More short classics

Passing (128 pagina’s)

“It hurt, it hurt like hell. But it didn’t matter, if no one knew.” – Nella Larsen, Passing

Number one on our list is 'Passing' by Nella Larsen. A tragic novel about identity, race and community. Irene is a woman of color who lives in the north of the United States in the 20's. As a child she used to be friends with Claire who, like her, is multiracial. After meeting eachother after years of seperation, Irene finds out that her former friend is hiding her heritage from the world, including her racist husband. Irene dissaproves of Claire's behavior and tries to distance herself, but Claire won't let go. She longs for the life and community she distanced herself from, which puts Irene's life in danger. A moving and very well written story. 

The Outsider (128 pagina’s)

“Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I can’t be sure” – Albert Camus, The Outsider

Released in the past as 'The Stranger' or 'De Vreemdeling' in Dutch. Albert Camus was a writer and philosopher, known for his essays on the absurd. 'The Outsider' tells the story of Meursault, a detached Frenchman living in Algeria. Meursault has to appear in court after commiting a horrible crime without an explainable motive. The judge, prosecutor and jury try to find an explanation for Meursault's actions and convict him for his crime, but when the accused tries to explain his reasoning the court laughs, his responses is considered too absurd. An intriguing book with an ending that is distinctive of the philophy of Camus. 

Heart of Darkness (128 pagina’s)

“The horror! The horror!” – Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

In the jungles of the Congo, an ivory trader is worshipped as a god by the locals. A seafarer has to locate him, but during his travel he himself becomes obsessed with the ivory trader. Heart of Darkness is Joseph Conrad's most acclaimed book and was made into a movie by Francis Ford Coppola in the 70's. The book deals with different themes, including the horrors of imperialism and the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. A thrillig novel that is also available in Dutch. 

The Death of Ivan Ilyich (128 pagina’s)

“It is impossible that all men have been doomed to suffer this awful horror!” – Lev Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Ivan Ilyich is a judicial worker with a normal life untill one day he becomes diagnosed with a terminal disease. For the first time in his life, Ivan is confronted with death, something that he was familiar with but never had to give too much thought. A well written and thought provoking story that was supposedly written after Lev Tolstoy himself was confronted with his mortality, making it all the more realistic. 

The Metamorphosis (128 pagina’s)

“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.” – Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis.

The Metamorphosis is probably Kafka's most famous short story. A traveling salesman wakes up one day after having a horrible nightmare. The man soon discovers that he has transformed into a large, hidious insect and doesn't even recognize his own voice anymore. He has difficulty getting out of bed and finds himself locked in his room. Having turned into the shame of the family, an outsider in his own home left completely isolated. A provocative story on feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness. 

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