great short novels

Many of them are concise but profound. They manage to tell a complete story with complex characters in a short space. For example, they often use vivid language to quickly draw the reader into the plot.

Some great short novels include 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe. This story is full of mystery and revenge as the narrator lures his so - called friend into the catacombs. 'The Dead' by James Joyce is a masterpiece. It's set during a party and explores themes of love, death, and Irish identity. 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway is a short but powerful story that deals with communication and relationships through the conversation of a couple at a train station.

They are very good at creating unique and vivid settings. Take 'The Martian Chronicles' (even though it's more of a collection of related short stories). Each story within it builds a detailed and fascinating picture of Mars, from its desolate landscapes to the strange new cultures that might exist there. This ability to create immersive settings is a key characteristic.

I think 'The Little Prince' is very popular. It has a charming story and profound themes about friendship, love and the nature of adults. 'The Necklace' is also well - known for its ironic ending.

Well - developed characters are also important. In short mystery novels like 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe, the main character's complex and often unreliable narration adds to the mystery. His actions and inner thoughts are crucial elements that make the story both puzzling and engaging.

One great short classic novel is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It explores the duality of human nature in a fascinating and somewhat terrifying way.

Russian short novels also tend to be quite philosophical. Tolstoy's short novels, like 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', make the readers think about life, death, and the meaning of existence. The characters in these novels are often on a journey of self - discovery, which is a common theme that makes these short novels so great and thought - provoking.

One characteristic is that they can convey complex ideas in a concise way. 'Animal Farm' manages to comment on political systems and power struggles in a short space. They also tend to have strong emotional hooks. In 'A Wrinkle in Time', the main character's longing for her father creates an emotional pull. Additionally, great short YA novels often introduce young readers to different literary devices, like the use of symbolism in 'The Giver'.

One great American short novel is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, which tells a poignant story about friendship and the harshness of life. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a well - known one, with its unique exploration of teenage angst and alienation.

One great short thriller novel is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a disturbing and thought - provoking story set in a small town. Another is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. The unreliable narrator in this story creates a sense of unease as he tries to convince the reader of his sanity while clearly being deranged. Also, 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell is excellent. It pits a hunter against a human hunter in a fight for survival on an isolated island.