Dystopian Novels

1984 (George Orwell, 1949)

A classic which is both harrowing and fascinating, this novel is the origin of the term “Big Brother”. A dystopian future world is imagined as controlled by a totalitarian party, which has changed many concepts of society.  A member of this society is increasingly rebellious and tries to break out of the strict conventions and the surveillance by the Thought Police.  

Never Let Me Go (Kazuo Ishiguro, 2005)

A seemingly peaceful boarding school in England turns out to be more complex than it seems. Told from the perspective of a carer for organ donors, this tale shows the mysterious world of the boarding school, in which children grow up together and are prepared for their purpose in life, and the realities they have to face after their education is completed. A narrative masterpiece by one of the best living authors, deeply moving.

(Good film adaptation released in 2010.)   

The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood, 1985)

A bold vision of a futuristic world in New England and Canada, where a deeply religious dictatorship has taken over, and the role of women has been changed drastically. The increasing issues with infertility lead to fertile women being forced to breed children for the men in power. The heroine Offred is torn between fighting for her family from her past and her struggles to survive her present. Forceful and inspiring.  

Brave New World (Alduos Huxley, 1932)

Set in a futuristic World State which is extensively modified by scientists, a psychologist disapproves of some methods of his society. On a visit to the outside world, he spends time in a reservation and starts to see different ways of life. When he brings back a man who grew up in the reservation, worlds collide. Creative and surprising.

A Clockwork Orange (Anthony Burgess, 1962)

A violent teenager is struggling with life in a dystopian city. Using a special slang with some Russian elements, the protagonist narrates his adventures with his gang, which are increasingly getting out of hand. Lauded for its creative use of language and psychological methods, Burgess created a controversial but thought-provoking piece of literature.  

The Giver (Lois Lowry, 1993)

Young adult (YA) novel which created one of the most mesmerizing dystopias. In a world of “Sameness” in which a government has gotten rid of many elements they saw as obstacles and dangers, a young boy grows up and is given an important task in his society. In the training for this, he is learning more about his society’s past and starts to question their choices. Very visual and symbolical.  

(Good adaptation released in 2014)

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs, 2011)

A young adult fiction (YA) novel based on a collection of photographs which seem supernatural or illogical. Set in the US and Wales, it connects the present world through time loops with a past world, including fantastical creatures as well as some dystopian elements. A creative and magical read, not only for teenagers.

(Good adaptation by Tim Burton in 2016)

The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins, 2008)

The first instalment of a trilogy for young adults (YA). In a world in which most people live in poverty in strictly separated districts, the government has invented annual games to entertain the masses. When the heroine volunteers for the games to save her younger sister, she enters a world in which entertainment and death are linked in a cruel way. Entertaining read with some interesting symbolism.  

(Basis for the film series of 2012-2015)

Lord of the Flies (William Golding, 1954)

A novel with teenage protagonists, but written for adults. Set during a war, a Robinson-Crusoe-inspired setting is created when a plane with British boys crashes near a remote island. Besides needing to organize themselves to survive, they also have face their urges and the group dynamics that are starting to kick in. Powerful and full of symbolism.   

Divergent (Veronica Roth, 2011)

A young adult (YA) novel set in a post-apocalyptical Chicago, in which society has been divided into five factions based on their character traits. When a young girl fails to be clearly placed into one of the factions and is labelled “Divergent”, she starts a path towards finding her place in society. Several other novels have followed this first instalment.

(Basis for the film series of 2014-2016)