25 Controversial Novels That Changed Society Forever

1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Few books have captured the angst of adolescence like The Catcher in the Rye. Published in 1951, it was immediately both celebrated and condemned for its candid language and themes of teenage rebellion. Parents and school officials protested its inclusion in classrooms, with the American Library Association reporting it as one of the most frequently challenged books of the 20th century. Holden Caulfield’s frank observations about “phoniness” in society resonated with young readers but alarmed adults, who feared its influence. In fact, according to PEN America, this novel has been banned or challenged in over 70 different instances across the United States. Despite the controversy, it continues to sell more than 250,000 copies each year, a testament to its lasting impact. Today, it’s considered a classic, but the debates around it helped spark larger conversations about censorship and youth agency.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, released in 1960, tackled the topic of racial injustice in the American South. Its portrayal of Atticus Finch standing up for a Black man falsely accused of rape struck a nerve in a country still wrestling with segregation. The book has faced bans for its use of racial slurs and portrayal of sensitive social themes; in 2022, it was temporarily removed from some school curriculums in Texas and Pennsylvania. According to the American Library Association, it remains among the top 100 most challenged books. Despite challenges, it’s assigned in over 70% of U.S. high schools, illustrating its continued educational importance. The story fosters empathy and a critical look at systemic racism, sparking debates that continue amid ongoing racial tensions. Its influence is so strong that it still figures in discussions about curriculum reform and historical representation.

3. 1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece, published in 1949, has never stopped causing a stir. The chilling depiction of government surveillance and loss of individuality has made it a touchstone in debates about state power and personal freedom. During the Cold War, it was banned in the USSR, and more recently, it has been challenged in U.S. schools for its political themes. In 2017, the novel saw a 9,500% increase in sales on Amazon following concerns about “alternative facts” in American politics, according to NPD BookScan. Its phrases like “Big Brother” and “thoughtcrime” have entered everyday language. The book’s ongoing relevance is underscored by frequent references in media whenever privacy or governmental overreach makes headlines. The controversy it provokes continues to reflect society’s anxieties about authority and truth.

4. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita’s release in 1955 sparked immediate outrage due to its exploration of taboo themes involving a relationship between an adult and a minor. The novel was banned in France, England, Argentina, and New Zealand upon publication. In the U.S., it was initially rejected by multiple publishers, but soon after, it sold millions of copies globally. According to The Guardian, the novel has been translated into over 40 languages and sells about 50,000 copies annually worldwide. Its literary merit is indisputable, yet its subject matter continues to ignite debate in literary circles and beyond. In 2024, renewed discussions emerged over its presence in public and school libraries, with parents in several states petitioning for its removal. The book continues to challenge the line between art and morality.

5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley’s vision of a sterile, pleasure-driven future society has been controversial since its publication in 1932. It has faced bans and challenges for its portrayal of drug use, promiscuity, and anti-religious sentiments. In 2023, it was removed from school reading lists in several U.S. districts due to parental complaints. Despite this, the novel appears on TIME’s list of the 100 best English-language novels since 1923 and remains a foundational text for discussions about bioethics and free will. According to a 2024 survey by the National Council of Teachers of English, it is still taught in 35% of high school literature courses. Its predictions about genetic engineering and social control feel increasingly timely, fueling both fascination and fear.

6. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Published in 1982, Alice Walker’s novel broke barriers by giving voice to Black women in the rural South. Its raw depictions of abuse, sexuality, and resilience led to frequent bans; the American Library Association listed it as the 17th most challenged book between 1990 and 2000. The novel has sold over 5 million copies and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, but its explicit content remains a flashpoint in school districts. In 2023, Florida schools faced lawsuits from parents demanding its removal from libraries. Yet, its influence on intersectional feminism and representation of marginalized communities is undeniable. The story’s power has also inspired adaptations in film and theater, widening its societal impact.

7. Ulysses by James Joyce

When Ulysses was first published in 1922, it was banned in the United States and England for alleged obscenity. Judicial battles, including a landmark 1933 U.S. court decision, eventually cleared the way for its publication. The novel’s stream-of-consciousness style and frank depiction of sexuality were unprecedented and controversial. Today, it’s considered a modernist masterpiece, but its dense, experimental prose still divides critics and readers. According to the Modern Library, Ulysses is often ranked as the greatest English-language novel of the 20th century. Its journey from banned book to literary triumph reflects changing attitudes toward art and censorship. Annual “Bloomsday” celebrations in Dublin show its enduring cultural presence.

8. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie’s 1988 novel ignited a firestorm of controversy that reached far beyond literature. Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death, sparking protests, book burnings, and violence. The book was banned in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and several other countries. According to Amnesty International, the controversy resulted in attacks on translators and publishers, with at least one fatality. Rushdie spent years in hiding, and even in 2022, he survived an assassination attempt. Sales of the book surged after the attacks, and discussions about free speech and religious sensitivities intensified globally. The ripple effects of its publication are still felt in debates about blasphemy and artistic freedom.

9. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

This 1991 novel shocked readers with its graphic violence and satirical take on 1980s consumer culture. Several countries, including Australia and Germany, restricted its sale to adults or required booksellers to keep it behind the counter. The New York Times reported that the book’s publisher received death threats upon its release. Despite the uproar, American Psycho became a cult classic, leading to a successful film adaptation. In 2024, it was again the subject of debate after being cited in discussions about the influence of violent media on young people. Its critique of materialism and moral emptiness remains uncomfortably relevant, sparking both fascination and disgust.

10. Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence

First published privately in 1928, Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned for decades in the U.K. and U.S. for its explicit sexual content. The 1960 British obscenity trial over its publication was a watershed moment; Penguin Books won, selling over 2 million copies in the following year. The trial is seen as a turning point in the liberalization of publishing and attitudes toward sexuality. According to the British Library, the case inspired new debates about censorship and freedom of expression that continue today. The novel’s frank treatment of sexuality and class remains provocative, illustrating the shifting boundaries of societal norms.

11. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s 1939 novel about Dust Bowl migrants faced immediate backlash from politicians and business interests. It was banned and burned in several California counties for its portrayal of poverty, labor struggles, and corporate greed. The New York Public Library reports that the book has sold over 14 million copies worldwide. Its influence on American social policy is still debated, as it helped highlight the plight of migrant workers and inspire reforms. In 2024, the novel was cited by activists drawing parallels between Dust Bowl refugees and today’s climate migrants. The controversy it triggered continues to shape conversations about economic justice.

12. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Published in 1936, Gone with the Wind has been both celebrated for its epic storytelling and criticized for its romanticized depiction of the antebellum South and slavery. The novel has sold over 30 million copies, according to the Atlanta History Center. In the 2020s, renewed scrutiny of its racial portrayals led to its removal from some school reading lists and public displays. The book’s influence on American culture is immense, but its legacy is complicated by ongoing debates about historical accuracy and representation. The film adaptation has also been the subject of controversies, especially following the Black Lives Matter movement.

13. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel about life inside a psychiatric hospital was banned for its language, themes of rebellion, and portrayal of mental health institutions. The American Library Association notes that it was one of the most challenged books of the 1970s and 1980s. Its impact was amplified by the Oscar-winning film adaptation in 1975. In 2023, advocates for mental health reform referenced the novel in campaigns to destigmatize psychiatric care. The book’s critique of authority and celebration of individuality continue to resonate with new generations. Its role in shaping perceptions of mental health and institutional power remains significant.

14. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Since its publication in 1985, Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision of a theocratic America has been both praised and challenged. The American Library Association lists it among the top 100 most challenged books of the last decade, with parents objecting to its sexual content and political themes. In 2022, the novel’s popularity surged again after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, with sales increasing by 200% according to Publishers Weekly. The story’s depiction of women’s rights under threat has made it a symbol in protests and social movements. Its ongoing relevance is a testament to its power to provoke thought and action.

15. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved, published in 1987, explores the trauma of slavery and its aftermath through the haunting story of Sethe. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize but has been frequently challenged for its graphic depictions of violence and sexual abuse. In 2022, parents in Virginia and Texas demanded its removal from high school curriculums, leading to heated public debates. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, Beloved is still widely taught in universities and cited in academic research on race and memory. The controversy has only heightened its status as a vital exploration of American history and identity.

16. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

Banned in the U.S. for nearly three decades, Tropic of Cancer was finally legalized after a 1964 Supreme Court ruling. Its candid descriptions of sex and existential despair made it notorious. The book’s publication history is a case study in the shifting boundaries of literary acceptability. According to the Library of Congress, the legal battles over Miller’s work helped pave the way for greater freedom of expression in literature. The novel remains a lightning rod for debates about obscenity and artistic merit. Its influence can be traced in the work of later writers who pushed boundaries even further.

17. Native Son by Richard Wright

Published in 1940, Native Son was groundbreaking for its unflinching examination of race, poverty, and violence in America. The novel was banned in several states for its graphic content and perceived endorsement of radical ideas. According to the National Book Foundation, its influence on discussions of systemic racism is profound. The book has been adapted for stage and screen multiple times, each adaptation reigniting controversy. In 2023, it was at the center of debates about the inclusion of challenging material in high school curricula. Its impact on both literature and social awareness is still felt.

18. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

A Clockwork Orange’s violent themes and invented slang made it infamous when it was published in 1962. In the U.K., the film adaptation was withdrawn from circulation after being linked—without concrete evidence—to copycat crimes. The novel has been banned or restricted in several countries, including the U.S. and South Africa. In 2024, it was referenced in debates about youth violence and media responsibility. The book’s exploration of free will and societal control continues to provoke debate in academic and cultural circles. Its legacy is inseparable from the controversies it generated.

19. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Vonnegut’s satirical anti-war novel has been challenged for its profanity, depiction of sex, and anti-authoritarian stance since its 1969 publication. It was banned in schools across the U.S., with the American Library Association documenting dozens of challenges from the 1970s to today. In 2022, it was removed from reading lists in several Tennessee schools, sparking protests from free speech advocates. The novel’s dark humor and unconventional structure have inspired countless writers. Its critique of war and conformity remains as potent as ever, especially in times of global conflict.

20. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s classic, published in 1884, has been called both a cornerstone of American literature and a lightning rod for controversy. Its use of racial slurs and depiction of slavery have led to calls for its removal from classrooms as recently as 2023. According to the American Library Association, it is one of the most frequently challenged books of all time. Despite this, scholars argue that its anti-racist message and portrayal of moral growth are crucial contributions to American culture. The debates around the novel highlight evolving conversations about language, history, and education.

21. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s debut novel, published in 1970, confronts issues of race, beauty, and trauma through the story of Pecola Breedlove. The book has faced bans for its explicit depictions of abuse, with challenges increasing in the 2020s. In 2022, it was among the most challenged books in U.S. schools, according to the American Library Association. Despite controversy, The Bluest Eye is widely praised for its emotional depth and social critique. Its inclusion in curricula often sparks passionate debates about the role of challenging literature in education. The novel’s impact on conversations about race and self-image is profound.

22. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Heller’s darkly comic novel about the absurdity of war was published in 1961 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The book’s satirical tone and depiction of military bureaucracy led to censorship in several countries, including Italy and the U.S. In 2023, it was referenced in discussions about whistleblower protections and government transparency. The phrase “catch-22” has entered the lexicon to describe no-win situations. The novel’s influence is evident in everything from political commentary to television. Its legacy is tied to the ongoing debate about authority and individual agency.

23. The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall

Published in 1928, The Well of Loneliness is often cited as the first openly lesbian novel in English. It was banned in the U.K. and faced obscenity trials in the U.S. The book’s depiction of same-sex love challenged prevailing social norms and sparked heated public debate. In 2024, the novel was included in Pride Month celebrations and academic discussions about LGBTQ+ history. According to the British Library, its publication was a landmark moment for queer representation. The controversy over its content helped advance conversations about acceptance and rights for sexual minorities.

24. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury’s 1953 novel about book burning and censorship has itself been banned and challenged repeatedly. The irony is not lost on readers or educators, with the American Library Association placing it among the most challenged classic novels. In 2023, the book was used in campaigns promoting intellectual freedom and opposing book bans in several U.S. states. Its warnings about the dangers of censorship and anti-intellectualism remain relevant, especially as book challenges increase nationwide. The novel’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power as a defense of free thought.

25. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel, published in 1963, delves into the struggles of mental illness and societal expectations for women. It has faced bans for its depiction of suicide and sexuality, with renewed challenges in schools as recently as 2022. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the book is widely cited in mental health advocacy and education. The Bell Jar’s impact is felt in literature, psychology, and feminist movements. Its unflinching honesty continues to inspire debate and empathy, making it a fixture in discussions about mental health awareness.