10 Short Classic Books You Can Read in a Weekend
Love classic literature but short on time? Or maybe you’d like to get into the genre but don’t want to feel bogged down by a book that’s 500 pages?
These powerful, compact reads prove that a book doesn’t have to be long to leave a lasting impression or make a poignant statement.
Classic literature is my favorite genre, and I loved studying it in college (English major, here!)., but I understand that time is precious, and many people simply don’t have the time to sit and read long books.
Luckily, we have a few masterful classic books that can be read in a few hours. And just because they’re short doesn’t mean they’re not brilliant or worth your time.
Whether craving gothic suspense, a feminist read, heart-wrenching realism, or a philosophical journey, these short classics pack rich themes and unforgettable storytelling into fewer than 150 pages.
Perfect for a weekend read—or even a single cozy afternoon.
So, put the kettle on, pick a comfortable sitting area, and settle in with one (or a few) of these timeless, beautifully written books.
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell (112 pages)
Genre: Political Satire, Dystopian Fiction
Mood: Thought-provoking, Darkly Humorous
Don’t let the talking animals fool you—this is no children’s tale or bizarre make-believe.
Orwell’s Animal Farm is a brilliant allegory about the dangers of unchecked power and the cycles of oppression. Set on a farm where animals overthrow their human owner, only to slowly recreate the same hierarchy they fought against, the story feels just as relevant today as when it was published in 1945.
It’s sharp, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional. Everyone should read this book.
Why you’ll love it: It’s simple to read but complex in meaning. Ideal for anyone who loves political satire or wants a classic that sparks conversation.
2. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (107 pages)
Genre: American Classic, Tragedy
Mood: Bittersweet, Poignant
This short novel tells the story of two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. Their bond, their shared dream of owning land, and the inevitable heartbreak of their journey will stay with you long after the final page.
Steinbeck’s language is spare yet lyrical, and the emotional weight he creates in such a short span is nothing short of masterful.
Why you’ll love it: It’s perfect for readers who love emotionally charged stories that don’t shy away from life’s harsh truths. You’ll never forget this book.
3. The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy (86 pages)
Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Classic Russian Literature
Mood: Introspective, Profound
Tolstoy’s novella is a deeply moving meditation on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. As Ivan Ilyich confronts his own mortality, readers are drawn into his emotional and spiritual awakening.
Despite the heavy topic, it’s surprisingly readable and beautifully written—short, powerful, and unforgettable.
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for readers who appreciate emotional depth, philosophical reflection, and a redemptive arc. If you don’t have time to read Anna Karenina (my favorite novel!) this short books is an excellent introduction to Tolstoy.
4. The Awakening by Kate Chopin (118 pages)
Genre: Feminist Fiction, Realism
Mood: Reflective, Rebellious, Poetic
Edna Pontellier appears to have everything—a husband, children, and a comfortable life in 19th-century Louisiana. But beneath the surface, she’s yearning for something more.
As she begins to question the roles assigned to her and awakens to her desires and sense of self, her journey becomes both liberating and heartbreaking. Chopin’s lush, lyrical prose makes this a quietly radical read that still resonates today.
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for readers who crave beautifully written stories of self-discovery, emotional depth, and quiet defiance against societal norms.
5. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (112 pages)
Genre: Essay, Feminist Literature
Mood: Empowering, Reflective
I think everyone should read something by Virginia Woolf, and this is the perfect choice if your reading time is pressing.
Woolf’s iconic essay argues that women need financial independence and private space in order to write—and, by extension, create. With her poetic prose and razor-sharp insights, she dismantles centuries of literary exclusion in under 120 pages. It’s both a foundational feminist text and a call to all creatives to carve out space for their own voice.
Why you’ll love it: Ideal if you love literature that challenges, empowers, and lingers in your thoughts. Read it if you love books written by women. Then, read Mrs. Dalloway!
6. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton (128 pages)
Genre: Tragic Romance, Realism
Mood: Melancholic, Romantic
The perfect classic novel for winter. Set against a bleak, wintry backdrop, Ethan Frome is the story of a man trapped in a loveless marriage, caught between duty and forbidden love.
Wharton’s prose is as beautiful as it is haunting. It captures the chill of the New England setting and the quiet desperation of its characters. It’s a slow burn that ends with an unforgettable emotional punch.
Why you’ll love it: For fans of literary love stories that don’t promise happy endings—but do promise depth.
7. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (127 pages)
Genre: Adventure, Symbolism
Mood: Meditative, Inspiring
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novella follows an aging fisherman on an epic struggle against a giant marlin. Beneath the tale of man versus nature lies a deeper story about perseverance, pride, and quiet heroism.
Hemingway’s famously minimalist style lends a lyrical rhythm to the narrative. This is an excellent choice for your first Hemingway novel.
Why you’ll love it: If you enjoy quiet, introspective stories that unfold slowly but leave a deep emotional mark, this is a must-read.
8. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (146 pages)
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Thriller
Mood: Unsettling, Suspenseful
Dark, claustrophobic, and oddly charming, this novella centers on two sisters living in near isolation after a family tragedy.
Narrated by the eccentric Merricat Blackwood, it weaves mystery, madness, and a touch of witchcraft into one of the most unique gothic tales you’ll ever read. If you’re in the mood for something unique, this is the book. It’d make a great October book club pick!
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson or anyone who loves stories with unreliable narrators and a slowly unfolding sense of dread.
9. Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville (64 pages)
Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Satire
Mood: Quirky, Thought-Provoking
“I would prefer not to.” With those five words, Bartleby becomes one of literature’s most enigmatic figures.
In this short but impactful story, Melville explores free will, isolation, and passive resistance through the tale of a law clerk who simply refuses to work. Equal parts absurd and profound, it’s a quiet rebellion in paper form.
Why you’ll love it: For those who enjoy oddball characters, subtle humor, and stories that raise more questions than they answer.
10. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (104 pages)
Genre: Holiday Classic, Redemption Story
Mood: Heartwarming, Reflective
We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge—but there’s something about reading the original that hits differently. Dickens’ lush prose and heartfelt storytelling make this a favorite you can reread every December. But it’s not just a holiday read; its themes of transformation and kindness are welcome year-round.
Why you’ll love it: It’s the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa. Familiar, comforting, and full of heart. A true literary classic. Grab it if you’re looking to step back in time.
Who says classic literature has to be long and daunting? These short masterpieces prove that in fewer than 150 pages, an author can craft a world, challenge your beliefs, break your heart, or uplift your spirit.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend read or hoping to rekindle your love of the classics, this list is the perfect place to start.
👉 Have you read any of these? Which one left the biggest impression on you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Happy reading! 📚✨