Beyond 1984: The best of ‘What If’ fiction

Editor’s note: George Orwell’s dystopian novel ‘1984’ is perhaps the greatest example of speculative fiction–which proved to be sadly prophetic. The genre has remained as popular as ever—especially with the proliferation of sci-fi flicks and series. But that also means there is plenty of B-list crap out there. Happily, Anannya has a list of guaranteed page-turners—an intriging mix of Indian and international books that blend science fiction and folklore.

Written by: Anannya is an educator, librarian, activist, social justice worker and writer. In her free time, she runs a small book review page called @anyahkuttythings on Instagram where she recommends her favourite books, and writes about her reading experiences.

The lead image: is Salvador Dalí’s painting titled ‘Books to Birds’.

Speculative fiction has always been a genre that dares to ask, "what if?" From alternative realities to dystopian futures, these books push the limits of imagination while offering sharp critiques of society, identity, and power structures. If you're in the mood for fiction that disrupts the norm, here’s a list of unconventional, and boundary-breaking reads. Some of the books below have lived rent-free in my mind ever since I read them.

The Blaft Book of Anti-Caste SF: Blaft Publications’ groundbreaking anthology merges science fiction with Dalit literature. It is a diverse collection of original and translated short stories, comics, and graphic narratives by both renowned and emerging Dalit and Bahujan writers. Some of these authors are Bama, Mimi Mondal, Gautamiputra Kamble, Gogu Shyamala, PA Uthaman, and Sumit Kumar. It is an essential read for those looking to reimagine a world where caste hierarchies are restructured and, in some cases, dismantled altogether.

Analog/Virtual and Other Simulations of Your Future by Lavanya Lakshminarayan: Set in a dystopian future, this collection of interconnected stories reimagines Bangalore. But the city has been rebranded and is ruled by the insidious Bell Corporation—further divided into two distinct groups—an elite technocracy and a struggling underclass. The author's razor-sharp storytelling delivers an eerily plausible critique of a tech-driven world where productivity defines self-worth.

House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds: A space opera spanning millions of years, which follows the journey of Campion and Purslane—two clones of a long-extinct human faction. As they reunite for a rare gathering of their kind, they uncover a devastating conspiracy that threatens their entire existence. Reynolds masterfully blends hard science fiction with deep philosophical questions about identity, memory, and the nature of time itself. This book will be particularly enjoyable for people who love intricate world-building and mind-bending concepts.

Ambiguity Machines and Other Stories by Vandana Singh: Blending hard science fiction with poetic wonder, Singh’s short stories tackle everything from physics to philosophical musings. It celebrates characters who are trying to make sense of the people they meet, what they see, and the challenges they face in this world and others. This one is perfect for fans of Ted Chiang, as it will captivate you with its intellectual and emotional depth. My favourite story is ‘Peripeteia’ which is about how all the laws of the universe seem to get dismantled when you've lost someone you love—and aims to hypothesise the distorted logic of grief.

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin: The writer is known for his dark humor and sharp societal satire. In this book, he merges conspiracy theories, AI paranoia, and absurdist humour into a wild narrative that questions how much of our reality is truly under our control. The story follows an obscure black box—and how anxiety-driven social media theories spin out of control—and are (of course) very far from the truth.

Salt Slow by Julia Armfield: The book is a haunting, feminist collection of surreal horror and speculative fiction. Armfield explores bodies, mapping the skin and bones of her characters through their experiences of isolation, love and revenge. The stories range from a woman’s dead girlfriend returning home to an entire city losing the ability to sleep and bodies becoming something far greater than human.

The City Inside by Samit Basu: This book follows Joey, a ‘Reality Controller’ managing celebrity livestreams in near-future Delhi, and Rudra, a recluse estranged from his wealthy family, living in an immigrant neighborhood. Basu’s cyberpunk-tinged novel paints an India ruled by surveillance and digital influencers. With a gripping political narrative and a cast of morally complex characters, ‘The City Inside’ is a sharp and thrilling take on the consequences of unchecked technology.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone: This unique book is equal parts love story and time-travel war epic. With an epistolary format, it makes for an intimate and poetic read, with rival agents Red and Blue—caught between duty and desire—writing letters across time and space. Nothing more can be said without divulging spoilers, but it is utterly stunning and unforgettable.

Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung: A mix of horror and magical realism, this collection is an unpredictable ride through the social hierarchies of capitalism and patriarchy. The stories feature haunted house themes to surreal thrillers in a well-balanced way—something you are going to absolutely remember on a dark and stormy night.

Don't Be In Love by Liana Cincotti: The author crafts a sharp and glamorous speculative romance that explores ambition, identity, and the cost of keeping secrets. When twenty-one-year-old Adelaide transfers to London’s prestigious Townsen University, she envisions a future filled with new friendships and career-defining opportunities. But her plans take a detour when she strikes a deal with Dorian Blackwood—charming, wealthy, and constantly in the tabloids. Set in a near-future world where social reputation is algorithmically ranked and privacy is a luxury, Adelaide must balance ambition with authenticity, questioning what she’s willing to risk for the life she’s always wanted.