Novella
/nəˈvɛlə/
Definitions
A short novel, typically between 20,000 and 50,000 words.
/nəˈvɛlə/
A short novel.
The author's latest work is a compelling novella that explores themes of loss and redemption.
💡 Simply: Imagine a book that's not quite as long as *Harry Potter*, but longer than a really long short story. That's a novella! It's perfect for a weekend read – like *Animal Farm* or *Of Mice and Men*.
👶 For kids: A novella is like a story that's a bit longer than a short story, but not as long as a whole big book!
More Examples
Many classic works of literature, such as *Death in Venice*, are considered novellas.
She preferred reading novellas because she could finish them in a single sitting.
How It's Used
"Many authors find writing a novella to be a good middle-ground between a short story and a full novel."
From Italian *novella* 'a little new thing', feminine of *novello* 'new', from Latin *novellus*, diminutive of *novus* 'new'.
The term has been used in English since the 18th century, largely influenced by Italian literary traditions.
Memory tip
Think 'novel-la' - a small novel.