality, connection, and belonging suffered by this age group.

Holden Caulfield is a 16-year-old boy from a well-to-do background. He is expelled from prep school and so he finds himself on a weekend out alone in New York City. During his adventure, he raises a lot of questions that leave him perplexed. The novel is between 234 to 240 pages. It was published in 1951.

The Catcher in the Rye is a classic that can help teenagers come to terms with their challenges. For parents with teens, it’s a chance to learn how to embrace them and show them you’re with them in the muck.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This classic literature won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961 after it was published in 1960. American writer Lee is celebrated for putting forward the ideology of tolerance while denouncing prejudice.

To add on, it is an informative read on social aspects related to class and gender roles. The novel also promotes the values of courage and compassion.

Lee is inspired to write the coming of age story by her growing up. She uses a young girl to point out observations and events in her neighborhood as she grew up. This story is short and is at least 281 pages.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece because it takes notice of human nature. Thus you will learn to appreciate both the good and ugly side of everyone.

6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

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An exemplary novel on betrayal by close allies. The stage is set during the US Great Depression era around the 1930s. American writer Steinbeck draws motivation from his personal story. The time he was working alongside migrant workers when he was a teenager.

What’s more, George Milton and Lennie Small are migrant ranch workers in California. They move together in search of opportunities in different places. Milton vows to take care of his friend at all costs. Yet he later shoots him dead.

Lennie kills a woman and takes off. The woman’s husband searches for him to avenge the murder. George puts a stop to the issue by killing his friend to keep off trouble. This short novel is roughly 107 pages long and it was published in 1937.

Of Mice and Men is a classic novel that serves as a warning of too much trust in anyone. You should learn to expect anything from anyone because a back stub may come from your closest allies. 

Discover the Best American Classic Books Everyone Should Read.

7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

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A 1953 model of futuristic writing. This short novel is 158 pages in length and it is the work of renowned American writer Bradbury. The author presents the effects of excessive mass media on the culture of reading literature.

Over and above that, the novel is based on the realistic events of the Nazi Germany book burnings in the 1930s. Ray sets the story in a futuristic America in which books are forbidden. Any writing found is set ablaze at 451 degrees Fahrenheit.

Guy Montag is a professional fireman. He is committed to burning all literature he comes by. He later has a change of heart and begins to preserve literature and any form of cultural material.

Fahrenheit 451 is a relevant classic book in our society today. This is because mass media begs for our attention all around us. But the place of written literature is still irreplaceable.

8. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

A first-rate novella that addresses themes of morality, politics, authority, and human nature. The English author Burgess released the title in 1962. Between the range of 176 up to 192 pages, is the brief story of a juvenile delinquent.

This young man lives in a totalitarian governed state that takes care of punishing law offenders. Subsequently, due to his aberrant character, he is forced into state-sponsored psychological rehabilitation. His admission to the institution is meant to correct his behavior.

A Clockwork Orange stands out as a classic because crime and governance are core to our daily lives. Thus a good grasp of their relationship is a great start to understanding our surroundings.

9. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

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The English writer Huxley shares his concern about the positives as well as the difficulties that come along with technological advancements. We are brought to the realization of a futuristic country with top-notch scientific development.

To boot, the society in the Brave New World adopts technology in every industry. Such as reproductive health, psychological manipulation, and even sleep learning. The book was published in 1932 and it contains about 311 pages.

Brave New World is an authoritative read significant today. Technology is at the center of our activities. With this book, you will marvel at technology yet be aware of its negative impact.

10. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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The Irish poet Wilde released this first-class piece in 1890. The story is told in an estimated length of ‎288 pages. The Irish author Wilde warns his audience of the dangers of double-sided personalities.

Better still, Dorian Gray is the protagonist who lives a life of crime but fakes a good side to those around him. He makes a portrait that reflects him as a perfect person. Yet he can’t stand the conflicting convictions of his parallel traits. So he is disillusioned by the portrait and he destroys it. Hence he also commits suicide.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic since it awakens your senses on how you perceive people. You will recognize that some people may not be who they publicly claim to be. They may have a hidden self that never shows in the public eye.

11. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

This classic novel is a pointer to the significance of personal ethics. The British writer Golding uses his skills to show that individual ethical standards contribute to social degradation. Hence the poor morals in society are not likely influenced by political systems.

To express this view, the author pens the story of young boys sent to an island where they live isolated. They set up rules to govern them since they have no authority over them. The boys grow up to become an unruly community. The book was published in 1954. It is at least 224 pages in length.

Lord of the Flies is a model because it helps us understand the society we live in. Social degradation will no longer surprise you since this novel informs us of the contribution of individual ethics to social progression or degradation.

Take a look at the Best Classic Books You Should Read.

12. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

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When Gregor Samsa who is a salesperson awakes one morning, he is surprised that he has turned into an insect. He can’t help but think of his new life as an insect. The Bohemian novelist wrote this paradigm novella in 1915. The story is around 70 pages making it a short narrative.

The Metamorphosis novel is a classic because it provokes us to be flexible in life to accommodate whatever changes we face at any time.

13. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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Brazilian author Coelho tells his readers to keep chasing their dreams without fear of failure. He adds that obstacles along the journey are certain but they are not blockades. The story is short and is between 163 to 208 pages depending on the edition.

Additionally, it is in this 1988 classic novel that we take an adventure in search of a treasure. A young Andalusian shepherd dreams of a treasure located in the pyramids of Egypt. So he leads us to the treasure hunt through deserts until his dream is fulfilled.

The Alchemist is an epitome because it is a source of strength for your dreams or vision. It is an encouragement that with determination, no dream is impossible.

14. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

This excellent novel was published in 1967 and it is the creation of American writer Hinton. She uses Ponyboy Curtis to tell this coming-of-age story. Curtis lets us into his life for about two weeks.

Throughout the novel, the young boy opens up his chamber of questions that leave him wondering on what is right versus wrong. This makes him view himself as an outsider in his society. The book is brief and it’s about 192 pages long.

The Outsiders is special because it’s an opportunity to get a grasp of the mind of teenagers. For parents with teens, it’s a chance to relate to their situation. For teens, it is a time to connect with a fellow teen and know that your case is not unique. Others have been in your shoes before.

15. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

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The English writer Wells presents this outstanding science fiction novella which dates back to 1895. The narrative is quite short and is only about 84 pages or so.

It is an interesting journey through time into the future and the past. It also offers speculations on the future as well as the evolution of life, making it a mind-blowing read.

The Time Machine is excellent because it triggers our imagination beyond the ordinary. The novel pushes us to critical thinking about the future and the development of life.

See the Classic Sci-Fi Books You Need To Read.

16. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

A classic book by the American poet Plath. It was published in 1963 and contains 244 pages, making it a brief tale. Esther Greenwood is excited to pursue her dream of becoming a poet.

What’s more, she gets an apprenticeship with a lady magazine to train as a guest editor. But her stay in New York City turns out to be the opposite of her expectations. She is not happy and she is full of uncertainties about identity and other social concerns.

The Bell Jar is an amazing read because it drives home the fact about human desires. We always desire things hoping they will satisfy us and once we have them, they don’t seem to spark the joy we expected.

17. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

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Join in the adventure escapes of Tom Sawyer together with his friend Huckleberry Finn. The classic novel is credited to the American writer Samuel Clemens. He wrote it under the pen name Mark Twain and published it in 1876.

On top of that, the story takes place in St. Petersburg town in Hannibal, Missouri during the 1840s. This location was Twain’s hometown. The story is interesting as it involves plenty of adventurous excursions. The story is about 168 pages.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is an interesting novel since it expresses the fun of an adventurous life. From childhood to adult life adventures.

18. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

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Victor Frankenstein is a talented scientist and is thrilled to make a being of his own. Once he is done with the creation, he is unhappy with his creature because it fails to meet his expectations. Everyone else also despises the scientific being created.

The English novelist Shelley released this authoritative title in 1818. The novel is short and narrated within 280 pages. The teaching pushed forward is the importance of thinking through the consequences of any activity before involvement.

Frankenstein is a classic since it discourages hasty decisions. This novel encourages us to be careful of our wishes because they may be a disappointment when they come true.

19. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This book is the origin of the “Jekyll and Hyde” phrase. It refers to the two-sided character of an individual. Especially where a person masks extremes of good and evil behaviors.

Furthermore, the novella is a superior representative of gothic horror. It was written by the Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1886. The first edition had 141 pages. This novel is a satisfaction for those with a knack for legal and crime literature.

Besides, the story brings us Gabriel John Utterson who is a London-based legal practitioner. He investigates occurrences surrounding the death of his friend Dr Henry Jekyll. His findings lead him to Edward Hyde who is a murderous criminal.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic because it unravels the reality of crime in society. It also reveals the legal processes involved in any criminal activities. Thus it’s an eye-opener in the space of crime and justice.

Learn Classic Horror Books You Should Know.

20. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

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A classic novel by the acclaimed German-Swiss poet Hesse. The book was published in 1922 and it is a short read of about 152 pages. The plot is set in Indian culture.

Additionally, the protagonist Siddhartha is involved in a spiritual journey. He takes part in religious activities to achieve more spirituality. But the more he strives the more he questions the ideology of his religion.

Siddhartha is a classic novel that offers the lesson of taking spiritual matters with moderation. It also encourages us to avoid being entangled in the extreme obsession with spiritual matters.

These classic novels will captivate, inform, educate, and entertain you. Yet they won’t demand months of your time. Depending on your speed, in a matter of hours for some titles or several days for others, you can discover the wisdom in these timeless reads. Happy reading!