Many amazing pieces of literature use satire to criticize a subject. Often, this will involve the use of comedy, making these books incredibly fun to read.
Yet, these books will often expose important flaws within society, such as attitudes towards class or race.
If you have a passion for satirical novels, here are some brilliant books to add to your reading list:
Animal Farm by George Orwell is perhaps the most famous satirical book in the world. In this influential novella, Orwell creates an allegory that explores society’s movement toward totalitarianism.
In the book, a group of overworked farm animals overthrows their human master through a rebellion.
These animals hope to create a society of equality. Unfortunately, the rebellion goes awry when the farm falls under the rule of a pig named Napoleon, who soon becomes a dictator.
Through this allegory, Orwell creates a cutting satire that is forever relevant.
It’s worth reading this stunning novel if you enjoy intellectual writing and thought-provoking social commentary.
Pros
Orwell offers unbeatable social commentary and satire.
There is a timeless quality to this book that will ensure that its narrative is forever relevant.
This novella is widely regarded to be a must-read classic.
Cons
The narrative is incredibly brief. Some elements could have been more fleshed out.
Jane Smiley’s Moo is a magnificent novel that tackles academic satire. Specifically, it delves into a dark examination of academic institutions and the American Midwest.
The book is set in a university known as Moo University, or “Moo U”. This is an esteemed agricultural institution.
Moo University is the primary setting of this book, which depicts the lives of several different protagonists through overlapping narratives.
Throughout these interconnected narratives, Smiley takes a satirical look at feminism, academia, and environmentalism. Moo is an extraordinary read if you appreciate slice-of-life narratives.
Pros
Smiley takes a deep look at multiple narratives and characters.
The writing is wonderfully witty.
This is an accurate and comedic depiction of college politics.
Cons
Some of the subplots are more interesting than others.
Up next, Catch-22 is an iconic war novel with a satirical twist from the mind of Joseph Heller. Set during World War II, the narrative focuses on the lives of different characters.
In particular, it highlights the antihero Yossarian, a bombardier who is assigned a deadly mission.
As Yossarian tries to get out of this mission, he finds himself trapped by Catch-22, a rule that will prevent his escape. This rule causes Yossarian and his allies to question their sanity.
Heller’s novel is a masterclass in satire and absurdity that you are bound to love.
Pros
Heller provides a uniquely cynical yet humorous perspective.
Catch-22 offers an engrossing depiction of the military.
Heller handles the absurdist nature of conflict expertly.
Cons
Certain readers may be frustrated by the wackiness of Catch-22.
If you have a passion for dystopian novels, you will find A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess to be a fascinating story. A Clockwork Orange is one of the most influential novels of the 20th century.
This dystopian tale takes place in a nightmarish near future. In the future, the youth have embraced violent tendencies. When darkness falls, the world is run by criminals.
The protagonist of this novel is Alex, a sociopath and criminal. Alex and his delinquent friends set out on a night of chaos.
When Alex is jailed, the authorities use various experiments to reform this rebellious criminal.
A Clockwork Orange is a vivid and striking depiction of themes like violence, ethics, reformation, and free will.
Throughout the narrative, Burgess utilizes evocative language to interrogate these themes. The book satirizes extreme political systems and provides compelling social commentary.
Pros
Alex is an interesting character who perfectly represents this corrupt society.
Burgess fascinatingly uses language. In particular, he has created a slang language used by many of the characters.
A Clockwork Orange raises interesting questions about whether reformation and redemption are truly achievable.
Cons
Though Burgess uses excessive violence to enhance his social commentary, not everyone will enjoy reading about this graphic violence.
American author Paul Beatty is renowned for his biting portrayals of race in America. One of his best books is The Sellout, which takes a comedic yet tragic look at racism. This novel caused Beatty to win the Booker Prize.
The novel centers around an unnamed African-American narrator and his life in the fictional brown of Dickens, California.
The book explores the narrator’s complex relationship with his father, a psychologist who forces him to participate in numerous experiments.
As an adult, the narrator will seemingly do anything to put Dickens back on the map. This includes re-introducing segregation into the town.
Betty offers a wonderful writing style that is laced with comedy. His voice is perfect for this extremely satirical novel.
This is the perfect book for you if you want to read something funny but socially significant, as it raises several important questions about race.
Pros
Beatty creates a page-turning narrative.
This book has sharply used parody and humor to interrogate race relations.
The Sellout will have you laughing out loud.
Cons
The complexity of this satirical novel may make this book a little off-putting for some readers.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
