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Fri 3 June 2022

Classic novels of 100 pages

by means of Donner | Donner brengt graag bijzondere boeken onder de aandacht

Classic novels of 100 pages

War and Peace, The Count of Monte Christo, Les Misérables. They’re books that will keep you busy for weeks, and for good reason. These titles have stood the test of time and fit in the category of literary classics. But be that as it may, there’s no denying that finishing a book and placing it in your bookshelf is an amazing feeling and the titles mentioned above won’t satisfy that urge quick enough. We have composed a list of 5 classic literature titles that can be finished within a day to quickly quench your thirst for good stories. So without further ado, here are some must read titles of approximately 100 pages.

The Pearl van John Steinbeck (96 pagina's)

‘Luck, you see, brings bitter friends’

The first book on our list was made into a film in 1967 and is based on a Mexican folktale from La Paz. An impoverished pearl diver finds what he believes to be the ‘pearl of the world’. In a state of absolute disbelief, he imagines how greatly his life will improve with is new find. He’ll be able to marry the woman of his dreams, his son won’t ever have to worry about troubles and he’ll live happily ever after. Unfortunately things don’t according to his vision, and the family is confronted with jealousy and aggression. The neighbourhood wants the same taste of success that awaits the family and rather than admiration they show them nothing but contempt. A blessing soon turns into a curse, as our protagonist also changes in personality. A great story on how wealth and greed can corrupt even the most innocent of souls, now also available in Dutch.

The narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass (96 pagina's)

‘Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears’ 

Frederick Douglass was a black man born into slavery in the United States. He had learned to read and write at a young age and developed a passion for oration. After escaping from the plantation and the inhumane conditions therein, he travelled north and married a free black woman. Douglass was, understandably, a fervent abolitionist and would travel around the country to hold speeches. Later on he would put on paper his memories and experiences of growing up in slavery. Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass gives a first hand recount of how truly repulsive and wretched slavery is. Opponents would try to defame him by saying that he was never a slave or that he didn’t actually write the book himself, but there is more than enough proof to say with certainty that his book is an authentic recount told by himself. An evocative book written by a brilliant mind that is also available in Dutch.


The old man and the sea (112 pagina's)

'Why do old men wake so early? Is it to have one longer day?'

The story of an old man battling the apathetic sea. The glory days of Santiago are long due, he is no longer recognized as the renowned fisherman he once was. The fishing village takes pity on him and he receives aid from a compassionate young man. One day our hero decides to travel further from the coast than usual and not return back without a great catch. The Old Man and the Sea is an account of his herculean task and what it means to struggle. Hemingway wrote this book around a time when he had fallen from grace as a writer. He managed to surprise the world with this title and received a Nobel prize for literature. An inspiring novel that is also available in Dutch.

Animal farm (112 pagina's)

‘All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others’

One of the many great works of George Orwell and aside from 1984 perhaps his most famous title. As the name implies the plot of Animal Farm revolves around an animal farm. But what separates this piece of land from any other is that it’s a metaphor for Russian during the October revolution. The entire plot is an allegory for what went wrong in the Soviet Union according to Orwell and why a movement for solidarity devolved into a totalitarian dictatorship. Historical figures are replaced by farm animals, with Staling and Trotsky being portrayed as farm pigs. The animals revolt from their oppressive farmer and take control of the land and the equipment. History buffs will be familiar with how this tragic story ends, as it’s an accurate portrayal of Soviet history. A controversial book upon it’s release, since many publishers were discouraged from printing it out of fear of agitating the Soviet Union (who, at the time of world war II, were still allies). Animal Farm was for a very long time on a list of banned book in US schools due to parental complaints, ironic given the subject of the book. The novel is also available in Dutch under the same title.

Of mice and men (112 pagina's)

'I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why.'

Of Mice and Men is about two drifters looking for work and shelter. George and Lennie are friends despite their impoverished state and dream of one day owning a plot of land that they can live on. The two manage to find a job, but face difficulty as Lennie receives harassment because of his disability. George has to protect his friend, but comes to the realisation that it’s to protect his buddy from other’s and more importantly, from himself. Of Mice and Men is Steinbeck’s most famous novel has been made into a film three times. It’s a gloomy story on the meaning of friendship the toll it can take upon a person, a sorrowful portrayal of the plight of America’s most vulnerable. Also available in Dutch.