The Iron Heel by Jack London

I made 2026 a year to read as many classic novels as I can. Jack London, best known for The Call of the Wild, wrote a dystopian novel titled The Iron Heel in 1908. It's chilling to read it today, as so many things in this fictional novel seem all too real.

Avis Everhard meets the man of her dreams at her father's dinner party. At first, she isn't fond of the stranger her dad invites to the "preacher's night" supper. However, his arguments that the men around the table couldn't possibly know or relate to the working class because they're all capitalists caught Avis's attention.

A relationship ensues, and the pair marries. As the working class starts to stand up for their rights and fight for fair treatment, the elite are willing to fight mercilessly to keep those they feel are beneath them under control.

So many of the themes in London's book ring true. Surveillance of those who stand against the people who seem themselves in full power. Military force against those who rise up. Propaganda at every turn. It's scary how real this book seemed the farther I read it. This book was about the 1% treading on the remaining 99%.

It's not the easiest book to read. Frequent footnotes make the story seem choppy. That said, it's a book I feel everyone should read. Learn more about Jack London at his state park's website.