5 Books Like 1984: Must-Read Dystopian Novels for George Orwell Fans

05.12.2023 // By Tome Tailor

1984 by George Orwell (“View on Amazon”) is a classic dystopian novel that paints a terrifying picture of a totalitarian government that controls every aspect of society. It has become an emblematic work of literature and a must-read for those who appreciate complex and thought-provoking stories.

If you’re a fan of Orwell’s 1984 and are looking for more books to satisfy your hunger for dystopian fiction, then you’re in the right place. Here, we have compiled a list of five must-read dystopian novels for you to explore.

  1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

    One of the most renowned dystopian novels, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley tells the story of a futuristic society where people are conditioned from birth to fit specific societal roles. The novel explores the dangers of technology, the loss of individuality, and the pursuit of “happiness” at the cost of freedom. Fans of 1984 will find the nuanced commentary on societal control and the effects of propaganda to be thought-provoking and engaging.

    💡 Read or listen to Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

  2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    In Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, books are burned, and reading is forbidden in an oppressive society where citizens are discouraged from questioning authority. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who’s responsible for burning books. He becomes disillusioned with the society he serves and joins a group of rebels who seek to preserve knowledge. This novel offers fans of 1984 a chilling look into a world where censorship reigns supreme.

    💡 Read or listen to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

  3. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

    Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a dystopian society where women’s rights have been stripped away, and they are now treated as property in the new social order. The protagonist, Offred, is a Handmaid, a woman used for breeding purposes by the ruling class. The novel explores themes of power, surveillance, and resistance in a chilling and captivating fashion that fans of 1984 will appreciate.

    💡 Read or listen to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

  4. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

    Written in 1921, We is considered one of the earliest dystopian novels and influenced Orwell’s 1984. The story takes place in a totalitarian society where citizens are stripped of their individuality and live under constant surveillance by the government. They are reduced to mere numbers, with the narrative’s protagonist being known as D-503. As he becomes more aware of the government’s oppressive nature, D-503 must make a choice between blind obedience and defiance. We is a must-read for fans of 1984 who are interested in the historical and philosophical roots of dystopian fiction.

    💡 Read or listen to We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

  5. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

    The bleak and haunting story of a father and son travelling through a post-apocalyptic America, The Road captivates readers with its evocative prose and relentless tension. Although not a classic dystopia like 1984, the novel explores the lengths one might go to survive in a brutally inhospitable world. The rich and unforgettable portrayal of the human condition in this desolate setting will resonate with fans of George Orwell’s work.

    💡 Read or listen to The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Each of these novels offers a unique perspective on dystopian societies and the human struggle within them. For fans of George Orwell’s 1984, these books serve as an enlightening exploration of the genre that will provoke thought, conversation, and reflection. Dive into these gripping stories and experience the unsettling worlds they depict, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the possibilities—and perils—of our own society.

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