Short Classics which are Less than 250 Pages

It’s said that reading takes us to places we have never been to. Good books or novels have the power to transport us to different worlds. A world where we have never been before. The stories, characters and situations make us believe that we are witnessing the events in real life. With all this a well written book or novel also gives us a new perspective and insight about life in general. Many times the messaging is quite clear and direct. But at times the messages are hidden in stories or are layered. A good read can transform or add perspective to any individual’s life. However, for many, going through a long book is a tough task or time boundations don’t allow us to read long books even if we wish to read them. So, here is a list of 12 Short Classics which are Less than 250 Pages.

Animal Farm

The first pick for our list is George Orwell’s classic novel ‘Animal Farm’. This 141 page book was published in 1945. It’s a wonderful book where the author gives a very serious and important message in the most satirical and entertaining way. Where the author talks about equality, freedom and life in general through a story of farm animals. In the story a group of farm animals rebel against a farmer, they take a stand for their rights, freedom, equality and happiness. The book is still relevant even in the current times. 

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol was written by Dickens wrote in response to “British social stations” towards poverty, specifically child poverty, and wished to use the tale as a means to put forward his arguments against it. The story was first published on 19 December 1843 (178 years ago). He was impacted by the experience he gained during his youth and by the Christmas tales of other authors, including Washington Irving and Douglas Jerrold.

Charlie and the chocolate factory

The story was written by British author Roald Dahl. It was first published in U.S on 17 January 1964. It is believed that the plot of the book was largely inspired by the author’s visit to a chocolate factory during his schooldays at Repton School in Derbyshire. The book got it’s success and became most popular works in children’s literature. The story revolves around Charlie Bucket who is 11 years old.

The Great Gatsby

Next on our list is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 180 page classic book ‘The Great Gatsby’. It is considered one of the greatest classics of 20th century Literature. The novel revolves around Jay Gatsby, a super rich man and his love. Many believe Jay became the sign of American’s aspiration and symbol of party & drinks back then. Jay’s character was a dreamer who dreamt of dreams (things that almost seems impossible) and even had the courage to stand for it.

Night

Night is a nonfiction biographical novel by Elie Wiesel. ‘Night’ showcases the horrors of Holocaust and Elie’s personal experiences in several concentration camps. As Elie Wiesel and his family were taken away from their home and were shifted to concentration camps. This 115 page memoir is full of tragic events and horrors which Elie had to face. The book also gives an idea about conditions of victims of concentration camps during those days.

Sula

Sula is a 1973 classic novel written by Toni Morrison. The novel talks about two black women Sula and Nel. One of them stays at her place (where she was born) and becomes a pillar of the black community while the other leaves the place and moves ahead in life. The story is hard hitting and intense where the two strong ladies face each other. The book also gives insights about black people’s life in America (especially black women).

Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway is arguably Virginia Woolf’s greatest novel. The 1925 novel showcases a day in a woman’s life. It showcases a day in the life of ‘Clarissa Dalloway’ who’s an upper-class Lady from London and is married to a member of Parliament. This novel addresses the nature of time in personal experience through several interconnected stories. This Virginia Woolf’s novel is also known for its beautiful writing and depiction of London.

Matilda

Matilda is a young adult genre book by Roald Dahl. The 240 page book is illustrated by Quentin Blake. The book was published in 1988. The novel revolves around a girl named Matilda who’s five and a half years old. But is able to solve complicated multiplication problems with ease. However, things are not so smooth for the little girl as she has two mean and self centred parents.

Siddhartha

This novel is written by the German-Swiss poet, painter and novelist ‘Hermann Hesse’. This 1922 classic novel is about Siddhartha who leaves his house in order to gain spiritual enlightenment. In the novel the author talks about life, wisdom, enlightenment through his story. And also focuses on the full circle of life. The book was considered an eye opener for the West. This novel was known for its take on philosophy and spirituality. 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ is a 1901 book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. The 72 page book is a classic children’s fantasy book. This book follows the story of a naughty Rabbit ‘Peter’. The rabbit always finds itself in trouble because of its mischievousness. Potter’s story is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and timeless verses that are still relevant & celebrated in the genre.

The Stranger

It’s a novel by the French author Albert Camus. This 159 page novel was published in 1942. The novel is considered a French Literature Classic. However, the classic has been translated into English 4 times. The story in the novel is of an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into a senseless murder on an Algerian beach.

Lord of the Flies

This 1954 novel is written by William Golding. The story is about a group of English Boys who are on an uncharted island after a plane crash. It’s a celebration for them at first because there is no adult supervision. The boys feel that they can live on their own terms and do anything they want. However, after a point some of the boys start getting horrors about an imaginary monster. At the night the terror begins its reign. The boys thrill of adventure vanishes and they start hoping to be rescued. 

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