What makes a book controversial? Books become controversial for a variety of reasons. They can challenge societal norms, explore sensitive or taboo subjects, or present viewpoints that oppose prevailing cultural, political, or religious beliefs. The content of a book can be seen as provocative or offensive by some readers, leading to controversy. It can result in public debate, calls for censorship, or even outright bans in some cases.

The term “book” does indeed connote intellectual labour. However, this does not necessarily protect a book from controversy. A book’s philosophical depth and complexity can sometimes be why it becomes controversial. A book presenting challenging ideas or critiques of established beliefs can provoke strong reactions.

People may start hating a work of literature for several reasons. They may disagree with the ideas or values presented in the book or find the content offensive or inappropriate. They may also dislike the book’s writing style or narrative structure. Personal experiences, cultural background, and individual beliefs can also influence how a person reacts to a work of literature. For example, a book that deals with a sensitive topic, such as race or sexuality, may be particularly polarising.

So, fellow book-bugs, below is the list of ten controversial books! Perhaps, but not certainly, these may be on any list of controversial books one may create. Lolita! The Mockingbird… Brave New World… just by the titles, these works develop ripples of intellectual currents in the minds of any ardent reader. You may read these books (if you haven’t already) or use these to hold discussions in your local or online book clubs. All the best! 

1. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: Published in 1955, “Lolita” is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that has been one of the most controversial books of all time. It tells the story of a middle-aged professor, Humbert Humbert, who becomes obsessed with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames Lolita. The book explores themes of paedophilia, obsession, and the loss of innocence. The controversy surrounding the book stems from its subject matter, with critics arguing that it romanticises child sexual abuse. However, others see it as a complex and nuanced portrayal of a deeply flawed character and a critique of American society. Click here to buy from Amazon.
2. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie: “The Satanic Verses,” published in 1988, is a novel by Salman Rushdie that sparked significant controversy and even led to a fatwa calling for his death by the Supreme Leader of Iran. The book is partly based on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and contains elements that some Muslims find blasphemous. The controversy led to protests, book burnings, and even bombings of bookstores that carried the book. Despite the controversy, the book received critical acclaim and is seen by some as an essential exploration of religious fundamentalism and the immigrant experience. THE BOOK IS BANNED IN INDIA!
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Published in 1960, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel by Harper Lee that explores issues of race and injustice in the American South. The book tells the story of a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman and the efforts of a white lawyer, Atticus Finch, to defend him. The book has been praised for its portrayal of racial injustice. Still, it has also been criticised for its use of racial slurs and for perpetuating stereotypes about African Americans. The book’s controversy has led to it being banned in some schools and libraries. Click here – get a copy now.
4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: “The Catcher in the Rye,” published in 1951, is a novel by J.D. Salinger that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been expelled from school and is wandering the streets of New York City. The book deals with alienation, rebellion, and the loss of innocence. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of teenage angst. Still, it has also been criticised for its use of profanity and its perceived promotion of rebellion and nihilism. Buy a copy of this book – click here.
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” published in 1884, is a novel by Mark Twain that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book tells the story of a young boy, Huck Finn, and his journey down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave, Jim. The book has been praised for its portrayal of the hypocrisy of slavery and its critique of racism. However, it has also been criticised for its use of racial slurs and its portrayal of Jim as a stereotype of a black man. You can get a copy here – click to buy from Amazon.
6. 1984 by George Orwell: Published in 1949, 1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book is set in a future world with pervasive government surveillance and control. It has been praised for its insights into the dangers of totalitarianism and for exploring the nature of truth and reality. However, it has also been criticised for its bleak portrayal of the future and its perceived pessimism. Buy it from Amazon – click here.
7. The Color Purple by Alice Walker: “The Color Purple,” published in 1982, is a novel by Alice Walker that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book tells the story of Celie, a young black woman living in rural Georgia in the early 20th century. The book deals with themes of racism, sexism, and violence against women. The book has been praised for its honest portrayal of black women’s lives and its exploration of the intersections of race and gender. However, it has also been criticised for its graphic depictions of violence and its portrayal of black men. Interested? Get a copy now – click here.
8. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: Published in 1932, Brave New World is a dystopian novel by Aldous Huxley that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book is set in a future world where humans are genetically engineered and controlled by a powerful government. The book has been praised for its insights into the dangers of technology and its exploration of the nature of happiness and freedom. However, it has also been criticised for its perceived endorsement of eugenics and its portrayal of a society without individuality. Want to read it? Click here to get a copy now.
9. Ulysses by James Joyce: Published in 1922, Ulysses is a novel by James Joyce that has been both celebrated and controversial. The book is a modernist masterpiece that follows the lives of several characters in Dublin on a single day. It has been praised for its innovative use of language and its exploration of the human condition. However, it has also been criticised for its perceived difficulty and its explicit sexual content. Get this classic now – click here to buy.
10. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Published in 2003, The Da Vinci Code is a novel by Dan Brown that has been both popular and controversial. It is a thriller that follows the adventures of a Harvard symbologist and a French cryptologist as they uncover a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church and the Holy Grail. The book has been praised for its fast-paced plot and exploration of history and religion. However, it has also been criticised for its inaccuracies and portrayal of the Catholic Church. Sounds interesting? Get a copy now!

Well, that was the list! You can buy the books by visiting the links at the end of the introductions for every book on the list. Happy Reading!

Ashish for IBC