We will explore the form of the novella, a work of fiction which is shorter than a novel but longer than a short story. We will discuss this medium of writing by reading five novellas, each from a different decade of the twentieth century. Texts to be studied are Ethan Frome (1911) by Edith Wharton; Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958) by Truman Capote; The Girls of Slender Means (1963) by Muriel Spark; The Painter of Signs (1976) by R.K Narayan; and finally, Hotel du Lac (1984) by Anita Brookner.

It will be helpful if you have a copy of the books in class as we read passages from, and comment on them. A list of weekly readings will be issued once you have registered.

The Tutor is Dr Denise Hanrahan-Wells whose expertise lies in both American and English literature. She has taught at Winchester University, the WEA, and the LCA.