“To say more, is to say less.”

So said the great and prolific writer of short fiction, Harlan Ellison.

So in that spirit we are celebrating all things short this Thoughtful Thursday and we would love to know about your favourite short novels.

fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsA few days ago upon reading Illyria, Elizabeth Hand‘s World Fantasy Award Winner for best Novella, I was reminded of what a wonderful thing it can be to skip through a short novel as if your life depends on it. I raced through Illyria, not for lack of time, but out of sheer enjoyment, and was left positively breathless at the end. It was a beautiful story, only enhanced by its diminutive stature.

After all, good things do come in small packages. (At 5 foot nothing, I repeat this maxim to all and sundry).

Funnily enough when I think of novellas I am drawn to the classics — Steinbeck, Hemmingway, Graham Greene — and I must admit I haven’t explored the world of fantasy novellas anywhere near as much as I would like. So I am taking this opportunity to find out about your favorite novellas. Your suggestions are very much welcome.

Author

  • Katie Burton

    KATIE BURTON (on FanLit's staff September 2015 -- September 2018) was a solicitor in London before becoming a journalist. She was lucky enough to be showered with books as a child and from the moment she had The Hobbit read to her as a bedtime story was hooked on all things other-worldy. Katie believes that characters are always best when they are believable and complex (even when they aren't human) and is a sucker for a tortured soul or a loveable rogue. She loves all things magical and the more fairies, goblins and mystical creatures the better. Her personal blog is Nothing if Not a Hypocrite.

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