Do you recall those challenging readings from high school English? Those classic texts often had even the most dedicated book lovers groaning in frustration.

However, once in a while, a reading assignment would resonate deeply with us. For many readers, George Orwell’s “1984” is one such book.

The influence of “1984” on both the science fiction genre and popular culture is immense. Terms like “Big Brother,” “Thought Police,” and “Orwellian” have become part of everyday language thanks to this work. Interestingly, sales surged in 2017 after a former advisor to Donald Trump used the term “alternative facts.”

Similar Reads to ‘1984’

Set in a totalitarian regime known as Oceania, “1984” presents a society where contradictory slogans reign: war is peace, freedom is enslavement, and ignorance is strength. The citizens are strictly monitored by the ruling Party under the watchful eye of Big Brother, who observes not just actions but thoughts as well. Thinking rebellious thoughts is termed “thoughtcrime,” which is punishable by death.

If you appreciated Orwell’s cautionary tale and are looking for more dystopian literature, here’s a selection of 10 books to explore next.

‘The Sisterhood’ by Katherine Bradley

This novel offers a feminist retelling of “1984,” told through Julia’s perspective. Unlike Orwell’s original character, Julia finds her voice in “The Sisterhood,” revealing her hidden truths. While she seems like an obedient woman, she is secretly part of The Sisterhood, an underground network dedicated to revealing members of the Brotherhood as they strive to overthrow the Party and Big Brother.

‘Parable of the Sower’ by Octavia E. Butler

This haunting tale is set in a devastating imagined world of 2024 plagued by drugs, disease, conflict, and drought. Lauren Olamina, daughter of a preacher, resides in one of the few safe areas near Los Angeles, grappling with hyperempathy, a condition causing her to feel the pain of others deeply. Following a tragic fire that claims her family, Lauren must navigate a perilous world. Her quest for safety may ignite the change needed to save humanity.

‘Station Eleven’ by Emily St. John Mandel

This dystopian science fiction story follows a traveling band of performers as they navigate the Great Lakes region, bringing Shakespeare and music to the fragmented communities left in the wake of a catastrophic pandemic that has decimated the global population. Their journey is jeopardized at St. Deborah by the Water when they encounter a dangerous prophet who poses a significant threat. “Station Eleven” intricately weaves the narratives of life before and after a pandemic, blending themes of fate, disaster, and hope amidst a crumbling society.

‘The Memory Police’ by Yōko Ogawa

This thought-provoking novel occurs on an island where things and living creatures are increasingly vanishing. Birds, hats, ribbons, and many objects are disappearing, leaving only a few who can remember their existence. The Memory Police, a menacing enforcement unit, ensures these items stay erased from memory. The story revolves around a young author who devises a strategy to protect her editor from the Memory Police’s control.

‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro

This dystopian tale follows Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy as they grow up at Hailsham, a boarding school nestled in the English countryside. Although the students excel in education, art, and literature, they remain oblivious to the realities of the outside world. Their first ventures beyond the school’s boundaries reveal the unsettling truth behind Hailsham’s true purpose.

‘We’ by Yevgeny Zamyatin

<p”Widely regarded as an inspiration for Orwell’s “1984,” Zamyatin’s “We” was penned in the early 1920s and became the first novel banned in the Soviet Union. The author managed to send a copy abroad before it was prohibited, leading to its publication in English in 1924. Set a millennium in the future, this novel depicts a highly controlled totalitarian society named One State, where individuality and creativity are suppressed. The story revolves around D-503, a space engineer who begins to understand the essence of his individuality.

‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley

Within the authoritarian and technologically advanced world of “Brave New World,” humans are bred through genetic manipulation, and children are trained from birth to uphold a fixed social hierarchy. In the “World State,” principles of Ford’s assembly line—such as mass production, uniformity, and instant gratification—are highly esteemed. The story follows Bernard Marx, a sleep psychologist and an Alpha, who belongs to the elite class of this society.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood

Following the aftermath of the Second American Civil War, the Republic of Gilead emerges as a totalitarian state that subjugates fertile women as Handmaids, forcing them to bear children for affluent couples. The protagonist, Offred, whose name signifies her belonging to a Gilead commander named Fred, has lost her husband, child, identity, and freedom during the upheaval. “The Handmaid’s Tale” narrates her experiences, recounting her memories and struggles in captivity while clinging to hope and the desire to survive.

‘The Dispossessed’ by Ursula K. Le Guin

This science-fiction narrative unfolds on the moon colony of Anarres, a utopia that operates without any government. It is isolated from its home planet, Urras, which is characterized by ongoing wars, poverty, and extreme wealth. The story follows Shevek, a physicist living on Anarres, who is determined to connect the two contrasting worlds. However, this ambitious journey to Urras comes at a cost—he must leave his family behind, face resentment, and reevaluate everything he has been taught about both his home and the mother planet.

‘Prophet Song’ by Paul Lynch

“Prophet Song,” the winner of the 2023 Booker Prize, is set in a fictional Ireland descending into tyranny. It tells the story of Eilish Stack, a scientist from Dublin, who is also a mother and wife. When her husband goes missing and she becomes a target of the newly established secret police, Eilish must navigate a society on the edge of collapse while seeking to protect her family.

Still looking for the perfect read? YSL News Books has you sorted.

Personal preferences vary when it comes to literature, and YSL News Books has a wide array of genres ready to recommend.

If you enjoyed “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros and are seeking your next read, consider these recommendations. For fans of mysteries, check out titles that share similarities with “Verity” by Colleen Hoover. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a look at some of our top picks in the horror genre. If you prefer stories with lighter themes and charming characters, you might find “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy” books appealing. For those interested in the most popular current reads, don’t miss YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist.