I am all for long sweeping novels, but sometimes you need a short story to get you out of a reading slump. Below are 7 stories under 250 pages that still pack a punch:

“First They Killed My Father: a daughter of Cambodia remembers” by Loung Ung

Paperback page count: 238

This is a memoir that recounts the Cambodia genocide through a child’s memory. Loung Ung grew up as a child and survived the atrocities committed against her people during the genocide. Her tale is incredibly moving because as a child, she doesn’t fully understand what is going on, but still suffers the pain. Through the dialogue, readers experience her personal account which is more powerful than anything facts and statistics could ever say. Her story is one of resilience and teaches us of a people that survived hell and came out on the other side, scars and all.

“Open Water” by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Paperback page count: 164

“Open Water” is a testament to the fact that love can as painful as it is thrilling. This novella is about two Black British artists who meet in a pub and progress from friendship into an emotionally intense romantic relationship. The book explores their insecurities, and fears and when the relationship ends, the ripple effects are felt long after. Caleb explores love and Black masculinity with tenderness and poetic grace. On my first read, I struggled to appreciate the writing but second time was the charm. It is an intense read that takes you on a journey you won’t regret.

‘It’s a strange thing, to desire your best friend; two pairs of hands wondering past boundaries, asking forgiveness rather than permission.”

Caleb Azumah Nelson, from “Open Water”.

“Kim Jiyoung, born 1982” by Choo Nam-Joo 

Paperback page count: 162

Our narrator is Kim Jiyoung, a woman in South Korea and it chronicles the systemic and domestic sexism she suffers from childhood to adulthood. The book is written in a dry, detached humor. Despite being fictional, the author backs the narration with facts and research that lets you know the story isn’t far from reality. Kim Jiyoung undergoes psychic deterioration in the face of misogyny. In the face of this, Choo Nam-Joo paints the uncomfortable reality many women face. I discussed this book for Bookclub and it opened up a huge conversation on misogyny and the role of feminism in our society. I highly recommend if you want a feminist fiction novella.

“Like a Mule Bringing Ice-Cream to the Sun” by Sarah Ladipo Manyika

Paperback page count: 118 pages 

Our protagonist is Dr. Morayo Da Silva, 74-year old retired English professor living in San Francisco with her books, and her Porsche. She is extremely well-travelled and the story narration flickers between her past romances and memories, and her current life. This book is a masterpiece on aging- how it impacts Dr Morayo, and how she sees herself. I found it a refreshing take on growing older, and my only complaint was that I needed more of Dr. Morayo and her funky spirit. Highly recommend!

“Notes on Grief” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Paperback page count: 67

Notes on Grief is an intimate reflection following her father’s death. Chimamanda writes honestly about her grappling with the loss, but in the same time, she remembers her father with warmth and tenderness. She talks about Igbo funeral rites, and the several traditions that surround mourning. After 67 pages, you are left with a sense of understanding that this is a daughter who greatly honors her father.

“Love and Saffron: A novel of friendship, food and love” by Kim Fey

Paperback count: 208 pages

A warm story about 2 friends seperated by distance and age but united in their love for food and eachother. I devoured this story in one sitting. It is the perfect, digestible read with a touching ending that will leave you satisfied. See my review below.

Related: Love and Saffron: A novel of friendship, food and love

“Recitatif” by Toni Morrison

Paperback count: 40 pages

Published posthumously, Recitatif is a suggestive and deceivingly simple short story. At its core is two girls, Twyla and Roberta, whose lives intertwine at different points. They first meet at a state orphanage where they are forced to share a room. Their identities are kept racially ambiguous and readers are constantly searching for clues that point to whether they are black or white. Morrison is prying open racial biases with this story, and with Zadie Smith’s introduction, “Recititaf” is the perfect story that will keep you on your toes.

Happy reading! Share with someone you think would enjoy this.