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Looking for a Novel containing subtle social or political commentaries

N

newreadingfan

New Member
Hi all,

Having recently rediscovered reading I am in search of new books!

I very much enjoyed rereading Lord of the Flies for the first time in years and especially liked the way in which Golding subtly wove his opinions on the human condition throughout the novel, without implicitly stating his views. I also found Dicken's Christmas Carol fascinating in the way he highlighted the plight of the poor.

My question is whether anyone can recommend novels which highlight social or political issues, preferably (relatively) subtly?

As I am to go on holiday very soon quick suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Many Thanks.
 
newreadingfan said:
Hi all,

Having recently rediscovered reading I am in search of new books!

I very much enjoyed rereading Lord of the Flies for the first time in years and especially liked the way in which Golding subtly wove his opinions on the human condition throughout the novel, without implicitly stating his views. I also found Dicken's Christmas Carol fascinating in the way he highlighted the plight of the poor.

My question is whether anyone can recommend novels which highlight social or political issues, preferably (relatively) subtly?

As I am to go on holiday very soon quick suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Many Thanks.
Click to expand...

Are you a student?
 
CDA said:
Are you a student?
Click to expand...

I wish, I'm 37! I've only recently begun to have time to start reading again and reread, amongst other things, LOTF, something I hadn't studied since I was 15; its amazing how much I remebered and how much I hadn't previously picked up on, I guess age can count sometimes.
 
newreadingfan said:
I wish, I'm 37! I've only recently begun to have time to start reading again and reread, amongst other things, LOTF, something I hadn't studied since I was 15; its amazing how much I remebered and how much I hadn't previously picked up on, I guess age can count sometimes.
Click to expand...

Ok. Well, if you sniff around the forum a bit, you'll see why i asked :)

btw - being 37 doesn't mean you can't be a student...

As for your question - I'm sure someone will give you some suggestions in a while.
 
newreadingfan said:
Hi all,

Having recently rediscovered reading I am in search of new books!

I very much enjoyed rereading Lord of the Flies for the first time in years and especially liked the way in which Golding subtly wove his opinions on the human condition throughout the novel, without implicitly stating his views. I also found Dicken's Christmas Carol fascinating in the way he highlighted the plight of the poor.

My question is whether anyone can recommend novels which highlight social or political issues, preferably (relatively) subtly?

As I am to go on holiday very soon quick suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Many Thanks.
Click to expand...


What about Stienbeck; Grapes of Wrath etc.
 
I'm going to recommend it since I think it's a great book: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Why not try more Golding, if you liked him? Something, perhaps, like The Spire although I believe it's more about determination than anything social. I don't doubt there will be social commentary in it, however.
 
I like the dystopias such as Brave New World and 1984. I'm not sure if they're considered subtle, but the political and social commentary is definitely there. Also try Animal Farm.
 
As you've discovered Dickens is pretty good at it. His work has remained very relevant. Hard Times is particularly good. Some others:

1984 by Orwell
Animal Farm by Orwell
The Handmaids Tale by Atwood
Oryx and Crake by Atwood
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
Fight Club by Chuck Phalniuk
You should also check out the author Michel Houellebecq.
 
How about The Crucible? I believe this book was a jab at McCarthyism of the 50's but the implications are still relevant.
 
thank you all for your kind suggestions, I'll make a perusal at Waterstones and choose a couple of books- I'll let you know how I get on!

thanks
 
How about, if you're feeling particularly brave and don't mind trying new stuff, V for Vendetta by Alan Moore? It's a graphic novel about a dystopian future.

Yes, it's a comic book. And yes, it's the story behind the movie trailer that's currently flashing across your cinemas as the next big film.

I say the book will probably still be better, Natalie Portman or not. :D

ds
 
The Jungle - Upton Sinclaire
This is about as subtle as a sledgehammer in the face - and as devestating.
also;
Bound For Glory - Woody Guthrie
A bit more subtle.

I can tell you both these books will hold you spellbound, while they are making the social/political commentary you are seeking.
 
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