Content Warning: This article includes content about books that feature enslavement, death, rape, suicide, and violence. Please exercise personal care when reading.
Slavery has existed for thousands of years. Across the globe, marginalized groups have been enslaved and oppressed by people in power. There are numerous historical fiction books that weave real-life experiences and timelines into their narratives, but have you ever wondered if slavery has appeared in other genres?
We’ve gathered four books in the fantasy and science fiction genres that contain elements of cruelty and enslavement in worlds unlike our own. Take a look at the list below to find out how characters in alternate realities stand against injustice.
Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
This retelling of the classic tale, Cinderella, follows a sixteen-year-old cyborg named Cinder. In the futuristic city of New Beijing, cyborgs are considered second-class citizens and are living under the tyrannical rule of Queen Levana. Cinder fights against the queen’s oppressive regime. Follow her journey as she finds love and freedom in this dystopian society.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune follows the journey of Paul Atreides. Paul is the son of the Duke of the ruling House Atreides, who has gained control over the desert planet Arrakis. Paul learns about the harsh environment of Arrakis including scorching temperatures, sandstorms, lack of water, and giant sandworms. Although it seems impossible to survive in Arrakis, the Freemen, an oppressed group, chose to live there to avoid persecution and enslavement by the government. After Paul and his mother escape the attack on their home, they find themselves at the mercy of the Fremen.
Kindred by Octavia Butler and Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia Butler, Damian Duffy, John Jennings, et al.
Kindred follows Dana, a black writer in the twentieth century who has been mysteriously transported back in time to 1815. She discovers that she travels back in time to save Rufus, the son of a slave owner, every time he is in danger. When she travels back in time, her plan is to save the lives of the slaves that Rufus’ father owns while also saving her own life. Check out the graphic novel adaptation to experience the urgency of trying to escape the antebellum South.
Planet of the Apes by Paul Boulle
This story takes place on another planet where intelligent apes rule over an inferior race, humans. When a human astronaut, Ulysse Mérou, crashes on this planet, he is captured and studied. The apes are fascinated by his ability to think and speak since the other humans on their planet are primitive and speechless. They test Ulysse’s skills and abilities to see if he is truly a human from another planet or if he is an ape like them. If they determine that Ulysse is an advanced human, then he poses a threat to the hierarchy of their society.
Using slavery as a lens to examine issues of power and morality, with a twist of fantasy and science fiction, will make these books an interesting read.
Sexual Assault
To feel safe at all times is a fundamental human right; let’s work to make this world physically and mentally safe for everyone. We urge you to make the call to seek the help you need if you or a loved one has experienced the devastating effects of Sexual Assault.
Help is available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Suicide and Mental Health
To feel safe at all times is a basic human right; let’s work to make this world physically and mentally safe for everyone.
If you or someone you know is battling with mental health-related distress, we urge you to be kind and hold space for them, and contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (confidential, free, available 24/7/365):
→ Call or text 988
→ Chat at 988lifeline.org
→ Connect with a trained crisis counselor
European RNCE +44 (0)141 331 4180 or www.rcne.com/
List of Hotlines in 46 Countries: https://wave-network.org/list-of-helplines-in-46-countries/
Want to read about activists standing up against injustice? Click here.
Find these books and more on Bookshop.org.
