Books matching: modern retelling
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, thoughtful reimagining of a classic myth - ideal for readers who enjoy strong, complex heroines and a modern spin on ancient stories.
In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes...April 2018•422 pages - #2
Save:A gorgeously written, emotionally rich reimagining of the Iliad - equal parts epic love story and meditation on heroism. If you love myth with a modern heart, this one will stick with you.
'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru...September 2011•399 pages - #3
Save:A lively, accessible retelling of classic Norse myths - perfect for mythology beginners or anyone who loves a good story, told with charm and humor.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is a captivating retelling of traditional Norse myths, showcasing the exploits of gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. The book features a series of engaging stories, each brimming with adventure, humor, and the subtle flaws of its characters. Gaiman's writing style is lyrical and contemporary, making complex tales accessible and enjoyable, while preserving the essence of the original myths. The narrative flows seamlessly, drawing the reader into the chaotic and often ridiculous world of Norse deities and their interactions with giants, trolls, and other mystical beings.
2016•302 pages - #4
Save:Intense, thought-provoking, and brutally honest, "The Silence of the Girls" gives long-silenced women of myth a vivid voice - just know it's as harrowing as it is eye-opening.
"The Silence of the Girls" by Pat Barker is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a captured queen turned slave of Achilles. The book delves into the lives of women affected by the war, portraying their struggles, relationships, and resilience amidst the brutalities of ancient Greece. Through Briseis' narration, the story intertwines with the legends of Achilles and provides a deeper insight into the impact of war on both men and women.
Swift-footed Achilles. Now there’s an interesting one. More than anything else, more than brilliance, more than greatness, his speed defined him. There’s a story that he once chased the god Apollo all...September 2018•317 pages - #5
Save:A bold, witty, and very modern retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" - this one’s for fans of fresh takes with plenty of sass, but it might not seduce hardcore Austen loyalists.
In "Eligible," Curtis Sittenfeld presents a modern retelling of Jane Austen's classic "Pride and Prejudice." Set in contemporary America, the story follows Liz Bennet, a magazine writer living in New York, who returns home to Cincinnati to help her family during her father's illness. There, she encounters haughty neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy and his friend Chip Bingley, leading to a series of events that mirror the beloved original while adding modern twists and addressing societal issues.
WELL BEFORE HIS arrival in Cincinnati, everyone knew that Chip Bingley was looking for a wife. Two years earlier, Chip—graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Medical School, scion of the Pennsylvan...April 2016•539 pages - #6
Save:A brooding and beautifully written family saga - dark but compelling - a literary retelling of King Lear with unforgettable characters and atmosphere. Worth reading if you love tragic family dramas or modern classics, but brace yourself for heavy themes.
'A Thousand Acres' by Jane Smiley is a modernized retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear set on a farm in Iowa. The story follows the aging patriarch, Larry Cook, who decides to divide his farm among his three daughters. What follows is a family drama filled with abuse, incest, betrayal, and the disintegration of the family and the farm. The book explores themes of power, family dynamics, secrets, and the dark side of the American Dream. The writing style is described as vivid, well-written, and engaging, with a focus on the land, farming, and the challenges faced by farmers in the 70s and 80s.
The body repeats the landscape. They are the source of each other and create each other. We were marked by the seasonal body of earth, by the terrible migrations of people, by the swift turn of a cent...January 1991•398 pages - #7
Save:A funny, frothy, and affectionate rom-com remix of "The Taming of the Shrew" - enjoyable for its quirky charm, but not likely to change your life or the Bard's legacy.
In "Vinegar Girl" by Anne Tyler, the story follows Kate, a young woman who is stuck in a rut, taking care of her family and working in a preschool. When her father proposes that she marries his lab assistant to solve a visa issue, Kate is initially outraged but eventually finds herself falling in love with her intended. The book is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," with quirky characters and family dynamics, set in a contemporary setting. Anne Tyler brings her signature style of storytelling to this light and entertaining romantic comedy, offering a fresh take on a classic Shakespearean plot.
Anne Tyler's writing in "Vinegar Girl" is described as light, pleasant, and easy to read, making it a perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable summer read. The book offers a modern spin on the old story line of "The Taming of the Shrew," with witty dialogue and quirky characters adding charm to the narrative. Despite some predictable elements due to its Shakespearean inspiration, the book manages to keep readers entertained with its engaging plot and humorous moments, providing a satisfying and feel-good reading experience.
Kate Battista was gardening out back when she heard the telephone ring in the kitchen. She straightened up and listened. Her sister was in the house, although she might not be awake yet. But then ther...June 2016•248 pages
(Also, see 92 recommendations for the series Hogarth Shakespeare ) - #8
Save:A witty, approachable, and entertaining retelling of Greek myths - best for curious readers or those looking for a fresh, fun take, but not recommended if you want deep academic analysis or a complete collection of every myth.
'Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold' by Stephen Fry is a modern retelling of classic Greek myths, filled with humor and wit that brings the ancient stories to life in a contemporary and accessible way. Fry takes the original myths and weaves them into a coherent narrative, updating the language while staying true to the essence of the tales. Through his engaging storytelling, Fry introduces readers to the world of Greek mythology, delving into the lives of gods, goddesses, and heroes, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless stories.
Fry's writing style is described as entertaining, informative, and engaging, making the complex world of Greek mythology easy to understand and enjoyable to explore. His humorous asides and footnotes add depth and charm to the narratives, creating a delightful reading experience that appeals to both mythology enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Whether Chaos brought life and substance out of nothing or whether Chaos yawned life up or dreamed it up, or conjured it up in some other way I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Nor were you. And yet in a w...December 2017•442 pages - #9
Save:A charming, witty, very readable (or listenable!) romp through Greek hero myths - perfect for those curious or casual about mythology, less so for stuffy scholars or seekers of deep detail.
Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures by Stephen Fry is a continuation of his previous book, Mythos, where he retells the stories of Greek heroes such as Perseus, Heracles, Jason, Atalanta, and Oedipus. Fry's writing style infuses humor and cheek into these well-known tales, making them relatable and engaging for readers. The book includes modern elements like slang to make the stories more accessible, while also staying true to the classical illustrations that enhance the presentation beautifully.
Fry's narration style brings these ancient Greek myths to life, making the experiences of reading immensely enjoyable. The book covers the adventures of various heroes with Fry's signature heart and humor, making the tales vivid, uncomplicated, and evocative. Despite some modern touches, the book stays true to the essence of Greek mythology, portraying the flaws and complexities of the heroes in a captivating manner.
Acrisius loved his daughter and only child DANAË,fn2 but he loved life more. It was clear from the oracle that he should do everything in his power to prevent any male of breeding age from getting clo... - #10
Save:A playful, poignant, and feminist spin on The Odyssey - short, sharp, and filled with Atwood's signature wit. Best for mythology lovers and readers open to inventive storytelling.
'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of the myth of Penelope from Homer's Odyssey, narrated by Penelope herself from the Underworld in present day. The book provides a cleverly told autobiography, focusing on Penelope's perspective on Odysseus' adventures and the twelve maids hanged by Odysseus, who act as a traditional Greek chorus. Atwood's unique take on the story includes the theory that Penelope had the maids act as spies, adding a fascinating new dimension to this old tale.
The narrative of 'The Penelopiad' offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the classic Greek myth, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles faced by Penelope during Odysseus' absence. Through a combination of prose, verse, and chorus elements, Atwood weaves a story that delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of Penelope, shedding light on her character and the challenges she faced while waiting for her husband's return.
Now that I’m dead I know everything. This is what I wished would happen, but like so many of my wishes it failed to come true. I know only a few factoids that I didn’t know before. Death is much too h...2005•221 pages
