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All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 1946 is often called one of the greatest political novels in American history. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, it follows the rise and fall of populist politician Willie Stark, a character inspired by real-life Louisiana governor Huey Long. Through vibrant characters and sharp dialogue, Warren explores the seductive nature of power and the moral compromises people make for political gain. Readers today still find its themes—corruption, loyalty, and idealism—shockingly relevant, especially as recent headlines echo stories of politicians brought down by their own ambition. According to the Library of Congress, this book is one of the most checked-out political novels in their collection. Its influence stretches from classrooms to political commentary, with many noting how it eerily predicts cycles in American leadership.
1984 by George Orwell
Though often associated with British politics, Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece has had a seismic impact on American political culture. Since its publication in 1949, “1984” has consistently ranked among the best-selling books during times of political upheaval in the U.S.—especially after the 2016 and 2020 elections, when sales spiked by over 9,500% (according to NPD BookScan). Its chilling vision of surveillance, propaganda, and authoritarianism has become shorthand for fears about government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties. American readers have adopted “Big Brother” and “Orwellian” as part of their everyday vocabulary when discussing politics or privacy concerns.
Advise and Consent by Allen Drury
First published in 1959, “Advise and Consent” won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and set the standard for Washington thrillers. Drury’s novel delves into the Senate confirmation process of a controversial Secretary of State nominee, showing the backroom deals and personal vendettas that drive the highest levels of American government. The book’s realistic depiction of political machinations was praised by real-life senators and political journalists. In fact, a 2022 survey by the U.S. Senate Historical Office still lists this as a recommended read for new staffers. The story’s tension and ethical dilemmas feel as current as today’s confirmation battles.
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
Published in 2004, Roth’s novel imagines an alternate history where aviation hero Charles Lindbergh is elected U.S. president and steers the country toward fascism and anti-Semitism. The story, told through the eyes of a Jewish family in Newark, is hauntingly prescient in light of 21st-century debates over nationalism and the threat of authoritarian leaders. The HBO adaptation in 2020 reignited interest, drawing parallels with rising antisemitic incidents tracked by the Anti-Defamation League. Roth’s work stands as a warning about how easily democracy can be undermined by fear and charismatic leaders.
Primary Colors by Anonymous (Joe Klein)
When “Primary Colors” hit shelves in 1996, everyone wanted to know who wrote this thinly veiled account of Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign. Eventually revealed to be journalist Joe Klein, the novel uses humor, scandal, and sharp observation to dissect the messy, human side of American electoral politics. It strips away the polish of campaign ads to reveal the ego, compromise, and backstabbing behind the scenes. During the 2016 election, political analysts frequently referenced “Primary Colors” to explain the chaos and unpredictability of modern campaigns, highlighting its ongoing relevance.
It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
First published in 1935, this classic imagines an America falling under the rule of a populist demagogue. Lewis’s story feels eerily prophetic given the recent rise of strongman politics worldwide. The novel’s sales surged after the 2016 U.S. election, with bookstores reporting a tenfold increase in demand (according to Publishers Weekly). Its depiction of Americans’ vulnerability to authoritarianism and the slow erosion of democratic norms has made it a staple in political science courses and book clubs alike.
American War by Omar El Akkad
Omar El Akkad’s 2017 novel takes readers into a not-so-distant future where the United States has fractured into a second civil war, this time over climate change. The story, told through the life of a young girl named Sarat, explores the human cost of political division, environmental disaster, and war. Political scientists and climate researchers have praised the novel for making abstract threats feel immediate and personal. In 2023, “American War” was cited by the Climate Reality Project as a must-read for understanding how politics and environmental issues are intertwined.
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 by Hunter S. Thompson
No list of American political novels would be complete without Hunter S. Thompson’s wild, first-person account of the 1972 presidential campaign. Blending fact and fiction, Thompson captures the chaos, cynicism, and absurdity of modern political reporting. His “gonzo journalism” style—immersive, opinionated, and unapologetic—has influenced generations of political writers. During the last two election cycles, journalists have repeatedly referenced Thompson’s work to describe the unpredictability and spectacle of American politics, showing how his legacy endures.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
While not strictly a political novel, Ellison’s 1952 masterpiece delivers a powerful portrayal of race, identity, and social invisibility in America. The protagonist’s journey through a segregated and prejudiced society shines a light on the intersection of politics and personal experience. In 2024, the National Endowment for the Humanities named “Invisible Man” one of the top ten novels for understanding American democracy and civil rights struggles. Its influence stretches across literature, politics, and social movements, making it a cornerstone for anyone seeking to understand how politics shapes and is shaped by race.
The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon
Condon’s 1959 thriller about brainwashing and political assassination became a touchstone for Cold War anxieties. The idea of foreign powers manipulating American elections still resonates today, as shown by ongoing investigations into cyberespionage and election interference. The term “Manchurian Candidate” is now used in newsrooms and political debates to describe suspected subversion or hidden agendas, underscoring how fiction can shape real-life discourse.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Although Atwood is Canadian, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has become a crucial part of the American political imagination since its publication in 1985. The novel’s depiction of a theocratic dictatorship where women lose all rights has fueled debates about reproductive freedom and government overreach. After the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, sales of “The Handmaid’s Tale” doubled (according to Penguin Random House) as activists and commentators drew parallels between fiction and reality. The story’s red robes have become a symbol at protests nationwide.
Native Son by Richard Wright
Published in 1940, “Native Son” is a hard-hitting examination of race, poverty, and the criminal justice system. Wright’s portrayal of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man trapped by systemic racism and fear, forced America to confront its own contradictions. In 2025, the Equal Justice Initiative cited “Native Son” as one of the most influential works for understanding the roots of mass incarceration and racial injustice. Its political spirit lies in its unflinching look at how policy and prejudice shape lives.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
This 1961 satirical novel remains a biting critique of military bureaucracy and the absurdities of war. The term “catch-22” has entered everyday language, describing any no-win situation created by illogical rules—a concept politicians and voters alike encounter all too often. During the 2003 Iraq War and again during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, critics and historians referenced Heller’s work to explain the paradoxes of American foreign policy. The book’s humor and bleakness reflect the confusion many feel about government decision-making.
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change, social collapse, and political extremism, Butler’s 1993 novel follows a young woman who creates a new religion as society crumbles. In 2020, the novel returned to bestseller lists as readers sought to make sense of pandemic, protest, and political polarization. The Center for American Progress recommended “Parable of the Sower” as essential reading for activists, noting its focus on hope, adaptability, and the power of community in the face of chaos.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize, this experimental novel is set in the days after Abraham Lincoln’s son Willie dies. Through a chorus of ghosts, Saunders explores grief, leadership, and the heavy burdens of political office. Historians note that the book’s meditation on Lincoln’s personal struggles during the Civil War offers fresh insight into the emotional realities behind America’s most consequential political decisions. Its unique style and historical resonance have made it popular among readers seeking new perspectives on old challenges.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Whitehead’s 2016 novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal train beneath the soil, blending history and fantasy to tell the story of Cora, a runaway slave. The novel won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and it has been credited with reinvigorating national conversations about race, history, and the legacy of slavery. In 2021, following the opening of new museums dedicated to African American history, “The Underground Railroad” was cited by curators as a key work for understanding the continuing impact of America’s original political sin.
Democracy by Joan Didion
Didion’s 1984 novel dives into the lives of politicians and journalists, exposing the manipulations and compromises that fuel the American system. The novel follows Inez Victor, the wife of a U.S. senator, as she navigates the personal and public spheres of power. Critics have praised Didion’s cool, incisive prose for capturing the performative nature of political life—a theme that feels even more relevant in the social media era when every move is public. Her observations on image, truth, and influence still ring true in today’s media-saturated landscape.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Although often remembered as a coming-of-age story, Harper Lee’s 1960 classic is deeply political. Through the trial of Tom Robinson, Lee confronts issues of race, justice, and moral courage in the American South. In 2024, the American Bar Association called “To Kill a Mockingbird” one of the most important novels for understanding the relationship between law and social change. Its influence endures, with schools, judges, and activists continuing to draw inspiration from its message of standing up to injustice.
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
Winner of the 2016 Man Booker Prize, Paul Beatty’s satirical romp through modern Los Angeles takes on race, class, and American identity with biting humor. The novel’s wild plot and sharp wit highlight the contradictions and absurdities of contemporary politics. Sociologists have cited “The Sellout” in studies on how satire can influence political attitudes, noting that Beatty’s approach encourages readers to question their assumptions and challenge the status quo.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
At first glance, Fitzgerald’s 1925 masterpiece seems more about parties than politics, but its exploration of wealth, class, and the pursuit of the American Dream is deeply political. The novel’s depiction of social stratification and moral decay has inspired countless debates about inequality in American society. In a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, “The Great Gatsby” was named one of the top five novels for understanding the roots of American class anxiety, showing that its political spirit is as alive today as it was a century ago.
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.
