Enjoy ten classic books that are short and easy to read in a day. These timeless stories offer rich storytelling and profound themes, perfect for a quick yet enriching reading experience.
10 Classic Books You Can Finish in a Day (Picture Credit – Instagram)
Classic literature often carries the reputation of being long and challenging. However, some classic books are short, easy to read, and can be finished in a day. These books pack timeless wisdom and storytelling into a concise format, making them perfect for a quick but enriching reading experience. Here are 10 classic books you can enjoy in a single day.
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
‘Animal Farm’ is a short novel that uses a farmyard allegory to comment on the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Orwell’s clear and direct prose makes it easy to read, while the powerful story and underlying political commentary make it thought-provoking. At around 112 pages, it’s a quick dive 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. This novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. Set in the Jazz Age, the book explores decadence, idealism, and social change themes. With fewer than 200 pages, its captivating narrative and elegant prose can be enjoyed in a day.
3. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
‘The Metamorphosis’ is a novella by Franz Kafka that tells the bizarre and poignant story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to be transformed into a giant insect. This existential tale explores themes of alienation and identity in under 100 pages, making it a brief yet impactful read.
4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ is a powerful story about two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The novella explores themes of friendship, dreams, and the harsh realities of life for the working class. Its simple language and engaging story can be absorbed in one sitting, with just around 100 pages.
5. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ is a short novel about an ageing Cuban fisherman named Santiago and his epic battle with a giant marlin. This novella is celebrated for its simple yet profound prose and deep symbolism. At around 127 pages, it is a concise and moving exploration of struggle, resilience, and man’s connection with nature.
6. The Stranger by Albert Camus
Albert Camus’s ‘The Stranger’ is a short novel that delves into existentialism and the absurd. The protagonist, Meursault, is an indifferent French Algerian who is drawn into a senseless murder. Camus’s straightforward writing style and the novel’s exploration of the meaning of life and death can be fully appreciated in a single day, with fewer than 160 pages.
7. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a timeless holiday classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is transformed after being visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The novella’s accessible language and a heartwarming message about redemption and generosity make it an easy and uplifting read. With about 100 pages, it’s a perfect book to enjoy in a day.
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 and eccentric young woman in New York City. The novella captures the essence of mid-20th century Manhattan with its vivid descriptions and memorable characters. At around 100 pages, Capote’s elegant prose and engaging story make for a delightful and quick read.
9. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Jack London’s ‘The Call of the Wild’ is a novella about a domestic dog named Buck who is thrust into the harsh life of the Alaskan wilderness. This adventure story explores themes of survival and the call of nature. Its thrilling narrative and vivid descriptions make it a captivating read, with around 80 pages that can be finished in a day.
10. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse is a spiritual novel that follows the journey of a young man named Siddhartha during the time of the Buddha. The novel explores his quest for enlightenment and self-discovery. Hesse’s lyrical prose and the profound themes of spirituality and inner peace are presented in a concise format, with about 160 pages.
These 10 classic books offer rich storytelling and profound themes in a format that can be enjoyed in a single day. Whether you’re new to classic literature or looking to revisit some timeless works, these short novels and novellas provide a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the best writing of all time without a long-term commitment.
