The New Yorker’s “Briefly Noted” Spotlights 4 Short Reads with Big Emotional Impact

In its latest edition, The New Yorker‘s beloved “Briefly Noted” column delivers a curated list of four new books that prove brevity doesn’t mean lack of depth. These powerful works—each under 250 pages—are stirring conversations in literary circles for their emotional weight, cultural commentary, and unforgettable voices.

Whether you’re looking for rich character-driven fiction, historical insight, or lyrical memoir, this list offers something meaningful for your TBR pile.

📚 The Featured Books:

1. The Gospel of Orla by Eoghan Walls

Genre: Fiction / Coming-of-Age
A teenage girl in Northern Ireland grapples with faith, grief, and the chaos of adolescence in a novel bursting with dark humor and raw emotion. Orla’s voice is strange, fierce, and unforgettable.

“Walls offers a haunting blend of trauma and tenderness in a spiritually fractured land.”

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2. The History of a Difficult Child by Mihret Sibhat

Genre: Fiction / Political Satire
Selam, a sharp-tongued Ethiopian girl growing up during the Derg regime, offers readers a witty and brutally honest look at power, religion, and rebellion. A striking debut.

“Sibhat turns tragedy into something incandescent, armed with laughter and pain.”

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3. The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk

Genre: Nonfiction / U.S. History
Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize, this essential work reframes American history through the voices and resistance of Native peoples. Dense yet deeply readable.

“A groundbreaking reexamination of what—and who—shaped the United States.”

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4. Broughtupsy by Christina Sharpe

Genre: Memoir / Literary Nonfiction
A poetic meditation on mourning, memory, and language from the acclaimed author of In the Wake. Sharpe blends West Indian cultural roots with philosophical reflections on Black life and family.

“Sharpe’s prose sings of loss, love, and the unspoken rules that shape identity.”

Why These Books Matter

• They are short but deep—ideal for busy readers seeking meaning without massive page counts.
• They explore intersectional themes: race, gender, history, identity, faith.
• They represent emerging and acclaimed voices in global literature.

These are the kinds of books that linger in your mind—and heart—long after you turn the final page.

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🔗 Read More:

Catch the original “Briefly Noted” feature on The New Yorker, or explore our ongoing reviews at PagesAndProse.com.