Short Fiction
Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary
English books for B2 level (upper intermediate) · Short stories in English for learners, with translation
This collection showcases Nikolai Gogol's mastery of the short story form, delving into the absurdities and eccentricities of Russian provincial life. The stories often feature characters grappling with mundane realities that spiral into surreal and darkly humorous situations. Gogol's keen observation of human foibles and his unique narrative voice create unforgettable portraits of a society teetering on the edge of the bizarre. Gogol's vivid descriptions and often theatrical dialogue make his stories an engaging read for English learners looking to expand their vocabulary and understanding of narrative pacing.
Learn English with Short Fiction
- Suits learners around level B2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- Who it suits: a long, demanding classic (B2), for confident readers, or for B1 to B2 readers with the translation on.
- 11,931 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Translation into Russian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish or Arabic, aligned to every sentence, shown under the text or beside it.
- Read-aloud audio for every chapter, with the current sentence highlighted as it is read.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
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Questions about this book
Can I read Short Fiction in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of Short Fiction open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level B2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
Is Short Fiction available in Russian?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Russian translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Russian whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Spanish?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Spanish translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Spanish whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Brazilian Portuguese?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Brazilian Portuguese translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Brazilian Portuguese whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Japanese?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Japanese translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Japanese whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Chinese?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Chinese translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Chinese whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Turkish?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Turkish translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Turkish whenever you need to.
Is Short Fiction available in Arabic?
Yes. On Booklern the English text of Short Fiction is shown with its Arabic translation under every sentence, so you read the original and check the Arabic whenever you need to.
Can I download Short Fiction as a PDF or EPUB?
Not from Booklern: the book is read online, in the browser, with nothing to download or install. Your place in the book is saved to your account.
