An attractive genre of literature, dystopian fiction is classified by highly futuristic societies, which are technologically advanced but socially, maybe not so much. It often portrays a total destruction of the natural environment, and a loss of individuality in the society. If you love reading dystopian English novels, The Bombay Circle Press is here with precious recommendations to expand your reading horizons.
The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
This graphic novel depicts the story of an unnamed boy, who finds a lost thing on the beach, while looking for more bottle caps for his collection. The thing is a large unidentifiable object, with freakishly big arms like tentacles of an octopus, remaining unnoticed by everyone. It is entirely innocent and becomes happy when the boy plays with him. The boy takes it upon himself to take the thing back to its home. Their journey is filled with mystery, humour and the warmth of friendship that is bound to make your heart warm. This novel has also been made into an academy award winning short film.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The protagonist of this novel is a fireman, named Guy Montag. His job is to destroy illegal items, especially printed books, which he does without questioning. And returns back to his life every day, like a machine. But when he is introduced to the possibility of a time, where there is no irrational fear of authority and there is freedom of expression, especially through books, Guy begins to ponder his life choices and the society he lives in.
Golden State by Ben H. Winters
Relying heavily on post-modernist theory in literature, this English novel explores the themes of authoritative regime and a complete breakdown of society as we know it. Set in a nation that resembles California, this novel deals with a setting of high-security, scrutiny and record-keeping. Its citizens are constantly under surveillance to ensure compliance, with the power of control resting in the hands of a few, like Lazlo Ratesic, who comes from a family of law enforcement officers. But when the truth is played around with for notorious purposes, the citizens have no choice but to protest.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lallami
Set in a particularly dystopian society where even dreams are under the surveillance of authorities, this story explores the story of Sara, who is detained by the authorities at the airport, based on the dream data collected. Their explanation is simple–she is going to harm someone very soon, and hence for prevention, needs to be detained. At the facility, she finds other women, locked up, trying to prove innocence, even before they are guilty of committing a crime. Days turn into months and there are no signs of a release date coming around.
Dystopian novels can be highly distressing in nature as the stories that are portrayed are more often than not based in reality. But it also provokes us to think beyond what is served to us on a plate. If you liked these recommendations, stay tuned to The Bombay Circle Press’ bulletin for more.