The Greatest Russian, Australian, Unknown "Fiction, Dystopian" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Dystopian

Dystopian literature is a genre of speculative fiction that explores social and political structures in a dark, nightmare world. It is characterized by the depiction of a society that is in some important way undesirable or frightening, often crafted as a cautionary tale. These societies may be plagued by extreme oppression, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Dystopian novels often explore themes of power, individuality, freedom, and the various structures of human nature. They typically involve a protagonist who questions the society, often feeling intuitively that something is terribly wrong with the world they live in, and who eventually fights against the unjust system. Classic examples of dystopian novels include George Orwell's "1984," Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

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  1. 1. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

    In this dystopian novel, the story is set in the future, where the protagonist, a mathematician, lives in a highly regulated society where citizens are known by numbers, not names, and every action is dictated by the state. Individuality and freedom are suppressed, and even the concept of love is replaced by regulated sexual liaisons. The mathematician begins to question the infallibility of the state after meeting a rebellious woman, leading to a series of events that challenge the very foundations of his world.

    The 456th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Sound Of His Horn by Sarban

    "The Sound of His Horn" is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where the Nazis have won World War II. The story follows Alan Querdilion, a British prisoner of war who wakes up in a bizarre alternate reality ruled by a cruel and sadistic Nazi regime. As he navigates this nightmarish world, Querdilion must confront his own survival instincts and grapple with the moral implications of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of power and humanity, the novel offers a chilling and unsettling reflection on the consequences of totalitarianism.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Sea And Summer by George Turner

    "The Sea and Summer" by George Turner is a dystopian novel set in a future Australia where climate change and economic disparity have created a stark divide between the rich and the poor. The story follows the lives of two families, the Kents and the Coulters, as they struggle to survive in a decaying city plagued by extreme weather conditions and social unrest. As tensions rise and the gap between social classes widens, the characters must confront the harsh realities of their world and make difficult choices to ensure their survival.

    The 4853rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Feed by Seanan McGuire

    In a world where humanity has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a team of bloggers sets out to cover the presidential elections, offering a unique perspective on the state of a society where the undead are a constant threat. The protagonist, a young woman with a passion for the truth, navigates a landscape of danger, political intrigue, and conspiracy, all while dealing with the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. As they delve deeper into the heart of America's reanimated politics, they uncover a plot that could have dire consequences for both the living and the undead, forcing them to confront the question of what it truly means to be human in a world overrun by zombies.

    The 6391st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Slynx by Tatyana Tolstaya

    Set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, the story follows Benedikt, a scribe in a primitive society that has regressed to a feudal state after a catastrophic event known as "the Blast." The population suffers from various mutations and lives in fear of the mythical Slynx, a creature said to embody the dangers of the new world. As Benedikt navigates his harsh and superstitious environment, he begins to question the oppressive regime and the nature of knowledge and power, ultimately embarking on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.

  6. 6. The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

    "The Swan Book" is set in a dystopian future where climate change has wreaked havoc on Australia, transforming it into a landscape of perpetual floods. The story centers around Oblivia Ethylene, a mute and traumatized Aboriginal girl who is found living in a wrecked ship grounded in a tree. She is taken under the wing of Bella Donna, a European woman who marries the first Aboriginal president of Australia. The narrative weaves elements of Aboriginal mythology, environmental disaster, and the political struggles of indigenous peoples, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and resilience.

    The 8325th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Vn by Madeline Ashby

    In a futuristic world where virtual reality is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, a young girl named Amy Peterson is created to serve as a companion for a wealthy businessman's daughter. As Amy navigates the complexities of her existence and develops her own consciousness, she must confront the moral and ethical implications of her existence and the blurred lines between reality and virtuality. With thought-provoking themes and a captivating narrative, this book explores the nature of humanity and the consequences of advancing technology.

    The 9838th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. On The Beach by Nevil Shute

    "On The Beach" is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place in Australia following a devastating nuclear war. The story follows a group of individuals living in the last remaining city, awaiting their inevitable demise as deadly radiation slowly makes its way towards them. As they confront their mortality, they grapple with the existential dread of living in a world without a future, while also finding solace and connection in their shared experiences.

    The 9863rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley

    "The Stars Are Legion" is a science fiction novel set in a universe comprised of living, organic worlds known as the Legion. The story follows Zan, a warrior with no memory of her past, as she navigates a treacherous landscape of warring factions and decaying civilizations. With the fate of the Legion at stake, Zan embarks on a dangerous mission to unlock the secrets of her identity and save her people from extinction. Filled with complex characters, vivid world-building, and a gripping plot, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the power of choice in a unique and imaginative way.

    The 10278th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Metro 2033 by Dmitri Glukhovsky

    This novel is set in a post-apocalyptic Moscow, where the remnants of humanity have taken refuge in the underground metro system after a devastating nuclear war. The story follows Artyom, a young man who embarks on a perilous journey through the dark, mutant-infested tunnels of the metro to seek help against a new, mysterious threat that endangers the fragile existence of the metro's survivors. Along the way, he encounters various factions vying for power and control, confronts his deepest fears, and questions his beliefs and the nature of reality itself. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, hope, and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming darkness.

    The 10476th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Black Man by Richard Morgan

    "Black Man" by Richard Morgan (also published as "Thirteen" in the United States) is a futuristic science fiction novel set in a world where genetically engineered humans, known as "variants," exist alongside regular humans. The story follows Carl Marsalis, a former variant soldier who is now working as a private investigator. As he gets caught up in a series of murders, Carl must confront his own troubled past while navigating a society that fears and discriminates against him. This gripping and thought-provoking novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the consequences of scientific advancements.

    The 10683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Animals In That Country by Laura Jean McKay

    "The Animals In That Country" by Laura Jean McKay is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future Australia. The story follows Jean, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic grandmother, who discovers she has the ability to understand the language of animals after contracting a mysterious virus. As a deadly pandemic spreads across the country, Jean embarks on a journey with a dingo named Sue to find her pregnant daughter and escape the chaos. McKay skillfully explores themes of communication, human-animal relationships, and the fragile nature of society, creating a compelling narrative that challenges our perception of the world around us.

    The 10831st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download