10 Classic & Relevant Books Like 1984 - Books Like This One

26.11.2020 г.
10 Classic & Relevant Books like 1984 - Books Like This One
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10 Classic & Relevant Books like

1984
Published on January 7, 2020 by Katy Thornton
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The classic novel can often seem daunting and outdated, but books like
1984 are simply timeless. The concept is perhaps even more terrifying
now than it was when Orwell published it in 1949, with the idea that
we’re all being watched, and not even our thoughts are safe. Not many
classic novels are like 1984 in concept, but the following list of novels
are classics that remain ageless no matter when they’re read, providing
life lessons and cautionary tales in love, family, politics and power.
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26.11.2020 г. 10 Classic & Relevant Books like 1984 - Books Like This One
Table of Contents 
10 Books like 1984

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights is consistently referenced in today’s culture and
goes down as one of the most famous classical novels around. The
story is eternal – poor boy meets rich girl and falls in love; however, the
characters of Heath and Cathy are anything but predictable.
Their tumultuous love causes dire consequences for both of them, and
rages onto the next generation, creating a story that is unforgettable,
much like 1984.
Emily Bronte, who published it in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell,
accomplished something masterful with this novel, as it continues to be
discussed and studied close to 200 years later.
Have you already this book? Check out our list of more books like
Wuthering Heights!
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Where most people gain their basic understanding of the roaring
twenties, F. Scott Fitzgerald brings the period of American prohibition to
life in his novel, The Great Gatsby. When Nick Carraway, an aspiring
writer working as a stockbroker, arrives in New York, he is full of
illusions for his life and the city. He moves in next door to the
mysterious Mr Jay Gatsby, who has a shared past with Nick’s married
cousin, Daisy Buchanan.
Through a series of parties and affairs, Fitzgerald’s novel is a classic

that stays with the reader well past the final page, teaching us harsh
lessons about love and hope. Although not like 1984 in the sense that a
whole world has been built, as Oceania is, Fitzgerald examines the
selfishness of people during this time period in America, the way Orwell
scrutinises the ideals of Russia under Soviet Union rule.
The Great Gatsby is much more than a romance novel, as 1984 is

much more than a dystopian one.
The Great Gatsby!
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Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre, as in books like 1984, The Great Gatsby and Wuthering
Heights has spurred on a ripple effect of novels films and tv shows
Heights, has spurred on a ripple effect of novels, films and tv shows
that have adapted or taken inspiration from this 19th-century novel.
The story follows Jane, who, after being turned out by her cruel aunt,
goes to school to become a teacher, and begins her first teaching job in
Thornfield Hall, owned by a Mr Rochester. This is where one of the
most classic love story begins, with Jane falling more and more in love
with Mr Rochester the longer she lives and teaches at Thornfield Hall.
But Mr Rochester is harbouring secrets, and after a series of strange

incidents, Jane discovers there are many more obstacles to jump over
than she bargained for, if she means to marry Mr Rochester. A story
about obstacles and love, the life of Jane Eyre goes down as timeless,
just as 1984 does.
Jane Eyre!
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World, like 1984, was ahead of its time in concept and
world-building. Written in 1932, and no doubt as a response to the
unrest going on in this era and the significant technological advances,
Huxley explores the ideas of predestination and assigning humans
classes, thoughts and feelings, similarly to 1984.
From the moment an embryo is created in this world, they are split up
into classes, Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas and Epsilons, and given
the perceived correct traits for such classes. Brave New World is often
compared to 1984, and though 1984 normally receives more praise for
its storytelling, Brave New World still presents some striking ideas
about humanity and control and is well worth the read.
Brave New World!
Voyage in the Dark, by Jean Rhys

Jean Rhys’ Voyage in the Dark is perhaps less well known, but it is a
wonderful example of early modern fiction. This novel follows Anna
Morgan, who has recently moved from her home in the Caribbean to
London, which seems dull and dreary in comparison. Here, she meets
Walter, whom she is wary of at first but whom she eventually falls in
love with him, as he uses his wealth to take care of her.
However, Anna soon realises that not everyone she meets in London is
a friend, and everyone is merely out for themselves, leading her to meet
drastic consequences. Books like 1984 and Voyage in the Dark hardly
seem like they were written when they were, focusing on modern-day
issues and themes that a reader of any generation can sympathise with
or relate to.
Animal Farm, by George Orwell

It is no wonder that 1984 and Animal Farm are similar – written just
three years before 1984, Animal Farm is an allegory depicting what
occurred in post-revolutionary Russia.
Animal Farm explores the lives of animals who take over the farm they
work on. Driving out Mr Jones, the farmer, and under the influence of
Old Major, a pig who dies before he can see the revolution take place,
pigs Napoleon and Snowball begin to change how the farm is run, all in
the ideology that each of the animals will be treated equal.
It is here one of the most famous sentences in an Orwell novel is

spoken – “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than
others.” This one sentence more or less portrays how post-revolution
Russia was run, under the guise of equality but inevitably having some
participants with more power than others. The novel was so scandalous
at the time of its publication, for the very real truths it was spewing, that
it was banned for years in Russia, and still is in other communist
countries.
If you liked 1984, Animal Farm is a must-read, following many of the

same themes.
Have you already read this book? Check out our list of more
books like Animal Farm!
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

The original horror story, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in the early
1800s, and had it published anonymously.
When Doctor Victor Frankenstein begins to work on a new project that

comes to life, he is faced with an existential crisis, and gets much more
than he ever bargained for. A story that frightens and appals, and has
been the inspiration for films and tv series ever since, this tale is best
read in its original format, as it would have been quite revolutionary
when it was first published – perhaps one of the reasons that Shelley
did not originally publish it under her own name.
Books like 1984 and Frankenstein were powerful in their time, spurring
on controversial discussions, about propaganda and control in 1984,
and in science and religion in Frankenstein.
Already read this book? Check out our list of more books like
Frankenstein!
The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde

Although the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray isn’t quite like 1984,
it follows a horror in much the same way. Dorian Gray is an attractive
socialite, who has a painting presented to him as his attractive, young
self. Dorian, egotistical and self-seeking, wishes that the painting would
grow old in his stead, wishing to remain immortal in his youth.
The story is captivating, as the painting begins to grow withered and

ugly, reflecting Dorian’s own narcissistic and cruel actions. The story is
a cautionary tale, about narcissism and selfishness, one that has been
retold many times, and like 1984, remains relevant to this day.
Dracula, by Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker wrote the original vampire story which became so popular
this decade with the Twilight series. Dracula hardly seems like it was
written in 1897.
When a young lawyer, Jonathon Harker finds himself in Transylvania to

negotiate a land deal with nobleman Count Dracula, he suffers a series
of wild happenings that spread all the way to England, specifically to his
fiancée’s best friend.
This is the novel where many of the original vampire stereotypes

originated, and it is a novel worth reading as opposed to just watching
the movie. It poses interesting concepts about monsters and humanity,
not in a dissimilar way to 1984.
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, is a book like 1984, in the sense that
it is set in a world where thoughts and opinions are controlled by a
powerful totalitarian state. It takes a slightly different position than 1984,
where in this future American society, books are burned to stop people
from forming their own ideas on certain topics.
The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who is one of those who has
been charged with the task of burning such books. It resembles 1984,
and Guy can be compared to Winston, as he actively participates in the
destruction of the previous way of life.
This, as in books like 1984, studies concepts and ideas that are
alarmingly modern, creating a story that could be written today, in a
world where fake news and control through media portrayal is ever-
present.
Have you already read this book? Check out our list of more
books like Fahrenheit 451!
All of these novels, though different in story and plot, do have

something in common – they remain ageless and relevant despite
some of them having been written over two centuries ago.
1984 frightens us because it was written seventy years ago, but

somehow dredges up modern-day anxieties about how we’re
always being watched, and our thoughts can’t even be trusted.
The rest of these novels speak to our modern-day reality in

different ways, whether it is how men and women interact, what
frightens us or how family live communally with one another. Each

of these novels provides some worthwhile insight into our lives.
Are you looking for books similar to 1984? Have any suggestions that
didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments!
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About Katy Thornton

Katy is a writer for Books Like This One, a website helping you find more books to
read! She loves reading dystopian novels, literary fiction and creative non-fiction.
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26.11.2020 г.

10 Classic & Relevant Books like

10 Books like 1984

discussed and studied close to 200 years later.

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Through a series of parties and affairs, Fitzgerald’s novel is a classic

The Great Gatsby is much more than a romance novel, as 1984 is

Want a change from paper books? - Get a 30-Day Free Trial of

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

that have adapted or taken inspiration from this 19th-century novel.

But Mr Rochester is harbouring secrets, and after a series of strange

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

Voyage in the Dark, by Jean Rhys

Animal Farm, by George Orwell

three years before 1984, Animal Farm is an allegory depicting what

occurred in post-revolutionary Russia.

It is here one of the most famous sentences in an Orwell novel is

If you liked 1984, Animal Farm is a must-read, following many of the

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

When Doctor Victor Frankenstein begins to work on a new project that

The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde

The story is captivating, as the painting begins to grow withered and

Dracula, by Bram Stoker

When a young lawyer, Jonathon Harker finds himself in Transylvania to

This is the novel where many of the original vampire stereotypes

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

All of these novels, though different in story and plot, do have

1984 frightens us because it was written seventy years ago, but

The rest of these novels speak to our modern-day reality in

frightens us or how family live communally with one another. Each

Like It? Pin It!

About Katy Thornton

HOME ABOUT PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT

© 2020 Books Like This One • All rights reserved. •

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