Haruki Murakami’s dystopian novel “1Q84” comes out on October 24. In honor of the book’s release, here are some other novels set in dystopian societies to check out.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
In the Republic of Gilead, formerly the United States, the far-right members of government have imposed their ideals on the rest of the country. Women are strictly controlled, assigned to classes: housekeepers, wives and handmaids who must reproduce in order to keep the society populated.
“The Children of Men” by P.D. James
It is the year 2021 and the human sperm count has dropped to zero. The last birth occurred in 1995, and an entire generation of humanity is doomed to be lost. Theo Faron, an Oxford professor, finds himself part of a group of dissidents who lead him down an unexpected path.
“The Running Man” by Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman
In a world where market capitalism and TV game shows have gone out of control, Ben Richards enters himself in a money-making scheme to save his young daughter’s life. After undergoing strenuous physical and mental tests, Richards finds himself in The Running Man game.
“Neuromancer” by William Gibson
This is the novel that launched the cyperpunk generation. Case is able to jack his consciousness into cyperspace, rustling secrets he offers up to paying clients. When he double-crosses the wrong people, he finds himself part of a shadowy conspiracy that can offer him a second chance, but for a price.
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A group of English schoolboys are stranded on a deserted island. They band together, making shelter, finding food and water; at least, for a time. When some of the boys form their own group of painted savages, the others become the hunted; fear and primitive instincts take over in a quest to survive.
“A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess
A terrifying cautionary tale about good and evil, this book is not for the faint of heart. The anti-hero, Alex, leads a life of crime and violence, loving every minute of it. Burgess explores the effects of language, crafting bizarre slang that Alex and his cronies employ as their vernacular.
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
The United States is no more; instead, the remaining population is divided into twelve districts, each responsible for a certain industry. To remind the districts of their sins, the Capitol imposes the Hunger Games, in which teenagers fight and kill to be the last one standing – all on a national TV.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
In Bradbury’s terrifying vision of the future, firemen don’t put out fires; they start them to burn books. When Guy Montag, a fireman, has a crisis of faith and starts hiding books he becomes a fugitive. He joins up with a group of outlaw scholars who keep the knowledge of books for a time when they are needed.
“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
The motto of the World State is “Community, Identity, Stability.” Soma is consumed daily to combat depression, babies are born in labs and movies stimulate the senses. When Bernard Marx senses something is missing, his relationship with a woman grows into something forbidden and dangerous.
“1984” by George Orwell
Written in 1948, this classic novel takes place in a society where all aspects of life are controlled. Society is constantly at war, but the enemy is within. Winston Smith longs for truth and decency, and rebels against the government. He is captured, imprisoned, and tortured. But what will he learn along the way?
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