The greatest works of fiction have no word limit. They may last 1,000 pages, and still leave the reader hungry for more.

But not everyone can stomach the full 700 pages of the daunting “The Brothers Karamazov.”

With this in mind, I have compiled a list of short fiction books even the most reluctant of readers can enjoy.

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell

Set on a farm where the animals rebel from their human masters, this famous parable tells how a society founded on freedom and equality can tumble into totalitarianism and slavery. 

To anyone already distrustful of pigs, I am delighted to say this book will confirm their suspicions of the animal.

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis

The book that took readers through the wardrobe and into the fabled land of Narnia. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is an all-time great children’s book, but also one of the best fantasy stories on the market. Brief and immensely readable.

“Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett

A hilarious subversion of the fantasy genre, “Guards! Guards!” imagines a city where common sense is snuffed out by drunken sense and society’s losers become heroes.

Legalized crime, charming buffoonery and orangutans all help make this book a marvel.

“The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett

This book features the charismatic and somewhat devilish Sam Spade, along with a host of double-crossing characters, all racing to claim a priceless treasure that may not exist. 

Set in the detective genre, “The Maltese Falcon” has rightly been described as “probably the best detective story we have ever read.” 

“The Man Who Was Thursday” by G. K. Chesterton

A wild clash between the forces of anarchy and order. Subtitled “A Nightmare.” The most I can add is this: it’s a wild-goose chase to find the meaning of the universe. 

Hilarious, deep, with characters that still live in my mind. I cannot do it credit with so few words. 

Written by a master of literature, the great G. K. Chesterton.

“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

How can I not mention this book? 

Our introduction to hobbits and Middle-earth, to characters like Gandalf and Gollum and the Ring. “The Hobbit” kicked off the cultural phenomenon of “The Lord of the Rings,” and I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in the fantasy genre.

Are there other short gems of fiction I should know about? Send them to [email protected].