Britain's top 50 20th-century novels revealed by The Sunday Times

In Britain, the public has shown a strong preference for dystopian novels over recent years, particularly since 2019. The most popular work has been George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, which has sold over 400,000 copies during this period. This novel, portraying a grim depiction of a totalitarian regime, is reflective of the political turmoil that the country has experienced, including Brexit, a pandemic, and a cost of living crisis. The trend toward darker themes in literature seems closely tied to the national mood. The subsequent titles that follow Nineteen Eighty-Four in popularity are also works of dystopian fiction - Frank Herbert's Dune, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and Orwell's own novella Animal Farm. Each of these stories encapsulates themes of control, disaster, and societal struggles, resonating with readers during a time of uncertainty. This fascination with dystopian fiction may indicate a societal need to confront the fears and anxieties that have arisen from real-world events. As Britain's populace faced challenges from political decisions, a global pandemic, and economic instability, literature served as both an escape and a mirror reflecting those dire circumstances. The choice of such literature highlights a collective inclination to understand and process the complexities of human experience amidst adversity. While the literary market adapts to these trends, it also raises questions about the lasting impact of these narratives on the cultural psyche. As these novels capture the imagination of readers, they do more than simply tell stories; they encourage discussion and contemplation about the nature of power, freedom, and the human condition. Thus, it becomes evident that the modern canon of literature is not just a repository of stories but a profound commentary on the worlds in which we live.