It seems that most bibliophiles have that one book. You know the one. It's a masterpiece, it's a classic, it's won numerous awards and has been hailed as one of the greatest novels of its century. It's also double, triple, or even quadruple the length of an average novel, so reading it would be the crowning achievement of your book-loving career. And, too often, it sits on the bookshelf, unread, because it's just so darn big.
My aspirational novel is War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. As a bookworm with a Russian family background, I think few things would suit me better than to read the longest novel in Russian literature. Over the years, I've read several portions here and there, but have I read the whole thing start to finish? Nope. Not even close. In fact, I'll admit (to my shame) that I haven't even tried.
And I know I'm not the only one intimidated by the time commitment of a hefty novel. Tolstoy's wife may have copied out the manuscript of War and Peace. Longhand. Multiple times. But today? Many of us struggle to find the time to read regularly, let alone finish a book that is hundreds of pages long.
That's why we created this list of short reads by classic authors who are famous for their massive novels. Many of these authors' shorter works are just as exquisite and some are nearly as famous as their magnum opuses, with a significantly lower time commitment.
Of course, no book on this list will replace the one you've been wanting to read, nor should it. But these works will give you a taste of each author's craft, and who knows? Maybe they will inspire you to read onwards and upwards, toward that elusive prize.
Short Reads
The Death of Ivan Ilyich
Tolstoy is known for his psychological insight, poignantly portrayed in this examination of death, dying and the meaning of life.
The Classic Behemoth: War and Peace
Of Mice and Men
Dreams. Friendship. Fate. Consequences. Steinbeck delivers a heart-wrenching story in his classic California setting.
The Classic Behemoth: East of Eden
Notes from Underground
Ever wonder what turns a person despicable? This novella brilliantly captures Dostoevsky's philosophical insight into the dark portions of human psychology.
The Classic Behemoth: The Brothers Karamazov
Silas Marner
A story about human choices, social laws and the consequences of both, told with the realism and psychological insight George Eliot is known for.
The Classic Behemoth: Middlemarch
Selected Poems of Victor Hugo
Many English readers don't realize that Hugo was also a poet. This bilingual English-French anthology showcases a variety of his finest work.
The Classic Behemoth: Les Miserables
Anthem
A dystopian society, an oppressive government and the suppression of individualism. Here Rand first introduces her theory of Objectivism.
The Classic Behemoth: Atlas Shrugged
Lost Laysen
Written by Margaret Mitchell when she was fifteen years old, this short novel lays much of the groundwork for the character and plot of Mitchell's later masterpiece.
The Classic Behemoth: Gone with the Wind
The Strange Library
A metaphysical novel of the blurring between reality and dreams. Three characters must escape from a library that even the most ardent bibliophiles would hope to avoid.
The Classic Behemoth: 1Q84
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