While the novel reigns supreme in the literary world, its shorter cousin, the novella, is experiencing a quiet resurgence. These captivating stories, typically ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 words, offer readers a satisfyingly deep dive into a compelling narrative without the time commitment of a full-fledged novel.
I like Novellas, and want to see them come back into popularity.
Why Novellas Are Making A Comeback
The reasons behind the novella’s resurgence are multifaceted. In our fast-paced world, readers increasingly crave stories that can be enjoyed in a single sitting or over a few commutes. The novella format perfectly fits this need, offering the literary equivalent of a binge-watch. Additionally, the rise of e-readers and self-publishing platforms has made it easier for authors to experiment with and publish novellas, further contributing to their growing popularity.
But the novella’s appeal goes beyond practicality. This form allows authors to explore complex themes and character development within a concise framework, often resulting in stories with a powerful emotional impact. This for me, as a fledgling writer and self published author, has eager to jump into writing more novellas.
A Look Back At Popular Novellas
Here are examples of popular novellas published over the past 100 years that showcase the enduring appeal of this literary format:
- The Metamorphosis (1915) by Franz Kafka: This dark and thought-provoking novella explores themes of alienation and transformation through the story of a man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect.
- Heart of Darkness (1899) by Joseph Conrad: This classic novella, considered a cornerstone of modernist literature, delves into the psychological and moral complexities of colonialism as a Marlow, a sailor, navigates the Congo River.
- Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck: This poignant novella paints a vivid picture of the struggles and aspirations of migrant workers during the Great Depression, focusing on the powerful bond between two unlikely friends.
- The Old Man and the Sea (1952) by Ernest Hemingway: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novella captures the essence of human resilience and perseverance through the story of an aging fisherman’s epic battle with a giant marlin.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958) by Truman Capote: This charming and bittersweet novella explores themes of identity, loss, and the allure of a glamorous life in New York City.
- Station Eleven (2014) by Emily St. John Mandel: This post-apocalyptic novella, adapted into a critically acclaimed television series, follows a group of actors navigating a world ravaged by a devastating pandemic.
- Hour of the Dragon (1935-1936) by Robert E Howard: Offers a deeper exploration of Conan’s character, showcasing his rise to power and the political intrigue he navigates as a king.
These are just a few examples of the many captivating novellas that have enthralled readers throughout history. As the literary landscape continues to evolve, the novella’s concise yet impactful nature promises to secure its place in the hearts of readers and writers alike.
Writing My Own Novellas
I wrote and published a novella back in May of 2013 called “A Whisper in the Dark”. A few years ago I pulled it down from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is no longer available. Currently I am rewriting it, mostly because looking back it was not written well and poorly edited.
In the future I plan to release it once again, along with a few other novellas.
Bringing them back!