Widely Banned Classic Named Most-Read on Goodreads This Week
Widely Banned Classic Named Most-Read on Goodreads This Week
Devon ForwardSat, April 18, 2026 at 2:06 AM UTC
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A dark dystopian novel often taught in schools officially topped the list of most-read classics this week on the popular reading community site Goodreads. 1984 by George Orwell has been on people's minds lately, with many giving the novel a read in the last week.
The well-known classic novel, which was released in 1949, follows a man named Winston Smith who lives and works in the totalitarian superstate called Oceania that is led by the looming and dictatorial figure known as Big Brother. His followers are The Party, which uses organizations like the Thought Police, the Ministry of Truth, the Ministry of Love, and more to control everyone.
Through made-up terms, the doctoring of history reports, constant surveillance, and more, The Party attempts to dictate what all citizens think and believe so that they are obedient to Big Brother. While Winston appears to be a loyal follower of the state, he starts to have thoughts of rebellion, encountering like-minded people as the ideas spread.
Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel Was Ranked "Darkest Book of All Time" on Goodreads
1984 has been banned many times all over the world for its critical take on totalitarianism and intense nationalism, as well as its critique of censorship and surveillance of citizens, among other things.
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Orwell's book was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, and it was recently banned in Belarus in 2022. 1984 has also been on plenty of banned book lists in various schools throughout the U.S. and beyond.
As for why 1984 is the most-read classic this week, it's possible that current events around the world have people thinking about the book more lately, or 1984 simply continues to be a resilient and topical classic that readers return to again and again over the decades.
Another Orwell book, Animal Farm, was also one of the most-read classics this week, along with The Great Gatsby, The Hobbit, Pride and Prejudice, and more.
Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel Ranked Among Most ‘Disappointing’ Books Ever on Goodreads
This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
