The extremes of either end resemble each other far more than either resembles the center.

National socialism is considered right-wing because it's nationalist, whereas extreme left socialism, aka communism, is international in its scope. That's the difference. Whether you have a dictator or a commune, an absolute monarch or a politbureau, you are likely to have more summary executions and disappearances than you are with a parliament.

Just ask the survivors of Peron in Argentina (not a communist).

Raving leftists become raving rightists, and vice versa. The underpinnings change, but the raving remains.

I've been wracking my brain for a leftist equivalent of Tom Clancy*, but I can't think of any best-selling obviously left-wing author who has only one genuine human character. Say what you will about Ayn Rand, her work has literary value.

Only one book I can think of really strikes a nerve with all of the liberals I know. (For the four or so left -- er, remaining here, please correct me if I'm wrong.) That's Orwell's Animal Farm, because it illustrates the corrosive nature of privilege. Some animals are more equal than others.

Regards--
Mary Anne

*first runner-up for the "Novelist Most Likely To Benefit From A Ruthless Editor" Award. The winner is Stephen King after his apotheosis. Charles Dickens gets a Lifetime Achievement Award in this category, but he was paid by the word, so I understand.