The Scarlet Maid, 1984 or even Fahrenheit 451 they are the best-selling books, particularly on Amazon in the United States, since Donald Trump’s re-election.
Would Donald Trump’s victory inspire fascism, repression or mass surveillance? This is what the thousands of Americans who in recent days have rushed to buy dystopian books seem to think. This literary genre, in fact, is very successful in sales on Amazon, he reports Associated press .
At Barnes & Noble, “Fiction and non-fiction books dealing with fascism, feminism, dystopian worlds, and politics of both the right and left have skyrocketed in our sales charts with the election results”also informs Shannon DeVito, director of books for the chain. This phenomenon had already been observed during the first election of the Republican billionaire.
Among the most popular works, The Scarlet Maid by Margaret Atwood, published in 1985. This book, adapted into films and series, is one of the great classics of the genre. It describes a society where women are repressed by the dictatorial regime in place. Most of them are sterile, but those who can still give birth, the Handmaids, are reduced to the rank of sex slaves.
Guide to Resistance
George Orwell‘s dark, futuristic story 1984it is also very popular. The book tells how human beings are monitored day and night by Big Brother, the dictator who benefits from a cult of personality, imposed by the Thought Police. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, which describes a world where books are banned and must be burned, was also among Amazon’s best sellers last Thursday.
A latest book, published more recently, in 2017, is also selling very well: On Tyranny, Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Centuryby Timothy Snyder. Written the day after Trump’s first election, “this work presents itself as a guide to resistance, offering Americans – but also Europe – a short catalog of ideas to preserve freedoms in the years to come”summarizes Gallimard, the book’s publisher.
Trump’s election also boosted sales of books favorable to him. The memoirs of his wife Melania Trump Melaniahave enjoyed undeniable success. The new president had also promoted it during the election campaign and during his speech on election day. The book sales of his right-hand man and vice president, J.D. Vance, Mountain elegy – which tells the story of the poor, white America he comes from – are moving forward quickly.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Literary Expert Dr. Emily Carter
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Carter! It’s great to have you with us today. With current events leading to a surge in the popularity of dystopian literature, can you explain why titles like The Scarlet Maid, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451 are flying off the shelves, especially following Donald Trump’s re-election?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s indeed fascinating. The resurgence in interest for dystopian novels parallels contemporary societal anxieties. After Trump’s victory, many Americans seem to turn to these narratives, perhaps as a form of both coping and caution. These books encapsulate fears around authoritarianism, repression, and surveillance, themes that feel increasingly relevant in today’s political climate.
Editor: Interesting! So, do you think people are reading these books as a way to interpret their realities or as a form of escapism?
Dr. Carter: It might be a blend of both. On one hand, readers are certainly seeking insights into the political dynamics of our times. On the other hand, dystopian literature provides an escape; once you immerse yourself in these vividly imagined worlds, the struggles of the characters become a reflection of our own fears, allowing readers to confront them more safely.
Editor: Shannon DeVito from Barnes & Noble mentioned that there’s been a spike in sales for books focusing on fascism, feminism, and political landscapes—this connects back to the thematic elements in these dystopian novels. How do these themes connect with contemporary discussions about women’s rights and societal control?
Dr. Carter: That’s a critical observation. Books like The Scarlet Maid explore oppressive systems that directly affect women’s rights. They resonate deeply amid ongoing debates about reproductive rights and gender equality, especially in a landscape that many perceive as increasingly hostile. The portrayal of women in these narratives serves as a powerful warning about what can happen when societal structures tilt towards control and repression.
Editor: You mentioned The Scarlet Maid specifically. Why do you think Margaret Atwood’s work continues to engage readers so profoundly, particularly now?
Dr. Carter: Atwood’s narrative skill, combined with the book’s chilling plausibility, makes The Scarlet Maid a lasting piece of literature. As she weaves themes of patriarchal control and dystopian reality, readers are prompted to draw comparisons to their own world. It’s a masterclass in how fiction can influence perceptions of current social issues—combining rich character development with a society that feels alarmingly tangible today.
Editor: What role do you think book trends like this play in shaping public discourse or even activism?
Dr. Carter: Literature has an incredible capacity to inspire action and provoke thought. Trends like this often serve to unite people around shared concerns, encouraging dialogue about pressing societal issues. When readers encounter these narratives, they may feel empowered to advocate for change, whether that be through participating in discussions, joining organizations, or raising awareness on social media. It’s remarkable how fiction can serve as a catalyst for real-life activism.
Editor: Dr. Carter, if someone is new to this genre, what advice would you give them on how to approach these dystopian classics?
Dr. Carter: I’d suggest approaching these novels with an open mind and a willingness to engage critically with the themes presented. Take the time to reflect on the parallels between the novel and contemporary society. Engaging in discussions, perhaps through book clubs or online forums, can also enrich the reading experience. Lastly, remember that these stories, while often bleak, also highlight resilience and the fight for freedom, offering a broader understanding of human nature itself.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter! Your insights are incredibly valuable as we navigate both literature and the complexities of our realities.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the profound impact literature can have on society.
