What is Science Fiction?
Science fiction is defined as a type of writing about imagined developments in science and their effects on life, especially in the future. Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is highly regarded as the first sci-Fi novel due to its sci-Fi elements. However, some of the books mentioned in this list are often disputed as being sci-Fi texts for various reasons. But as you’ll soon discover, a lot of the books in this list fall into multiple genres like dystopian, Gothic, fantasy , sensational and more.
Now, let’s look at the best 7 Sci-fi Classics to Read 2024.
1. George Orwell, 1984.
It’s only fitting that I start this list with my all time favourite book, which is Orwell’s 1984. I read it early last year, and it left a lasting impression on me. 1984 is a magnificent story which falls under the genres of social/ political sci-fi and Dystopian Fiction. The story follows the life of Winston Smith a low ranking member of ‘the Party’, who is frustrated by the omnipresent eyes of the party, and its ominous ruler Big Brother.
“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.”
Thematically, the story centres on the devastating consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours in society. The themes explored in this cautionary tale are as relevant today, as they were when it was first written.
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
- Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, 1818.
Mary Shelly wrote Frankenstein when she was only 19 years old. Her novel is highly regarded as the first true Sci-Fi novel. The story follows a scientist called Victor Frankenstein, who creates an artificial man from pieces of corpses and brings his creature to life. The story explores deep philosophical ideas of death, life and man vs nature.
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
- H.G Wells, ‘The Time Machine’ 1895.
H.G Wells The Time Machine, is considered to be one of the earliest works of science fiction and the progenitor of the “time travel” sub-genre. So if you are interested in the time travel sub-genre you will absolutely enjoy this short novel.
The story follows a nameless Victorian scientist who builds a Time Machine, travels to the year 802,701AD and there encounters humanity’s descendants – the childlike Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks. This novella is primarily a social critique of Victorian England projected into the distant future. Through his narrative Wells explores themes of evolution, class disparity, and societal decay.
“We see some beginnings of this even in our own time, and in this future age it was complete.”
4. Robert Louis Stevenson’ Dr Jekyll and Hyde’, 1886.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a narrative about the complexities of science and the duplicity of human nature. Set in Victorian London, the story tells of Dr Jekyll a kind, respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his ‘second’ nature.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde examines the theme of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. Stevenson’s exploration of the consequences of scientific curiosity and the ethical implications of separating the good and evil aspects of one’s personality is both thought-provoking and chilling.
“It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it.”
Another sci-Fi, Gothic fic, sensational and horror fic set in the Victorian period? Count me in. This was a great read for me, i especially love the theme of duality of man in the story. Another highly book I highly recommend.
Okay, let’s move away from the Victorian Literature…
- Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’, 1932.
Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ started as a parody of H.G. Wells, whose writing he detested. Huxley’s viewed Wells as a “rather horrid, vulgar little man” whose work was “thin shoddy, uninteresting and written in that dreadful swill-tube style”. However, Gorman Beauchamp, argues that despite such negative evaluation the world of Brave New World is wholly Wellsian and quite consciously so.
“One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them.”
The story scrutinizes a futuristic society, called the World State, that revolves around science and efficiency. In this society, emotions and individuality are conditioned out of children at a young age, and there are no lasting relationships because “every one belongs to every one else”. This is the nature of the World State in book.
The average rating for this book is 4/5 stars. I have to admit that it is not favourite sci-fi book on this list. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other ones. But I thought to include it as it a favourite for many people.
- Yevgeny Zamayatin, ‘WE’, 1924.
Admittedly, I read this book when I found out that Orwell’s 1984 was inspired by this text. I ran to the bookstore and immediately bought it. That’s how much I love 1984. Orwell reviewed ‘WE’ three years before he wrote 1984. He wrote of ‘WE’ as “the genie that man has thoughtlessly let out of its bottle and cannot put back again.” Orwell, certainly took he’s own advice.
“A man is like a novel: until the very last page you don’t know how it will end. Otherwise it wouldn’t even be worth reading.”
WE unfolds over the course of 40 records written by the novella’s narrator, D-503. The story takes place in a distant future in One state civilization ruled over by an authoritarian government. A god-like, brutal dictator known as the Benefactor rules over the One State. The Benefactor believes that the freedom of individuals is secondary to the welfare of the State. This is an idea we see in 1984 where Big Brother rules over Oceania.
- Ray Bradbury ‘Fahrenheit 451’, 1953.
Fahrenheit 451 takes place in an unspecified city in a distant future. The story follows protagonist Guy Montag and his transformation from a book-burning fireman to a book-reading rebel. Montag lives in an oppressive society that attempts to eliminate all sources of complexity, contradiction, and confusion to ensure uncomplicated happiness for all its citizens.
“Remember, the firemen are rarely necessary. The public itself stopped reading of its own accord.”
Fahrenheit is dystopian and sci-fi story considered to be a great American novel. I certainly enjoyed parts of the book, especially the interaction between the protagonist and teenage girl Clarisse at the start of the book. This was an interesting read, but I have to admit that it wasn’t my favourite. However, I definitely recommend you read it.
