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Dystopian recommendations needed

48 replies

SlashBeef · 27/12/2023 17:18

I'm just getting into dyspotian novels. Really liked 1984, Handmaid's Tale and I've just read The Marriage Act. I'm keen to read more books in the same vein.
Not keen on too much Sci fi, aliens, etc.

OP posts:
Lotrehin · 27/12/2023 22:28

Fahrenheit 451. Really fast paced and written with a great deal of clarity. The issues it raises around censorship, agency and connection are very relevant to current times I think.

Morrisons00 · 27/12/2023 22:33

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932):
This classic novel presents a dystopian society where people are conditioned for specific roles and controlled through pleasure and consumerism. It raises thought-provoking questions about the cost of a utopian society.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953):
Set in a future society where books are banned and "firemen" burn any that are found, this novel explores the consequences of censorship and the impact of technology on human connection.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006):
While not a traditional dystopian novel, this post-apocalyptic story follows a father and son's journey through a desolate landscape. It delves into themes of survival, love, and the human condition in the face of extreme adversity.

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin (1924):
A precursor to many dystopian novels, "We" is set in a regimented society where individuality is suppressed. It serves as an inspiration for later works like 1984 and explores the consequences of absolute state control.

The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993):
This novel is set in a seemingly utopian society where emotions and memories are suppressed. It follows a young boy who discovers the darker truths behind the community's facade.

Misknit · 27/12/2023 22:38

As mentioned above this year's Booker Winner Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. I haven't read it yet, but it's getting great reviews: Julia by Sandra Newman - a retelling of 1984 from Julia's perspective.

Floofsquidge · 27/12/2023 22:41

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde. (No relation to similar title from a very different genre!)

KohlaParasaurus · 27/12/2023 22:45

The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver.

Riverlee · 28/12/2023 20:50

Margaret’s Ark - Daniel Keohane

On the Beach - Nevil Shute

The Wall - John Lancaster

rickyrickygrimes · 28/12/2023 20:59

The Road - Cormac McCarthy 😱

Also by Margaret Atwood - Oryx & Crake

rickyrickygrimes · 28/12/2023 21:01

If probably put most of Shirley Jackson in this category too - set in the ‘real’ world but a totally dystopian take on it.

CakesAndCookies · 28/12/2023 21:13

SlashBeef · 27/12/2023 17:18

I'm just getting into dyspotian novels. Really liked 1984, Handmaid's Tale and I've just read The Marriage Act. I'm keen to read more books in the same vein.
Not keen on too much Sci fi, aliens, etc.

The school for good Mothers
By Jessamine Chan
Recommended by Michelle Obama.

Zone2NorthLondon · 30/12/2023 00:57

Mirrormeback · 27/12/2023 17:27

Anything by Kazuo Ishiguro

Klara and the sun

Never let me go

Excellent recommendation

gertrudemortimer · 30/12/2023 01:39

I who have never known men - Jaqueline harpman (very good mind boggling and quick read!)

Wool trilogy (my favourite books. Tv show is brilliant too)

End of the world running club

Station eleven (I found the tv show crap but I'm probably in the minority)

The last - hanna Jameson

Shoppingfiend · 30/12/2023 05:45

HomiesAlone · 27/12/2023 20:36

Would the recent Man Booker Prize fall into this genre? That's great.

I am half way through The Prophet's Song by Paul Lynch - found it hard to tell if it was a future event or the actual troubles, or even recent events in some parts of the country. I'm old enough to remember the Troubles well.
I think I'd have preferred it set somewhere else than Ireland.

AuntieMarys · 30/12/2023 06:30

This is a great thread! Just ordered 4 from it. Its my favourite genre

CanOfGerms · 30/12/2023 06:36

Anything by John Wyndham. I’d probably start with The Chrysalids.

Quella · 30/12/2023 07:50

Last One at the Party by Bethany Clift.

chilling19 · 30/12/2023 08:07

gertrudemortimer · 30/12/2023 01:39

I who have never known men - Jaqueline harpman (very good mind boggling and quick read!)

Wool trilogy (my favourite books. Tv show is brilliant too)

End of the world running club

Station eleven (I found the tv show crap but I'm probably in the minority)

The last - hanna Jameson

I also found the TV show crap. Couldn't get on with it at all.

Useruser1 · 30/12/2023 08:21

"The death of grass" is great

yellowsun · 30/12/2023 12:25

Lots of good recommendations here. I have enjoyed many of these. I read ‘I who have never know men’ a couple of months ago and can’t stop thinking about it. Here are a few other books I’ve enjoyed, which are all quite different…

NOD by Adrian Barnes- I’m actually reading this now so haven’t finished it yet. Enjoying it so far!

Chain gang all stars- Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah

My dead world - Jacqueline Druga

Moths - Jane hennigan

The waiting rooms- Eve smith

How high we go in the dark - Sequoia Nagamatsu

To paradise - hanya yanagihara

The new wilderness- Diane cook

The book of koli- MR Carey

Leave the world behind - rumaan alam

Dear Lina- Jess glaisher

Recursion and dark matter Blake Crouch

You have arrived at your destination - amor towles

Machines like me- Ian mcEwan

The end of men - Christina sweeney baird

Children of the dust - Louise Lawrence

flowertown- SG Redling

gertrudemortimer · 30/12/2023 13:03

@yellowsun yep I was the same! I had to lend it to my friend so I had someone to talk to about it.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 30/12/2023 13:15

I'm enjoying Leave the world behind. Much better than the film.

paulhollywoodshairgel · 30/12/2023 14:03

The last one at the party by Bethany Clift

yellowsun · 30/12/2023 14:05

paulhollywoodshairgel · 30/12/2023 14:03

The last one at the party by Bethany Clift

I liked her second book also. It’s perhaps not quite dystopian but all about AI.

AgentProvocateur · 30/12/2023 14:19

Thirsty Animals by Rachelle Atalia

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