Dear Readers,
In the latest Sincerely Doubt That... blog post, let's explore the history of book bans, the political agendas behind them, and some of the most notable examples from around the world. Spoiler alert: I stand firmly against book bans. When a political party or organized religion deems a book offensive or inappropriate, it is often disguised as protecting children, preventing violence, or preserving social norms. Under such justifications, many—if not all—great works of literature could be banned. When politics and religion dictate what we can read, the standards are far from objective. In contrast, open discussions about controversial texts can educate readers and encourage thoughtful engagement and critical thinking in society.
Regarding my own reading journey, I remember that my first book was the Grimm’s Fairy Tales gifted to me by my uncle. At the end of every school year, my mom took me to the bookstore to pick out summer reading materials, and those are some of my fondest memories with her. In high school my teacher told the class that this was the perfect time to read as much as we can as going into our respective fields will require reading of a specific subject leaving little room to read for pleasure. I really looked up to him and tried to live by his advice, so I spent the next four years soaking in the classics. I consider myself really lucky because my uncles have a great library from which I could choose fantastic books to read. Knowledge in my family is valued as a powerful tool to navigate life and while my reading materials were never censored, my uncles safeguarded my reading experiences by suggesting books that they deemed appropriate to my age and interests. I am a huge fan of Russian literature, - given the shared history as part of the communist bloc - it was easy to empathise with the characters’ struggles. I was mesmerised by Salman Rushdie and among many, Midnight’s Children brought me to my knees thinking how could a human write something so fantastic and meaningful. This book was amongst the many that made me understand what it means to stand the test of time. I was in love with Milan Kundera and Hrabal’s I served the King of England. I definitely had a J.D. Salinger, Bret Easton Ellis phase and I couldn't put down Irwin Shaw’s The Young Lions. After reading Choderlos de Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons at 17, I spent a month writing love letters in its ornate style, completely enthralled by the language and intrigue. I didn't think I could enjoy the horror genre until I read Koushun Takami’s Battle Royale, and boy, I was wrong. I never laughed harder on public transport than when I was reading Émile Ajar’s The Life Before Us, and couldn't stop crying while reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Hosseini to the point where I was asked if everything was okay.
As you can tell by now, books are an essential part of my life. In fact, they are my most prized possessions. I began with fairy tales to strengthen my vocabulary, which also helped develop a healthy imagination. It would be hard to deny that books had an impact on me and in many ways shaped and formed my views, while playing a great part in my character development. My takeaway is that every life is extraordinary because we humans are extraordinary by default. And of course what defines us- and sadly, divides us- is our perception of the world and our place in it.
I consider myself privileged to acquaint myself with powerful female characters who are neither saints nor prostitutes, because these are not the only two options for a woman to be. And while literature lacks the portrayal of complex Roma characters, reducing them to stereotypes if mentioned at all, I have a hunch that this will change in my lifetime.
History of Book Bans and Book Burning
In medieval times, book banning was a powerful tool used by religious and political authorities to control knowledge and maintain social order. By restricting access to certain texts, leaders sought to suppress dissenting ideas, protect religious orthodoxy, and prevent challenges to their power. Books deemed heretical or politically dangerous were often destroyed or suppressed to limit their influence. This practice not only shaped intellectual thought but also reinforced the authority of those in power, highlighting the significant role of censorship in medieval society.
Between 259 and 210 B.C., the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang allegedly ordered the live burial of 460 Confucian scholars to assert control over historical narratives. In 212 B.C., he decreed the burning of all books throughout his empire, preserving only one copy of each in the Royal Library—copies that were ultimately lost before his death. By erasing past records, he sought to establish himself as the starting point of history.
Between 1497 and 1498, the Florentine preacher Girolamo Savonarola, known for his religious fanaticism, had led the infamous “Bonfires of the Vanities,” where books, paintings, and artworks by renowned Florentine artists were publicly burned. He even convinced artists to sacrifice their own creations, including nude sketches, to the flames. Poets abandoned verse, believing it to be sinful, while popular songs were condemned—some rewritten with religious lyrics. However, in a twist of fate, Savonarola himself faced execution in May 1498. He was hanged and burned at the stake, along with his writings.
In 1559, Pope Paul IV formalised centuries of book bans by establishing the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, an official list of books prohibited for Roman Catholics. While the Church had previously condemned certain texts, this marked the first structured and authoritative compilation of banned literature. For over four centuries, the Index served as one of the most influential censorship mechanisms, aiming to prevent the spread of heretical, immoral, or anti-clerical ideas. It targeted works by philosophers, scientists, and theologians, including Galileo Galilei and Voltaire. Though revised multiple times, the Index remained in effect until it was officially abolished in 1966 by Pope Paul VI.
In 1624, Pope Urban VIII ordered the burning of Martin Luther's German translation of the Bible in Germany
In 1843, the English Parliament revised a law mandating that all plays performed in England be reviewed and approved by the Lord Chamberlain. Although notable figures like George Bernard Shaw opposed this rule in 1909, the Lord Chamberlain retained this authority until 1968.
In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, introducing the theory of evolution. Despite Darwin having studied there, Trinity College, Cambridge, prohibited the book from its library. In 1925, Tennessee outlawed the teaching of evolution in schools, and the ban lasted until 1967. The book also faced bans in Yugoslavia in 1935 and Greece in 1937.
In 1885, a year after Huckleberry Finn was published, the library in Concord, Massachusetts, chose to remove it from its collection. The committee justified the decision by stating that the book was “rough, coarse and inelegant, dealing with a series of experiences not elevating, the whole book being more suited to the slums than to intelligent, respectable people.” By 1907, it was reported that Twain’s novel was banned from at least one library each year, largely due to concerns that its protagonist set a poor example for young readers.
Between 1929 and 1962, several of Ernest Hemingway’s novels faced bans in countries such as Italy, Ireland, and Germany. In California, The Sun Also Rises was removed from schools in San Jose in 1960, and all of Hemingway’s books were taken out of Riverside school libraries. By 1962, the group Texans for America protested against textbooks that directed students to the acclaimed Nobel Prize-winning writer’s works.
In 1933, the Nazi regime carried out large-scale book burnings across Germany, destroying thousands of works by Jewish authors, communists, and other targeted groups. Among the writers whose books were burned were John Dos Passos, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Ernest Hemingway, Helen Keller, Lenin, Jack London, Thomas Mann, Karl Marx, Erich Maria Remarque, Upton Sinclair, Joseph Stalin, and Leon Trotsky.
So who gets to decide what is considered 'normal' or 'trending'? Historically, the power to censor, ban, or even burn books has often rested with rulers and religious authorities. Those in power typically enforce what aligns with their own agendas. For instance, in the 1600s, Galileo’s support of Copernicus' heliocentric theory clashed with the Catholic Church's geocentric view, which placed the Earth at the center of the universe. The Church condemned Galileo for heresy, and under threat, he was forced to publicly renounce his scientific findings. Examining these historical examples highlights why book banning is a relic of the past— a medieval practice with no place in today’s society, where critical thinking and informed discussions should always outweigh the right-wing book bans wrapped in a conservative agenda.
Book Bans in Politics
When discussing book bans in modern politics, it’s crucial to recognize the differences between conservative and progressive politicians. A common progressive stance is that school curricula should be updated to include diverse authors from various backgrounds, helping to reduce stereotypes and broaden students’ understanding of different cultures, genders, and identities. Progressives argue that incorporating diverse perspectives fosters empathy, critical thinking, and social justice, equipping students with the tools to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. While these efforts are valuable, it is also important to ensure that the drive for political correctness does not lead to rewriting history or suppressing uncomfortable but factual aspects of the past. Striking a balance between inclusivity and historical accuracy is crucial for maintaining intellectual honesty in education.
In contrast, conservative politicians often justify book bans as a means of protecting children from material they deem inappropriate or morally objectionable. They argue that certain topics—such as race, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ issues—are too complex or controversial for young students and may undermine traditional values. Conservatives emphasize the importance of preserving what they view as family values, often framing their position around the idea of "protecting children" from ideas they believe are harmful or divisive
A recently published Guardian article revealed that the majority of books banned in U.S. public schools during the 2023-24 school year focused on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups, as reported by PEN America*. There were over 10,000 instances of book bans, marking a sharp increase from the previous year, largely due to new censorship laws in Republican-led states.
Out of the 4,218 books banned, 1,534—about 36%—featured people of color, making them the most targeted group. Some of the removed titles included August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fences and A is for Activist, a children's picture book by Innosanto Nagara. The study found that books with people of color were disproportionately banned, especially in historical and biographical categories. Of the books banned in those categories, 44% featured people of color, and 26% specifically focused on Black individuals.
The continued trend of book bans coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in U.S. public schools and universities. Trump’s executive order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” aims to revoke federal funding from schools that incorporate what the administration refers to as “gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.” The order employs language and policy frameworks that closely mimic state laws in conservative-led regions, which seek to control how topics such as race, gender, and American history are taught in classrooms.
The order states, “Imprinting anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies on our Nation’s children not only violates long-standing anti-discrimination civil rights law in many cases, but usurps basic parental authority.”
And Trump is not the only one with his right-wing book ban culture war. In Hungary, the Orban-regime 2021 Child Protection law prohibits the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors, leading to strict regulations on related literature. Bookstores are now required to place such books in closed plastic wrapping, restricting customers' ability to browse them before purchase. Additionally, these books cannot be sold within 200 meters of schools and churches.
What happens if we ban books with LGBTQI+ topics and prohibit discussions in schools? What happens in society when we project hatred and exclusion toward targeted groups? You don’t have to be a child psychologist to know the answer—just apply basic common sense, and maybe a dash of empathy if you can muster it. Young people who seek connection and a sense of belonging might feel isolated and stigmatized, which can lead to identity development issues, such as internalised hatred. The rest of us will become more ignorant, more discriminatory, and, as a result, lesser than. On the not-so-bright side, we’ll be left repeating the outdated racist mantra: “I know a gay person,” “I know a Gypsy,” “I know a woman,” “I know a Jew,” “I know a Black person,” “I know an Asian,” and continue to vote for right-wing parties that violate the basic human rights of anyone who is different. And that my friends is a bleak future for all of us.
The conservative agenda thrives on making us believe that they want to preserve family values while offering an enemy on a silver platter—anyone who is not you, who holds different beliefs, or who has a different sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic background. If preserving something results in people being stigmatised and suffering identity issues, there is no good reason to preserve it.
Weirdest book bans from around the world.
I compiled a short list of banned or censored books that I have personally read, so my opposition is based on my own views.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is more than a beast fable—it’s a sharp critique of authoritarian rule. This allegorical novella, which exposes the dangers of totalitarianism, has been banned in multiple countries for its political themes. The Soviet Union prohibited it for its criticism of Stalin, while China and Cuba restricted it due to its anti-communist message. In the United Arab Emirates, the book was banned for depicting talking animals, which clashed with cultural values. Even in democratic countries, Animal Farm has faced occasional school bans for its controversial themes.
Though Animal Farm has faced censorship, its message about power, corruption, and resistance remains as relevant as ever. The allegory is timeless: when politicians prioritize their own interests over the public good, they mirror the pigs in Orwell’s story—manipulating truth, consolidating power, and betraying those they claim to serve, all while dressing nicely.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series set in the magical world of Hogwarts, had faced significant opposition from parents and school boards across both Europe and North America. The portrayal of themes like death, evil, and hatred, along with the supposed promotion of witchcraft, are among the main reasons cited for the objections to the series.
To me, this argument is poppycock. While the magical world is indeed intriguing, promotion of witchcraft feels a bit strong and overly dramatic. We need to teach children to distinguish between fantasy and reality, video games are a thousand times more damaging and this book series supports the widening of a child’s fantasy world. Yes it's dark at times, but part of life is death, evil and hatred. To quote G.K. Chesterton: “Fairy tales do not tell children that monsters exist. Children already know that monsters exist. Fairy tales tell children that monsters can be killed.” This is what comes to mind when I think of the Harry Potter series.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
This book is a teen coming out story centred around teenage boys Charlie and Nick who meet at an all-boys Grammar school. Because of a Hungarian law passed in 2021 that forbids the advertisement or distribution of materials that "promote or display homosexuality" this book must be be wrapped in bookstores.
Of course, this is an outright lie. A coming-out book does not promote homosexuality- it supports identity developments. While I am not part of the LGBTQI+ community, my experiences of shame and internalised hatred as a minority, help me empathise and understand the real need for accessible materials and information such as books to help relate and assist in identity development. Trying to find ourselves and relate to others is in our human nature. Restricting books that do just that makes the world a somewhat lesser safe place. To quote Captain Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine ** "Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
In this dystopian novel, the protagonist is a woman forced into sexual servitude in a totalitarian future version of the United States. The book was banned by a Texas school board due to complaints about its sexual content and its perceived offense to Christian values. Additional objections include the portrayal of extreme violence and the mistreatment of women throughout the story.
Obviously, by now you know that I am fascinated with dystopian novels. But if you read this book, you might reconsider concerns about declining birth rates and the thought-provoking theme of forced surrogacy. The Handmaid’s Tale depicts a society where women’s bodies are controlled and exploited for reproduction. This book has the potential to make great conversations and discussions around the mistreatment of women.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The 2003 best-seller was banned in Lebanon due to its fictional claim that Jesus Christ had a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene, resulting in a child. Authorities ordered bookstores to remove the book from shelves after receiving complaints that it was disrespectful to Christianity. Additionally, the novel's portrayal of Catholic Church leaders as hostile toward women also contributed to the controversy.
I loved the book, it was an easy yet fascinating read. Educated in a Christian school there were two types of women portrayed for us without anything in between: the virgin Mary and the prostitute Mary Magdalene. While I don’t dwell too much on the story’s claims, it offers an alternative perspective through history and symbolism, showing how men—who have dominated religion for centuries—may have manipulated these narratives.
What can we do about book bans and censorship?
Book bans have always had ulterior motives that do not necessarily serve society as a whole. I believe in accessibility, discussion, and education, as well as the introduction of safeguarding measures by teachers, professionals, and experts. However, banning should be a last resort, not a political tool or religious restriction.
To address book bans, we can take several proactive steps to protect the freedom to read. One way to counter book bans is by actively purchasing and reading banned books, ensuring that we engage with diverse perspectives and support authors. Celebrating Banned Books Week annually raises awareness about censorship and promotes intellectual freedom. Additionally, fostering open discussions about these books helps challenge the rationale behind bans and reinforces the importance of free expression. Protecting access to literature requires advocating for policies that safeguard the right to read, ensuring future generations can explore diverse ideas freely.
Yours Sincerely,
BB
*PEN America is a nonprofit organization that advocates for free expression, intellectual freedom, and the protection of writers and journalists around the world. It is part of the larger international PEN (Poets, Essayists, and Novelists) network, which was founded in 1922 and includes PEN centers in various countries. PEN America works to defend the rights of writers who face censorship, harassment, or imprisonment for their work. It also campaigns against book bans, particularly in the United States, and supports policies that protect freedom of speech. The organization frequently conducts research and publishes reports on the state of free expression, including tracking trends like book bans in schools and libraries.
** portrayed by actor Andre Braugher
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