Is It Becoming Real? The Dystopias We Must Read That Our World Is Resembling More and More

We used to read dystopias that made us say, “It can never be like this.” With the increasing prevalence of pandemics, imposed restrictions, and the situations we find ourselves in, we are getting closer to the dystopias being written every day. Here, we have compiled dystopian novels that you must read, and as you read them, you’ll notice connections to our current world, making you think, “I’ve seen this somewhere before!”

Metro 2033 — Dmitry Glukhovsky

We are getting closer to Metro 2033 as our world sees an increasing threat of nuclear warfare. In a post-nuclear war world, survivors take refuge in the Moscow metro system, and the book explores life in different stations and the creatures that inhabit them.

1984 — George Orwell

Focusing on a country ruled by a totalitarian regime led by Big Brother, 1984 bears a striking resemblance to the current situation in North Korea. The main character, Winston Smith, is a government employee who questions and reflects on his life under the party’s constant surveillance and mind control.

Brave New World — Aldous Huxley

Although it doesn’t directly mirror our world, Brave New World features themes and structures that resonate with contemporary issues. The story follows John, an “Savage” from a different society, as he tries to understand and question the World State’s way of life.

I, Robot — Isaac Asimov

In a time when artificial intelligence and advanced robotics are part of our lives, I, Robot explores the complex relationships and interactions between humans and robots. It delves into the reasons behind robots making unexpected decisions despite the “Three Laws of Robotics” designed to keep them safe.

The Giver — Lois Lowry

The story of Jonas in the monotonous and controlled community of Sameness, where emotions and love are suppressed, draws parallels to our digital world where we may be gradually losing touch with our feelings and emotions. 

Iron Heel — Jack London

Iron Heel is a dystopia that reflects a world similar to what the author envisioned in the early 20th century, with some uncanny resemblances to our world today.

We — Yevgeny Zamyatin

We focuses on a society where individualism and freedom are abolished, much like in a highly technologically interconnected world. The surveillance, propaganda, and the control over every aspect of life are reminiscent of some elements of our current world.

A Clockwork Orange — Anthony Burgess

A focus on violence, A Clockwork Orange, resonates with the portrayal of some extreme behaviors and youth subcultures seen in the present day. The use of aversion therapy to ‘cure’ Alex’s violent tendencies bears resemblance to modern debates on rehabilitation and ethics.

The Memoirs of a Survivor — Doris Lessing

The book deals with a post-apocalyptic world marked by environmental pollution and the collapse of ecosystems. As we face increasing environmental challenges, the themes of language degradation, street gangs, and the human struggle for survival may feel closer to home.

The Handmaid’s Tale — Margaret Atwood

The story unfolds in the Republic of Gilead, where women’s rights are severely restricted. The oppression and control over women’s lives and reproduction rights parallel ongoing discussions about women’s rights and gender equality.

Never Let Me Go — Kazuo Ishiguro

Never Let Me Go explores the lives of cloned individuals created for organ donations. The questioning of identity, emotions, and the ethics of science in the book reflects our current debates on medical ethics and cloning.

Fahrenheit 451 — Ray Bradbury

The story of a fireman whose job is to burn books portrays a society that suppresses intellectualism and critical thinking. The themes of censorship and the freedom of thought bear relevance in the context of modern discussions about the control of information and freedom of speech.

The Word Exchange — Alena Graedon

In a world where printed books and handwriting have vanished, the novel presents a society where language is commodified. The commercialization of language and communication is a reflection of our current world, increasingly dominated by digital communication.

Swastika Night — Katharine Burdekin

In an alternative history where Hitler’s Nazi regime has ruled the world for over 700 years, Swastika Nights depicts a world where violence and misogyny are institutionalized. It reflects the consequences of extremist ideologies and the impact on society, resonating with contemporary concerns.

These dystopian novels provide thought-provoking perspectives on various aspects of society, control, and the consequences of authoritarianism. Which ones have you read?