Short Story Stations x Penguin Books: Penguin Books That Shaped Us

Since 1935, Penguin Books has published stories that have helped shape how we see and understand the world. Its authors have inspired readers, challenged ideas, and captured imaginations for generations. Through our Short Story Stations x Penguin Books partnership, you can print an extract from one of these timeless works by selecting your preferred reading length of either one, three, or five minutes, at any of our three locations across Canary Wharf.

From epic journeys and dystopian futures to profound tales of identity, love, and transformation, each extract offers a moment of reflection and discovery, a reminder of the enduring power of a great story. Titles include: 

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
A dazzling portrait of ambition, excess, and desire in Jazz Age America, as the mysterious Jay Gatsby pursues his dream of love and belonging.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
A witty and romantic exploration of class, reputation, and independence as Elizabeth Bennet learns that first impressions can be deceiving.

1984 – George Orwell
A chilling vision of totalitarianism and surveillance, where one man’s search for truth becomes an act of rebellion against a controlling state.

The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka
A haunting and surreal tale of alienation, as Gregor Samsa wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect.

The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison
A powerful story of beauty, identity, and societal pressure, following a young Black girl’s heartbreaking desire for blue eyes in 1940s America.