The 20th century was a period of immense social, political, and cultural change, and its literature reflects this complexity with works that have shaped readers' imaginations and worldviews for generations.
From whimsical tales of childhood to dark political allegories, here are the books voted by Goodreads users as the best of the century - each with storytelling that has transcended time, major critical acclaim and its own impact on popular culture.
9,507 votes
1984 is Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, imagining a totalitarian future where surveillance, censorship, and propaganda dominate every aspect of life. The novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles to maintain his individuality and sanity under the watchful eye of Big Brother.
Orwell's bleak vision has become a defining cultural reference point for discussions about government overreach and personal freedom. Terms like "doublethink," "thoughtcrime," and "Orwellian" have entered everyday language, reflecting the novel's deep penetration into political and popular discourse.
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