If you love reading but struggle to find the time for long, dense books, short novels under 200 pages are the perfect solution. These quick yet impactful stories offer deep narratives, memorable characters, and stunning prose—all within a manageable length. Whether you’re looking for a classic, a modern bestseller, or a hidden gem, this list has something for every reader.
Why Read Short Novels?
- Quick yet fulfilling: You can finish them in a day or two.
- Perfect for busy readers: Great for those who love literature but have limited time.
- Variety of genres: Find romance, mystery, sci-fi, and classics in short form.
- Great for reading goals: Helps you hit your annual book target quickly!
Now, let’s dive into some of the best short novels under 200 pages.
Classic Short Novels
1. The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka (96 pages)
A surreal and haunting story about Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect. This existential novella explores alienation, family dynamics, and identity.
2. Animal Farm – George Orwell (112 pages)
A political allegory about power and corruption, this novel uses farm animals to reflect the rise of totalitarian regimes. A must-read classic with deep societal commentary.
3. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck (107 pages)
A heartbreaking story of two displaced ranch workers during the Great Depression, touching on friendship, dreams, and loss.
4. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (180 pages)
A tale of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream, set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.
5. The Stranger – Albert Camus (123 pages)
A novel of existentialism and absurdism, following Meursault, a detached and indifferent man who finds himself on trial for murder.
Contemporary Short Novels
6. The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Neil Gaiman (178 pages)
A modern fantasy novel blending childhood memories with mythology and eerie storytelling.
7. A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman (192 pages)
A touching and humorous story about an old curmudgeon whose life is transformed by unexpected friendships.
8. The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros (110 pages)
A poetic coming-of-age novel about a Latina girl growing up in Chicago, filled with vignettes of her neighborhood and aspirations.
9. The Vegetarian – Han Kang (188 pages)
An intense psychological novel about a woman’s decision to stop eating meat and its unexpected consequences.
10. Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi (192 pages)
A beautiful novel about a small café where visitors can travel back in time—but only for the duration of a single cup of coffee.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Novels
11. The Time Machine – H.G. Wells (118 pages)
A pioneering sci-fi novel about time travel and the distant future.
12. I Am Legend – Richard Matheson (160 pages)
A gripping post-apocalyptic novel about the last human survivor in a world overrun by vampires.
13. Binti – Nnedi Okorafor (96 pages)
A futuristic sci-fi story about a Himba girl who becomes the first of her people to travel to an intergalactic university.
14. We Have Always Lived in the Castle – Shirley Jackson (160 pages)
A gothic psychological thriller about two sisters living in isolation after a mysterious family tragedy.
15. Elevation – Stephen King (144 pages)
A thought-provoking supernatural story about a man with a bizarre condition that defies gravity.
Mystery & Thriller Short Novels
16. The Postman Always Rings Twice – James M. Cain (128 pages)
A classic crime novel about passion, deception, and murder.
17. And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie (192 pages)
A chilling murder mystery about ten strangers trapped on an island, each accused of a terrible crime.
18. Gorky Park – Martin Cruz Smith (192 pages)
A thrilling Soviet-era detective novel that follows a murder investigation in Moscow.
19. Convenience Store Woman – Sayaka Murata (176 pages)
A quirky yet insightful story about a woman who struggles to fit into society’s expectations.
20. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway (127 pages)
A short but powerful novel about an aging fisherman’s struggle against a massive marlin.
Short Novels for Light Reading
21. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Truman Capote (160 pages)
A charming and bittersweet story about the enigmatic Holly Golightly in New York City.
22. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman (198 pages)
A delightful novel about loneliness and the power of unexpected friendships.
23. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho (197 pages)
A mystical tale about a shepherd’s journey to fulfill his personal legend.
24. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams (193 pages)
A hilarious sci-fi adventure about a man who is whisked off Earth moments before its destruction.
25. Piranesi – Susanna Clarke (198 pages)
A beautifully crafted fantasy novel about a man living in a mysterious labyrinthine house.
Final Thoughts
Short novels under 200 pages offer a fantastic way to enjoy literature without the commitment of a massive tome. Whether you love classics, thrillers, sci-fi, or literary fiction, there’s a short novel on this list for you.
Which short novel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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