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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
There’s something almost electric about the air in John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” At just around 112 pages, this classic sinks its teeth into themes of friendship, dreams, and the crushing reality of the American Dream during the Great Depression. The story follows George and Lennie, two migrant workers whose bond feels more like family than anything else. Steinbeck is known for his sparse, vivid prose, and here every word feels like it’s carrying the weight of the world. Readers are left breathless as they witness the inevitable, tragic outcome that underscores the fragility of hope. Despite being written in 1937, the novel remains a staple in American classrooms, with the Library of Congress ranking it among America’s most-read novels. The story’s emotional punch comes not from grand gestures, but from the raw honesty of its characters’ struggles and desires. This is a novel that refuses to let go, long after the last page is turned.
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Julian Barnes’s “The Sense of an Ending” clocks in at just 163 pages, but it contains a lifetime’s worth of regrets and revelations. The story centers on Tony Webster, a man forced to re-examine his past and confront the hazy, unreliable nature of memory. Barnes’s prose is subtle, almost quiet, yet it’s in this quietness that the novel’s emotional turbulence is found. With themes of aging, guilt, and self-deception, the book has sparked countless book club debates about how well we truly know ourselves and those around us. The novel won the 2011 Man Booker Prize, and according to Nielsen BookScan, it sold over 200,000 copies in its first year of release in the UK alone. Readers often report feeling unsettled in the best way—questioning their recollections and the stories they tell themselves. The understated mystery at the novel’s heart lingers, haunting readers with its unresolved edges.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Creepy, claustrophobic, and utterly original, Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a 160-page masterclass in psychological suspense. The Blackwood sisters, living in near-complete isolation after a family tragedy, create a world so hauntingly unique that it feels like stepping into a waking dream. Jackson’s prose is both lush and razor-sharp, drawing readers into a web of suspicion and ritual. The novel’s exploration of outsiders and the mob mentality is as relevant now as it was at publication in 1962. According to the New York Public Library, Jackson’s novels have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” being adapted for film and stage. Readers are often struck by how the book’s tension creeps under their skin, making them question what is real and what is imagined. The book’s ending is shocking, yet inevitable, leaving readers with a sense of unease that’s hard to shake.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” is more than just a semi-autobiographical story—it’s a raw, lyrical descent into the depths of mental illness. At 244 pages, it’s not the shortest on this list, but its intensity is unmatched. The novel traces the unraveling of Esther Greenwood, a young woman battling depression in a world that doesn’t seem to understand. Plath’s poetic language transforms pain into something almost beautiful, and her candid portrayal of mental health issues was groundbreaking upon its 1963 release. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, discussions about mental illness in literature help reduce stigma, and “The Bell Jar” has been cited in numerous academic studies for its influence. The book’s enduring popularity—over two million copies sold worldwide—proves that its themes are as pressing today as ever. The honesty and vulnerability of Plath’s writing have resonated deeply with generations of readers.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room,” at around 176 pages, delivers a love story so passionate and tragic that it’s impossible to forget. Set in 1950s Paris, the novel follows David, an American, as he wrestles with his sexuality and the expectations of society. Baldwin’s writing is intimate and poetic, capturing the thrill and anguish of forbidden love. The novel’s exploration of identity and belonging was radical when published in 1956 and remains a touchstone in LGBTQ+ literature today. According to the American Library Association, Baldwin’s works are among the most frequently challenged yet also most influential in the United States. The tension between desire and denial in “Giovanni’s Room” creates a sense of impending heartbreak that’s almost unbearable. Baldwin’s unflinching honesty has made this novel a lifeline for readers seeking to understand themselves and others.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Don’t let its slim 139 pages fool you—Natalie Babbitt’s “Tuck Everlasting” is a philosophical powerhouse. The story of Winnie Foster and her encounter with the immortal Tuck family asks one of life’s biggest questions: if you could live forever, would you want to? Babbitt’s gentle, melodic prose wraps readers in a tale that seems simple at first, but soon reveals layers of meaning about mortality, time, and the natural order. Since its publication in 1975, the novel has sold over 5 million copies, according to Macmillan Publishers, and remains a staple in classrooms. Its universal themes resonate with both children and adults, making it a rare crossover classic. The book’s bittersweet ending leaves many readers in tears, contemplating what it really means to live well. The story’s quiet wisdom lingers long after the story ends.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Clocking in at roughly 86 pages, Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” is the literary equivalent of a lightning bolt—brief but unforgettable. The novella follows Ivan Ilyich, a judge who, upon facing a terminal illness, is forced to confront the emptiness of his existence. Tolstoy’s exploration of mortality, regret, and the search for meaning is brutally honest, offering no easy answers. Despite being published in 1886, the novella remains a touchstone in discussions about death and dying; according to the World Health Organization, stories like Ivan’s help foster empathy and conversation around end-of-life care. The stark realism of Tolstoy’s writing can be shocking, especially for those expecting a more gentle meditation. The novella’s emotional resonance is so strong that many readers report feeling changed after reading it.
So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell
William Maxwell’s “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” at just 135 pages, is a quiet storm of a novel. Through a blend of memoir and fiction, Maxwell crafts a story about childhood friendship, guilt, and the inexorable passage of time in rural Illinois. The narrative voice is gentle but unsparing, exploring the ripple effects of violence and loss. The book won the 1980 National Book Award, and the Chicago Tribune recently included it in their list of “50 Best Midwest Books.” Readers often describe the experience of reading Maxwell as being lulled into a sense of nostalgia before being blindsided by deep emotional truths. The novel’s structure—fragmented and reflective—mirrors the way memory works, making the story feel intimate and real. It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you, its impact growing the longer you think about it.
The Lover by Marguerite Duras
Marguerite Duras’s “The Lover” is just 117 pages, but its emotional intensity is overwhelming. Set in colonial Vietnam, the novel blurs the line between memoir and fiction as it recounts a taboo affair between a young French girl and a wealthy Chinese lover. Duras’s writing is spare and sensuous, weaving desire, shame, and longing into a tapestry that’s both personal and universal. The book has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide and won France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt. Critics have praised its unique narrative style and Duras’s ability to tackle issues of race, class, and gender with fearless honesty. The novel’s dreamlike quality leaves readers feeling as if they’ve lived through something both beautiful and tragic. Every sentence seems to pulse with memory and regret.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian,” at 188 pages, is a surreal, unsettling, and unforgettable exploration of rebellion and transformation. The story follows Yeong-hye, a woman who, after a series of disturbing dreams, decides to become a vegetarian—an act that sends shockwaves through her family and society. Kang’s novel won the 2016 International Booker Prize and has been translated into over 20 languages. Its themes of autonomy, violence, and the body have sparked global conversations about personal agency and conformity. According to the Guardian, the book’s disturbing imagery and psychological depth have made it a favorite among readers looking for something truly different. The narrative shifts between perspectives, intensifying the sense of unease and confusion. Many readers find themselves haunted by Yeong-hye’s story long after finishing the book.
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan’s “On Chesil Beach” is a novella of just 203 pages, yet it captures the devastating collapse of a young marriage with heart-stopping clarity. The story revolves around Florence and Edward, whose wedding night becomes a moment of irrevocable change. McEwan’s prose is delicate and restrained, yet every sentence is loaded with tension and longing. The novel was shortlisted for the 2007 Booker Prize and has sold over half a million copies in the UK alone, according to The Bookseller. Readers often praise the novel’s ability to evoke empathy for both characters, revealing how small misunderstandings can lead to lifelong regret. The book’s exploration of communication—or the lack thereof—feels painfully real. The quiet heartbreak of the ending hits many readers with unexpected force.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman” is a quirky, offbeat gem of a novel at 163 pages. Keiko Furukura, the protagonist, doesn’t fit into society’s mold and finds comfort in her job at a convenience store, where everything has its place and purpose. Murata’s deadpan humor and sharp social commentary have made the book a bestseller in Japan and abroad, with over 1.5 million copies sold worldwide according to the publisher Grove Atlantic. The novel’s exploration of conformity, identity, and what it means to be “normal” strikes a chord with readers who have ever felt out of step with the world. The story’s simplicity is deceptive; beneath the surface lies a deep meditation on self-acceptance. Readers frequently describe Keiko as one of the most memorable literary characters they’ve ever met. The book’s unique voice and perspective make it a must-read for anyone craving something different.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
