1940 debut novels

1940 novel by Carson McCullers

Slan is a science-fiction novel by the Canadian-American writer A. E. van Vogt (1912–2000) — it is also the name of the fictional race of superbeings featured in the novel. The work was first serialized in the magazine Astounding Science Fiction (Sept–Dec 1940) and then published in hardcover in 1946 by Arkham House in an edition of 4,051 copies.

Belenggoe (Perfected Spelling: Belenggu; translated to English as Shackles) is a novel by Indonesian author Armijn Pane. The novel follows the love triangle between a doctor, his wife, and his childhood friend, which eventually causes each of the three characters to lose the ones they love. Originally published by the literary magazine Poedjangga Baroe in three instalments from April to June 1940, it was the magazine's only published novel. It was also the first Indonesian psychological novel.