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Novellas occupy a unique and often overlooked space in the literary world. They are neither short stories nor full-length novels, falling somewhere in between. Publishers often dismiss them due to their perceived lack of commercial appeal, and the term itself can be somewhat ambiguous. Derived from the Italian word for "little novelty," the term was originally used to describe tales within frame narratives like the Arabian Nights and Boccaccio’s Decameron. Today, a novella is understood as a prose narrative of moderate length, typically ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 words, or about 60 to 120 pages in a standard book. This length makes it possible to read a novella in just a day or two without rushing. Unlike short stories, novellas allow for deeper character development and more complex plots, while differing from novels in their focus on a single protagonist and absence of subplots.
Many literary giants have produced exceptional novellas that rank among their finest works. This list highlights some of the most remarkable examples. Certain works were excluded because they fall slightly outside the typical length range, such as Gogol’s “Nevsky Prospekt” (too short) or Anthony Burgess’s “A Clockwork Orange” and Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening” (too long). I hope this curated selection provides an enjoyable and insightful overview.
20. The Third Man Graham Greene (1949)
Graham Greene originally penned this novella as a groundwork for the screenplay, never intending it for publication. The story unfolds in post-war Vienna, a city split into four zones, one of which was under Soviet control. Holly Martins, an American writer, arrives in Vienna after his friend, Harry Lime, offers him a job. Upon arrival, he learns that Harry has died, and three men allegedly carried his body away. While Holly quickly locates the first two men, they both deny the existence of a third. This sets the stage for a tale filled with unexpected turns. The film adaptation, directed by Carol Reed and starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles, is hailed as a cinematic masterpiece. Despite Greene’s initial reluctance to publish the novella, it remains a compelling read to this day.
19. Candide Voltaire (1759)
François-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, was a prominent philosopher of the French Enlightenment. In “Candide,” the protagonist is a young man raised in the sheltered environment of a Baron’s castle. Candide and the Baron’s daughter, Cunégonde, are influenced by Dr. Pangloss, a philosopher who instills in them the belief that they live in the best of all possible worlds. After an innocent kiss with Cunégonde, Candide is expelled from the castle. He and Dr. Pangloss embark on a journey across numerous countries, including Prussia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, El Dorado, Surinam, and Turkey. Throughout their travels, they witness immense suffering, yet Dr. Pangloss stubbornly clings to his optimistic mantra. This philosophy was inspired by German thinker Gottfried Leibniz. Voltaire used “Candide” to critique Leibniz’s optimism, particularly in light of tragedies like the Seven Years’ War (1756-63) and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
18. Breakfast at Tiffany’s Truman Capote (1958)
Capote is best known for his groundbreaking true crime novel “In Cold Blood” and this iconic novella. Holly Golightly, a young and enigmatic woman in New York, frequently visits the famed jewelry store Tiffany & Co. While she appears affluent, her true goal is to secure a wealthy husband. She befriends a young man she nicknames Fred, the unnamed narrator of the story. As their friendship deepens, Fred uncovers more about Holly’s hidden past. The novella inspired a film adaptation directed by Blake Edwards, which surpassed the book in popularity, featuring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly and her unforgettable rendition of “Moon River.”
17. At the Sign of the Cat and Racket Honoré de Balzac (1829)
“La Maison du chat-qui-pelote” serves as the opening piece of “Scenes of Private Life,” which is the first section of Balzac’s monumental work, “La Comédie Humaine.” The story follows Augustine Guillaume, the daughter of a Parisian cloth merchant, who defies her father’s wishes to marry the artist Théodor de Sommervieux. Théodor had painted and exhibited her portrait, sparking their union. However, their marriage proves deeply unhappy, marked by his infidelity and her untimely death eight years later. The tale concludes with an unnamed man visiting her grave, possibly Balzac himself. As a pioneer of literary realism, Balzac’s work offers an excellent introduction to his style and to French literature as a whole.
16. Three Blind Mice Agatha Christie (1948)
“Three Blind Mice” is one of Agatha Christie’s many works inspired by nursery rhymes. This classic mystery unfolds in a secluded setting: a snowbound manor cut off from the outside world. Originally written as a BBC radio play in 1947, Christie later adapted it into a novella. While some sources mistakenly label it a short story, its length exceeds 20,000 words. She further expanded it into the play “The Mousetrap” (1952), borrowing its title from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Christie stipulated that the novella not be published in the UK while the play ran in London’s West End. Given the play’s unprecedented success, still ongoing as of 2011, the novella remains unpublished in the UK but is available elsewhere.
15.
The Royal Game
Stefan Zweig (1942)
The original German title, “Schachnovelle,” could have been translated literally as “Chess Novella,” but publishers opted for “The Royal Game” to enhance its appeal. Written between 1938 and 1941 by Stefan Zweig, an Austrian Jewish writer who fled to London during World War II, this novella was published after his 1942 suicide in Brazil. The story revolves around a mysterious man aboard a cruise ship who unexpectedly defeats the world chess champion. It is later revealed that he taught himself chess while imprisoned by the Nazis. Despite his mastery of the game, the man remains mentally scarred by his traumatic past. A German film adaptation, directed by Gerd Oswald, was released in 1960.
14. Bonjour Tristesse Françoise Sagan (1954)
Françoise Sagan was just eighteen when her debut novel, which remains her most famous work, was published. The story follows Cécile, a seventeen-year-old girl vacationing on the French Riviera with her father and his current lover, Elsa. Their lives are disrupted when Anne, a serious and mature woman, enters a romantic relationship with Cécile’s father. Unlike his previous partners, Anne is intent on marriage and begins acting as a stepmother to Cécile, who schemes to sabotage their relationship. The narrative concludes tragically, justifying the title “Hello Sadness.” In 1958, Otto Preminger directed an English-language film adaptation starring Deborah Kerr as Anne.
13. Billy Budd Herman Melville (1891)
For those interested in Herman Melville but unwilling to tackle the lengthy “Moby-Dick,” “Billy Budd” offers a compelling alternative. Melville began writing it in 1888 and continued until his death in 1891. The manuscript was discovered nearly two decades later by a student and first published in 1924, though it underwent multiple revisions. The story follows Billy Budd, a sailor aboard the HMS Bellipotent, who is falsely accused of mutiny by Master-at-Arms John Claggart. Due to a speech impediment, Billy accidentally kills Claggart in a moment of frustration. Captain Vere must then decide Billy’s fate. The novella has inspired various adaptations, including Benjamin Britten’s opera, which features the stunning aria “Look,” considered one of the most beautiful baritone pieces in modern opera.
12. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish author, is best known for two iconic works: the adventure classic “Treasure Island” and this psychological novella. The story is narrated by Mr. Utterson, a lawyer who becomes intrigued by the peculiar relationship between the respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll and the sinister Mr. Edward Hyde. Utterson eventually uncovers the shocking truth that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person, with Jekyll having developed a potion to separate his good and evil sides. Despite numerous adaptations for stage, radio, and film, few remain true to Stevenson’s original narrative.
11. The Time Machine H. G. Wells (1895)
H.G. Wells, a trailblazer in science fiction, is renowned for two masterpieces: the novel “The War of the Worlds” and this novella. The story follows an English scientist who creates a time machine and journeys to the year 802,701 A.D. There, he encounters two distinct species: the gentle, childlike Eloi and the savage, subterranean Morlocks. He deduces that humanity has diverged into these two groups due to the historical divide between the leisure and working classes. A striking detail is that the Eloi possess books but are unable to read them, having lost the ability to read. The novella has inspired multiple film adaptations, including George Pal’s 1960 version.
10. The Death of Ivan Ilyich Leo Tolstoy (1886)
Leo Tolstoy, celebrated for his epic novels “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” also excelled in shorter works. “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” tells the story of a high court judge who, despite his professional success, leads an unfulfilling personal life. The narrative begins with Ivan’s death and the insincere reactions of his family. It then shifts to his final days, offering an intimate look at his thoughts and regrets. Ivan realizes his life was marked by selfishness and hypocrisy, finding solace only in the kindness of his servant, Gerasim. This profound novella explores themes of life, death, and existential reflection.
9. Of Men and Mice John Steinbeck (1937)
For those seeking an introduction to Nobel laureate John Steinbeck without the commitment of reading “East of Eden” or “The Grapes of Wrath,” this novella is an ideal choice. It follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two itinerant farmworkers navigating California in search of work. Lennie, a large man with a mental disability, has a fondness for soft textures, while George serves as his guardian. They secure jobs on a ranch near Soledad, but Lennie’s tendencies repeatedly land them in trouble. After accidentally killing a puppy, a confrontation with their employer’s wife leads to a devastating conclusion. The story has been adapted into several films, including Lewis Milestone’s 1939 version.
8. Ethan Frome Edith Wharton (1911)
Edith Wharton, one of America’s most celebrated female authors, is renowned for works like “The House of Mirth,” “The Age of Innocence,” and the novella-length “Ethan Frome.” The story begins with an unnamed narrator encountering Ethan Frome, a prematurely aged man in his fifties with a limp, the result of a tragic accident years earlier. Ethan’s life is marked by his unhappy marriage to Zeena, a hypochondriac, and his growing affection for her cousin Mattie, who lives with them as a helper. When Zeena’s jealousy leads her to replace Mattie with a hired maid, tensions escalate, culminating in a heartbreaking conclusion. The novella was adapted into a 1993 film starring Liam Neeson and Patricia Arquette.
7. The Turn of the Screw Henry James (1898)
Henry James, the American author of classics like “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Wings of the Dove,” could have multiple entries on this list, as works such as “Daisy Miller,” “An International Episode,” and “The Aspern Papers” also qualify as novellas. However, “The Turn of the Screw” stands out as his most acclaimed shorter work. While James is known for literary realism, this novella delves into gothic horror. The story begins with an unnamed narrator hearing a man recount a manuscript written by a governess. She and a housekeeper are tasked with caring for Miles and Flora, two orphaned children living in a remote estate. The governess begins to see the apparitions of former employees, leading to growing unease about the children’s safety. The novella has inspired numerous adaptations, including Benjamin Britten’s opera and the 1961 film “The Innocents” featuring Deborah Kerr.
6. The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka (1915)
Kafka, born into a Jewish family in Prague, lived from 1883 to 1924. While his novel “The Trial” (1925) is widely recognized, his novella “Die Verwandlung” offers a more accessible entry point into his work. The story follows Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who awakens one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Unable to work, Gregor’s bizarre condition forces his family and employer to confront the absurdity of his situation. The narrative serves as a profound commentary on societal treatment of those who are perceived as different. The novella has inspired numerous stage adaptations and a graphic novel.
5. Death in Venice Thomas Mann (1912)
“Der Tod in Venedig” stands as one of Thomas Mann’s most acclaimed works, significantly shorter than his epics like “Buddenbrooks,” “The Magic Mountain,” or “Doctor Faustus.” The story centers on Gustav von Aschenbach, a writer who travels to Venice and becomes captivated by Tadzio, a Polish adolescent boy he perceives as the embodiment of beauty. As Aschenbach’s obsession deepens, he learns of a cholera outbreak in the city. Tadzio was inspired by a boy Mann himself encountered in Venice in 1911. Interpretations of Aschenbach’s feelings for the boy vary, with debates over whether they are purely platonic. Luchino Visconti’s 1971 film adaptation reimagines Aschenbach as a composer, with music by Gustav Mahler. The film is a must-watch for its stunning portrayal of Mann’s story.
4. The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway (1952)
Hemingway, who championed minimalism and the elimination of unnecessary details as an artistic principle, achieved greatness in his shorter works. This novella, penned in Cuba, was the final piece published during his lifetime and is often regarded as his finest. The story revolves around Santiago, an aging fisherman who hasn’t caught a fish in eighty-four days, leading his young apprentice, Manolin, to be forbidden from joining him. Determined, Santiago ventures out alone and hooks a massive marlin, sparking an epic struggle between man and nature. The novella inspired a 1958 film adaptation by John Sturges and a 1999 paint-on-glass animated short film.
3. The Kreutzer Sonata Leo Tolstoy (1889)
In this novella, an unnamed narrator becomes embroiled in a discussion about women and marriage. Pozdnyshev, a man with a troubled past, interrupts to share the story of his own failed marriage. In his youth, Pozdnyshev led a promiscuous life, but after marrying, his relationship was plagued by alternating bouts of passion and conflict. His wife befriended a pianist, and together they began practicing Beethoven’s ninth violin and piano sonata, known as the Kreutzer Sonata due to its dedication to violinist Rudolph Kreutzer. Pozdnyshev, who despised the music and its emotional impact, grew suspicious of his wife’s fidelity and plotted to expose her alleged infidelity. Tolstoy, an advocate of sexual abstinence and a critic of Beethoven, presents a narrative that doesn’t require agreement with his views to be appreciated.
2. Animal Farm George Orwell (1945)
Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell, authored two iconic works critiquing totalitarian systems: “1984” and “Animal Farm.” This allegorical novella features a cast of intelligent animals who overthrow their human oppressors, only to establish a society where equality is promised but never realized. The pigs, who assume leadership, manipulate the other animals, illustrating how noble ideals can devolve into oppressive regimes. The farm symbolizes the Soviet Union, with characters like Napoleon and Snowball representing Stalin and Trotsky, respectively. Orwell, who fought on the communist side during the Spanish Civil War, was a vocal critic of Stalinist totalitarianism. The novella has been adapted into two films: an animated version in 1954 and a live-action TV movie in 1999.
1. A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens (1843)
Charles Dickens, arguably the finest writer of English fiction, is celebrated for masterpieces like “A Tale of Two Cities,” “Great Expectations,” “David Copperfield,” and “Little Dorrit.” However, this novella, alongside “Oliver Twist,” stands as his most beloved work. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, the quintessential miser, is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, followed by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. These encounters ultimately transform Scrooge’s outlook, inspiring him to embrace generosity, particularly toward his clerk, Bob Cratchit, and Cratchit’s ailing son, Tiny Tim. The story has inspired countless adaptations and parodies across film, television, and other media.
