Five (short) novels to read in English this summer -

Summer is approaching and if you fancy a beach-read, here are five short and brilliant novels to read in English

Carrie, Stephen King

Stephen King’s first novel is a page-turning horror about Carrie White, an unpopular high school student who, unknown to her unloving mother and cruel classmates, has the power to move objects with her mind. It is a scary and thrilling read and at just 208 pages will not take long to finish

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Truman Capote

This famous novella tells the story of Holly Golightly, a beautiful young woman with a mysterious past living the good life in 1950s New York. The film is more famous than the book now, but Truman Capote’s writing is incredibly funny and poignant. At just 176 pages, it can be read in just a few days (or even on a long flight).

Normal People, Sally Rooney

With one million copies sold, Normal People is a contemporary smash hit. Following characters, Marianne and Connell, from high school to early adulthood, Normal People contains themes of love, social acceptance and how childhood experiences colour the decisions a person makes in adulthood. The book was turned into a BBC drama, making the actors who played the protagonists (Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal) into stars. At 288 pages, it is also a short read.

The Quiet American, Graham Green

Known for his spy novels, The Quiet American, is one of Graham Green’s finest works. Set just before the Vietnam war, it tells the story of the CIA’s interference in 1950s Vietnam politics through the eyes of British journalist Thomas Fowler and undercover (American) CIA agent Alden Pyle. It is brilliant, moving and sad and with vivid scenes depicting government-sponsored terrorism. If you want a book which will stay with you this summer, The Quiet American is the one. It is about 200 pages long.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling

The Harry Potter saga (as we all know) is very long. However, did you know the first book is actually short? At 77,000 words, The Philosopher’s Stone is the shortest book and of course a classic.