Stuck in a reading rut? Down in a reading slump? At the bottom of the I-want-to-read-but-what-and-also-I-have-no-time well? Well then wipe the snot off your faces and beat the blues with these 5 Skinny Classics that can be devoured in a day! These pocket-sized powerhouses, like J.M. Coetzee’s “Foe” and Deborah Levy’s “Swallowing Geography,” clock in at under 200 pages. Featuring incredible stories and stunning prose, all wrapped in beautiful paperback covers that fit perfectly in your hand, these 5 books are the literary escape that will brighten any chosen day.
Warning to the West by Aleksander Solzhenitsyn
In “Warning to the West,” Nobel laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a survivor of Soviet gulags, delivers a powerful critique. Exiled from his homeland, Solzhenitsyn uses this collection of speeches to challenge Western complacency. He warns of the dangers of materialism and moral decay, drawing on his firsthand experience with the brutality of totalitarianism. This thought-provoking work urges the West to rediscover its spiritual core to counter the allure of dangerous ideologies.
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
In Françoise Sagan’s scandalous debut, “Bonjour Tristesse,” meet Cécile, a precocious teenager vacationing with her father on the French Riviera. Sun-drenched days and carefree nights are shattered by her father’s new girlfriend. Cécile, grappling with grief over her mother’s death, plots to sabotage the romance, indulging in hedonism and toying with forbidden desires. This coming-of-age story, penned at just 18, shocked the world with its portrayal of youthful rebellion and moral ambiguity.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Muriel Spark’s “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” is a captivating character study set in 1930s Edinburgh. We meet Miss Jean Brodie, a passionate and unconventional teacher, through the eyes of Sandy Stranger, one of her enthralled students. Miss Brodie’s unorthodox methods and obsession with her “crème de la crème” girls lead them on adventures beyond the classroom curriculum. But as Sandy matures, she begins to question Miss Brodie’s motives, ultimately exposing a secret that shatters their once-idyllic bond. This witty and unsettling novel explores themes of loyalty, manipulation, and the complexities of female relationships.
Foe by J.M. Coetzee
Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee’s “Foe” reimagines the Robinson Crusoe narrative. Susan Barton, a castaway shipwrecked on Crusoe’s island, challenges the famed author Daniel Foe to write her story. But their visions clash. Susan craves truth, detailing her struggles and the enigmatic Friday. Foe, however, desires a more sensational tale, prioritising adventure over Susan’s raw experiences. “Foe” becomes a compelling exploration of storytelling, power, and the ownership of narratives.
Swallowing Geography by Deborah Levy
Deborah Levy’s “Swallowing Geography” is a whirlwind tour of Europe, seen through the eyes of the restless J.K. This enigmatic protagonist, channelling Jack Kerouac’s free spirit, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Levy’s sharp prose and J.K.’s encounters with a cast of intriguing characters paint a fragmented yet vivid portrait of a woman yearning to break free from societal constraints. Prepare to be swept away by Levy’s unconventional narrative and J.K.’s insatiable hunger for experience.
Pick up any of these 5 Skinny Classics to be Consumed in Less Than A Day from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.