Updated June 29, 2024, 11:00 IST
Enjoy 10 short, easy-to-read classics that you can easily read in one day. These timeless tales offer rich storytelling and deep themes, perfect for a quick, satisfying reading experience.
10 classic books you can read in a day (Photo credit: Instagram)
Classic literature often has a reputation for being long and difficult to read. However, some classics are short and easy to read, and can be read in a day. These books pack timeless wisdom and stories into a concise format, perfect for a short, satisfying reading experience. Here are 10 classics you can enjoy in a day.
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
Read the full story
Animal Farm is a short story that uses a farm allegory to tell the story of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Orwell's clear, straightforward writing makes it easy to read, yet thought-provoking with its powerful story and underlying political commentary. At approximately 112 pages, it quickly delves into Orwell's critique of totalitarian regimes.
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a cornerstone of American literature. The novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. Set during the Jazz Age, it explores themes of decadence, idealism, and social change. At under 200 pages, the riveting story and elegant prose make it a fun read for a day.
3. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The Metamorphosis is a novella by Franz Kafka that tells the strange and moving story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This existential tale explores themes of alienation and identity in under 100 pages, making it a short but impactful read.
Transformation (Photo Credit – Instagram)
4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a powerful story about two workers, George and Lennie, who are forced to leave their ranch during the Great Depression. The novella explores themes of friendship, dreams, and the harsh realities of working-class life. Its simple language and gripping story make it a one-hour read at just over 100 pages.
5. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea is a short story about an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago and his epic battle with a giant marlin. The novella is acclaimed for its simple yet profound prose and deep symbolism. At around 127 pages, the novel is a succinct and moving exploration of struggle, resilience, and the connection between man and nature.
6. The Stranger by Albert Camus
The Stranger by Albert Camus is a short story that delves into existentialism and absurdity. The protagonist, Meursault, is an apathetic French-Algerian who becomes embroiled in a senseless murder. Featuring Camus's straightforward writing style and an exploration of the meaning of life and death, the novel comes in at just under 160 pages and can easily be enjoyed in a day's read.
Strangers (Photo credit: Instagram)
7. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a timeless Christmas classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is transformed when he is attacked by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. This novella is an easy and uplifting read, with clear language and a heartwarming message about redemption and generosity. At around 100 pages, this book is perfect for a one-day read.
8. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
“Breakfast at Tiffany's” is a novella by Truman Capote that tells the story of Holly Golightly, a charming, eccentric young woman living in New York. With vivid descriptions and memorable characters, the novella captures the essence of mid-20th century Manhattan. At nearly 100 pages, Capote's elegant prose and riveting story make for an enjoyable, quick read.
9. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a novella about a family dog named Buck who is thrown into the harsh life of the Alaskan wilderness. This adventure story explores themes of survival and the call of nature. The thrilling story and vivid descriptions make it an engaging read, and at around 80 pages, it can be read in a day.
Call of the Wild (Photo credit: Instagram)
10. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha is a spiritual novel that depicts the journey of a young man named Siddhartha during the time of Buddha. The novel depicts his quest for enlightenment and self-discovery. Hesse's lyrical prose and profound themes of spirituality and inner peace are expressed in a concise format of around 160 pages.
These ten classics offer rich storytelling and deep themes in a format you can enjoy in a day. Whether you're reading classic literature for the first time or want to revisit a timeless work, these short stories and novellas offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the greatest works of all time without a long-term commitment.