The Top 6 Short Classic Audiobooks on Fabuly

Short stories hold a special place in the hearts of bibliophiles. In less than 10,000 words, they allow us to become completely immersed in a narrative. With the top 6 short classic audiobooks curated for you, you can enjoy timeless stories in an engaging audio format.

Whether you haven’t read a short story since English class or they’re all you read, you’re sure to enjoy these 6 short classic audiobooks that you can discover on Fabuly. While some of these titles may be familiar and others may be completely foreign to you, Fabuly’s text and audio capabilities are sure to revitalize these tales, engaging your eyes and ears in a brand new way.

1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Why It’s Great: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a heartwarming tale of redemption that continues to captivate audiences each Christmas. Miserable miser Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption story is truly unforgettable. 

With its vivid characters and message of compassion, this story is a must-listen. It’s great to come back to each holiday season and all year long.

Favorite Quotes:

• “God bless us every one!”
• “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
• “Bah!’ said Scrooge, ‘Humbug!”

2. The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe

Why It’s Great: Known for his dark and eerie tales, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat” does not disappoint. This story takes you into a man’s mind, examining themes of guilt, madness, and the supernatural. 

The chilling narrative and complex ideas make this a gripping listen. While it may give black cats a bad rap, it’s a haunting experience that’s perfect for fans of the macabre.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Yet I am not more sure that my soul lives, than I am that perverseness is one of the primitive impulses of the human heart”
• “The fury of a demon instantly possessed me. I knew myself no longer.”
• “I had walled the monster up within the tomb!”

3. The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen

Why It’s Great: Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a timeless fable that has been passed down for generations. It critiques vanity with a message that rings true even today. 

This short story is entertaining and teaches important lessons in a way that’s easy to understand for all ages. The simplicity of the plot and the depth of its message makes it a true classic.

Favorite Quotes:

• “But he has nothing on at all”
• “Nobody wished to let others know he saw nothing, for then he would have been unfit for his office or too stupid.”
• “Now I must bear up to the end.”

4. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Why It’s Great: Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a pioneering work of early feminist literature. Through the shocking account of a woman’s descent into madness, it critiques the medical and social treatment of women in the 19th century. 

The story is even more intense in audiobook format. The gradual build-up to the protagonist’s psychological breakdown is all the more real when you hear her frantic voice speaking right to you.

Favorite Quotes:

• “I sometimes fancy that in my condition if I had less opposition and more society and stimulus–but John says the very worst thing I can do is think about my condition, and I confess it always makes me feel bad.”
• “I’ve got out at last,’ said I, ‘in spite of you and Jane! And I’ve pulled off most of the paper, so you can’t put me back!”
• “But I am here, and no person touches this paper but me–not alive!”

5. The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

Why It’s great: Another gem from Hans Christian Andersen, “The Ugly Duckling” is a beloved tale of self-acceptance. The story of an outcast duckling who grows into a beautiful swan is perfect for readers of all ages.

Listening to this tender narrative on Fabuly is nothing short of a magical experience, full of hope and inspiration. It’s always a great reminder that true beauty lies within. 

Favorite quotes:

• “He beheld beneath him a beautiful white swan!”
• “He may not be quite as handsome as the other, but he swims better, and is very strong; I am sure he will make his way in the world as well as anybody.”
• “The duckling thought that it was worth while having undergone all the persecution and loneliness that he had passed through, as otherwise he would never have known what it was to be really happy.”

6. Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville

Why It’s Great: Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” explores passive resistance and what it means to be a modern person. The mysterious character of Bartleby, with his iconic phrase, “I would prefer not to,” is quiet yet defiant against the boring and dehumanizing aspects of working life.

This short story’s unique blend of sadness and existential curiosity makes it a thought-provoking listen that will change your perspective on the workforce.

Favorite Quotes:

• “I would prefer not to.”
• “In vain I persisted that Bartleby was nothing to me–no more than to any one else.”
• “Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!”

Listen and Read to These and More on Fabuly

Fabuly is a digital library you can get lost in, full of enduring works for literature lovers and audiobook fans. From Dickens to Melville, Fabuly has curated 6 short classic audiobooks that are sure to captivate. From gothic horror to warm and fuzzy, short classic audiobooks on Fabuly have something for everyone.

Fabuly is where audiobook and written wordlovers come together. The app’s ability to sync text and audio helps you engage with the text in a new way. This makes your reading and listening experience of the classics more accessible. 

Cozy up with Fabuly and indulge in more of these short classic audiobooks, Fabuly makes your reading experience one for the books!