Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” first published in 1818, stunned readers with its mix of gothic horror and new scientific ideas. This novel didn’t just introduce the world to Victor Frankenstein and his tragic creature; it essentially invented the science fiction genre as we know it. Shelley’s tale of creation gone wrong explored deep questions about responsibility, loneliness, and what it means to be human. Critics and scholars have long argued that this book started a whole new tradition of “mad scientist” stories, which echo in everything from movies to modern AI debates. Its influence can be seen in works as different as “Blade Runner” and “Jurassic Park.” Shelley’s narrative continues to resonate today, especially as technology lurches into unknown territory. The book remains a touchstone for anyone interested in the blurry borders between science and morality.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” published in 1897, is the blueprint for almost every vampire story that followed. The novel’s epistolary style—letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles—built suspense and gave the supernatural tale a chilling sense of realism. Count Dracula became the ultimate symbol of both danger and allure, influencing everything from “Twilight” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Stoker’s vision reshaped gothic horror by combining old folklore with unsettling modern anxieties. Even today, the name “Dracula” instantly conjures images of mystery, seduction, and fear. The book’s impact is so massive that the vampire genre would be unthinkable without it. Every modern vampire, from Anne Rice’s Lestat to Marvel’s Morbius, owes something to Stoker’s haunting creation.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” released in 1937, brought fantasy out of the shadows and into everyday homes. Before Tolkien, fantasy was often dismissed as childish or unserious, but “The Hobbit” changed that perception forever. The journey of Bilbo Baggins through Middle-earth set a new standard for world-building and adventure. Tolkien’s creation of creatures, languages, and cultures inspired generations of writers—think of the explosion of epic fantasy series since the 1950s. The book’s runaway popularity showed publishers and filmmakers that audiences craved imaginative worlds. Its influence is everywhere, from Harry Potter to Game of Thrones. For many, “The Hobbit” is the gateway drug to fantasy, opening the door to endless wonder.
1984 by George Orwell
George Orwell’s “1984,” published in 1949, did more than scare readers—it forced them to question the world around them. Orwell imagined a future where surveillance, propaganda, and absolute power crushed individuality. Phrases like “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “thoughtcrime” became part of everyday language, reflecting real fears about government control. Since 1949, the book has seen a surge in popularity whenever civil liberties come under threat, highlighting its ongoing relevance. Today, “Orwellian” is a byword for everything from invasive technology to censorship. The novel’s influence stretches across literature, politics, and even pop culture, shaping the way we talk about privacy and freedom.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness,” published in 1969, turned science fiction on its head by exploring gender and identity in ways never seen before. Set on a planet where people can change gender at will, the novel asks, “What if there were no fixed concept of male or female?” Le Guin’s nuanced, thoughtful writing challenged both readers and writers to think differently about society, politics, and humanity itself. The book has been hailed as a milestone in both science fiction and feminist literature, inspiring countless authors to tackle social issues through speculative storytelling. Its legacy is visible in modern conversations about gender diversity and representation. The story’s emotional depth and intellectual daring make it a landmark in the genre.
Watchmen by Alan Moore
Alan Moore’s “Watchmen,” first published as a limited comic series in 1986, shattered expectations of what graphic novels could achieve. Before “Watchmen,” comics were often seen as simple entertainment for kids, but Moore’s complex, morally gray characters changed everything. The story deconstructed superheroes, showing them as flawed, sometimes even monstrous, and asked uncomfortable questions about power and justice. This literary approach inspired a wave of darker, more mature comic storytelling, influencing everything from “The Dark Knight Returns” to modern superhero movies. The book’s visual style and layered narrative have been studied in university courses and adapted into film and television, cementing its place as one of the most important graphic novels ever created.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” released in 1987, took historical fiction to new heights by blending lyrical prose with raw, supernatural horror. The novel tells the story of Sethe, a woman haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter and the trauma of slavery. Morrison’s unflinching look at memory, pain, and love set a new standard for literature about America’s past. The book won the Pulitzer Prize and is often cited as one of the greatest American novels ever written. Its poetic style and emotional honesty broke new ground, forcing readers to confront the lasting scars of history. “Beloved” remains a powerful reminder of how fiction can give voice to those silenced by history.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” published in 1966, didn’t just tell a true story—it invented a new kind of storytelling. Capote spent years researching the real-life murder of the Clutter family, blending journalistic detail with the suspense and style of a novel. This approach, sometimes called the “nonfiction novel,” became the blueprint for the true crime genre. “In Cold Blood” captivated readers and critics, showing that real events could be just as gripping as fiction. Today, true crime is a booming industry, from podcasts to Netflix series, all tracing their roots back to Capote’s groundbreaking book. Its influence can be seen in every major true crime bestseller that followed.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” published in 1960, gave the Southern Gothic genre a fresh, innocent voice. Told through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the novel tackled tough issues like racism and injustice with clarity and compassion. Lee’s choice to use a child’s perspective made the story’s moral lessons even more powerful, allowing readers to see the world’s cruelty and kindness side by side. The book won the Pulitzer Prize and became a staple in schools across the United States. Its enduring popularity speaks to its deep emotional impact and its ability to spark conversations about empathy and justice, even decades after its release.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five,” published in 1969, broke every rule about how a war story should be told. Mixing science fiction, satire, and autobiography, Vonnegut followed Billy Pilgrim as he bounced through time and space, witnessing the horrors of World War II and the bombing of Dresden. The book’s nonlinear structure and dark, absurd humor made it a cult classic and a staple of postmodern literature. “So it goes,” the book’s refrain, became a catchphrase for a generation disillusioned by war. Vonnegut’s blend of the tragic and the surreal inspired countless writers to experiment with structure and voice, making “Slaughterhouse-Five” a model for storytelling without boundaries.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” published in 2006, stripped post-apocalyptic fiction down to its barest essentials. The story of a father and son trudging through a devastated landscape is told in sparse, haunting prose. McCarthy’s minimalist style and focus on the bond between the characters gave the book a raw emotional power that set it apart from other disaster stories. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize and became a touchstone for anyone exploring themes of survival and hope in the face of despair. Its bleak beauty has inspired filmmakers, writers, and even game designers to rethink how they tell stories about the end of the world.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho,” released in 1991, shocked readers with its brutal satire of yuppie culture and its unflinching violence. The novel follows Patrick Bateman, a successful Wall Street banker who is also a monstrous killer. Ellis’s chilling blend of horror, dark comedy, and social commentary pushed the psychological thriller genre into new territory. The book sparked huge controversy and debate about its depiction of violence and consumerism, but its influence on literature and film is undeniable. “American Psycho” forced readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, morality, and the dark side of the American dream, making it a landmark in modern fiction.
Neuromancer by William Gibson
William Gibson’s “Neuromancer,” published in 1984, launched the cyberpunk movement and predicted much of our digital future. The novel follows a washed-up hacker named Case as he navigates a world of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cybercrime. Gibson’s vision of “cyberspace” was so original that it became the foundation for how we talk about the internet and digital culture today. “Neuromancer” won the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick awards, and shaped everything from “The Matrix” to modern tech culture. Its gritty, neon-lit world is still the template for cyberpunk stories, making it one of the most influential sci-fi novels ever written.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose,” released in 1980, took historical fiction in a bold new direction by blending it with detective mystery and philosophical puzzles. The story, set in a medieval monastery, follows Brother William of Baskerville as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths. Eco’s intricate plot weaves together themes of faith, knowledge, and power, inviting readers to ponder the nature of truth itself. The novel’s mix of highbrow ideas and suspenseful storytelling made it a worldwide bestseller. Its success paved the way for more ambitious, intellectually challenging historical novels, and it remains a favorite for fans of both mysteries and literary fiction.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” published in 1813, set the standard for romantic fiction and sharp social commentary. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s unlikely romance captured readers’ hearts with its wit and realism. Austen’s keen observations on class, marriage, and gender roles made the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking. Over two centuries later, “Pride and Prejudice” continues to inspire countless adaptations, from modern retellings to movies and TV series. The book’s influence is so widespread that it has shaped not just romantic fiction, but the way we talk about love and society itself.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” published in 1985, blurred the boundaries between speculative fiction and feminist literature. Set in a chilling, theocratic future where women have lost their rights, the novel follows Offred, a handmaid forced into reproductive servitude. Atwood’s powerful vision resonated with readers and critics, especially as real-world debates about women’s rights heated up. The story’s themes of autonomy, resistance, and survival struck a nerve, leading to a major TV adaptation that brought the novel new waves of attention. “The Handmaid’s Tale” remains a rallying point for discussions about gender, power, and freedom.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Mark Z. Danielewski’s “House of Leaves,” released in 2000, took horror fiction in a totally new direction with its experimental narrative structure. The book tells the story of a family whose house contains an impossible, ever-changing labyrinth, but the real terror comes from the way the story is told—with footnotes, strange layouts, and multiple narrators. This unconventional format draws readers into a maze of fear and uncertainty, making the reading experience itself part of the horror. “House of Leaves” has influenced a generation of writers and artists to play with form and structure, proving that the way a story is told can be just as unsettling as the story itself.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita,” published in 1955, shocked and fascinated the literary world with its controversial subject matter and poetic language. The novel, told from the perspective of the unreliable and deeply flawed Humbert Humbert, explores obsession, manipulation, and the blurry line between victim and villain. Nabokov’s dazzling prose and dark humor forced readers to confront uncomfortable questions about morality and desire. “Lolita” has inspired fierce debate and countless scholarly studies, changing the way taboo topics and unreliable narration are handled in literature. Its impact lingers in modern discussions about narrative voice and the power of storytelling.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
