My Top 10 Favourite Novellas of All Time (Books Under 200 Pages)

TL;DR

A booktuber shares her top 10 fiction prose novellas, including science fiction, classics, horror, and fantasy genres, all under 200 pages.

Transcript

hi guys so recently I did a video where I talked to you about the ten shortest books on my TBR that I wanted to get around to which way we think it would also be fun to do a top ten novellas video or top ten short books video I see novellas because all the books I've decided to talk about in this video are prose affection just because that's an eas... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Novellas provide an opportunity to explore various genres in concise and compelling storytelling.
• 💭 Prose fiction under 200 pages can offer thought-provoking themes and fully developed characters.
• ❓ Some novellas, like "Daphnis and Chloe," challenge the perception that ancient literature is highbrow and inaccessible.
• 👩‍⚕️ Novellas, such as "The Vegetarian" and "Convenience Store Woman," tackle societal expectations, women's autonomy, and mental health.
• 🌍 Novellas in the science fiction and fantasy genres, like "Binti" and "The Queen of Hilaria," create immersive worlds and explore complex themes.
• ❓ Novellas, like "A Study in Scarlet," can introduce readers to beloved characters and series.
• 💁 Novellas, such as "Grief is a Thing with Feathers," utilize experimental formats to depict emotional journeys.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "Binti" by Nnedi Okorafor about?

"Binti" is a science fiction novella set in the far-flung future in outer space. It follows the journey of Binti, a human girl from Earth, who becomes the first of her people to get into a prestigious university. However, her journey is filled with unexpected and dramatic events that challenge her decisions and beliefs.

Q: Why is "Daphnis and Chloe" by Longus considered a favorite book?

"Daphnis and Chloe" is an ancient Greek novel and one of the few surviving fictional works written in prose during antiquity. It tells the love story of two young people growing up on a Greek isle and explores their sexual desires and experiences. The book is both comical and clever, offering a unique and readable perspective on ancient literature.

Q: What is the unique format of "Grief is a Thing with Feathers" by Max Porter?

"Grief is a Thing with Feathers" is a novella written in an experimental and lyrical form of prose. Inspired by Ted Hughes' collection of poetry, it follows a man who loses his wife and begins talking to a crow named Crow. The book delves into themes of grief, family, and the presence of a supernatural being during a difficult time.

Q: Why is "A Study in Scarlet" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle a great introduction to the Sherlock Holmes series?

"A Study in Scarlet" is the first novel in the Sherlock Holmes series and serves as an excellent starting point. It introduces the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson, showcasing their first meeting and their subsequent adventures. The book captures the essence of Sherlock Holmes as a brilliant detective and the thrill of solving mysteries.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The booktuber shares her top 10 fiction prose novellas, focusing on books that are under 200 pages but still highly recommended.

• The novellas cover various genres such as science fiction, classics, horror, and fantasy.

• Each novella is briefly described, including its genre, plot, and why the booktuber loves it.