Best Dystopian Fiction: Novels That Define the Genre

Dystopian fiction and novels have a wide popularity among readers and have inspired multiple on screen adaptations. The foundation of dystopian fiction is often based on absurdity and always portrays an ongoing struggle with the authority and oppressive surroundings. Some of the best dystopian novels are 1984 by George Orwell, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

Dystopian Fiction
Dystopian Fiction

Dystopian novels are interesting reads where there is a recurrent portrayal of the future which is either shaped by totalitarian regimes, environmental collapse, or catastrophic technological advancements. When one dives into the details of such a read one would find a strong social commentary running through the narrative which talks about the dangers of absolute authority and shows how problematic ideologies may result in the social structure to get destroyed, giving rise to discriminatory behavior and widespread suffering. This genre has developed over time and has revived in contemporary literature greatly. The beginning of the first dystopian novel started with the writing of Yevgeny Zamyatin, he wrote the book We, where individuals in a state are conformed to maintain uniformity and are stripped of self expression and their idea of individuality. This is considered as the first dystopian novel but opinions may differ. Tracing the origin of the genre of any book type is a bit challenging. There may be accounts that are completely unknown however the popular and well known dystopian fiction from the early times to contemporary writings are covered in this article. 

Top 5 Dystopian Novels To Read 

The best dystopian fiction would essentially give readers a look in a different world, it may at times even feel like an alternate reality filled with absurd details one that readers in reality may not be able to comprehend or relate with, but the essence of the story where unfair treatment and basic human emotions play a vital role may resonate with the reader.

Top Five Products

  • 1984 George Orwell [Premium Paperback]

    George Orwell's 1984 is one of the most defining pieces of the dystopian literature genre. The book follows the story of a totalitarian regime where personal freedom, equality and individuality is at threat. It tells how democratic institutions are quite fragile and the institution with the name Big Brother serves as the overarching rule that has controlled and shaped the reality in terms which would benefit and sustain the survival of it. Orwell’s portrayal of surveillance, propaganda, and mind control in this dystopian fiction is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. The character of Winston Smith, a lowly server of the state secretly harbours thoughts of rebellion and questions his surroundings. This is a must read for beginners who want to step in the literary world of dystopian fiction. 

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  • Fahrenheit 451

    The story of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a probable nightmare for book lovers and knowledge seekers. The story is about a society where widespread censorship has been ordered and the burning of books is carried out on a large scale. Basically an attempt to suppress knowledge and impose a certain distorted reality which will keep people unaware and follow basic codes, curb and control the mind at large. Books are the primary form of knowledge dissemination and this particular novel was published in 1953, when technological advancement and online library would have been a dream or an absurd reality at the best, tells how creative imagination has the capacity of weaving stories. The book is almost like a forewarning for recent times as censorship is still a hindrance for the society’s growth and development and the consequences of a passive society has only become more urgent in the modern age of mass media, social media, and fake news.

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  • The Handmaid's Tale

    The story of the Handmaid’s Tale is a popular on screen adaptation for people who would not want to indulge in reading. Although it is highly advisable that reading would only expand the horizon of thinking and ensure a rich imagination. This story is about a dystopian future where women are treated as mere subjects of reproduction, the oppressive society of Gilead hires women from economically marginalized classes who would bear children for the rich and elite. This work of Margaret Atwood is considered an important piece of literature for feminist ideology, and is a chilling and gripping tale of how patriarchy has the resolve of treating women as subjects of practicing absolute control over. 

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  • The Hunger Games Movie-Tie in-Edition

    This is a series of books, a trilogy which follows the story of Panem divided in 12 districts, ruled by the oppressive figure Capitol that demands a boy and a girl from each district to be sent for a televised gladiatorial competition known as the Hunger Games. The protagonist of this story is Katniss Everdeen who challenges the authority of the brutal regime. This story of the Hunger Games is about resistance and survival and is a powerful story about how the media shapes society. Hunger Games is a popular on screen motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. 

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  • Snowpiercer 1-3 Boxed Set

    Originally a graphic novel, the story of Snowpiercer is about an apocalyptic world which has disintegrated due to climate change, and the survivors are living in a moving train named Snowpiercer. This train is divided into sections based on economical class division, and then comes the protagonist of the story Curtis belonging to the poor class who plans to overthrow the rule of the rich and the elite. Snowpiercer offers a critique of social inequality, climate change, and the failures of capitalist systems. 

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Read More: Best Fantasy Books

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Faq's

  • What are some of the best dystopian Novels?
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    Dystopian fiction is probably a limiting genre when compared to other popular genres of books, but still offers quite a lot of options for an interesting read. 1984 by George Orwell, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood are some of the best dystopian fiction novels.
  • What is the difference between dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction?
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    The theme of both these genres may feel like the same, but their approach is differing in terms of what it deals with in its foundation. Dystopian fiction predominantly focuses on an altering society structure which is intact and follows an authoritarian or totalitarian regime where rebellion will brim overtime with the protagonist, whereas post apocalyptic fiction are stories about a world that has faced total destruction either by a nuclear war, pandemic, or environmental collapse, it focuses more on the survival of humans within total destruction.