Do you love a fresh spin on a classic? Personally, as a fan of Jane Austen’s works, I’ll read virtually any retelling of her six novels. There are plenty of great books that reimagine classic stories. These retellings sometimes put a modern twist by setting the story in a new location, time period, or even presenting the story from a different point of view. Here are some recent classic book retellings and books inspired by classic literature that are worth checking out!
Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Retelling: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
A modern-day Muslim adaptation of Pride and Prejudice finds a reluctant teacher who would avoid an arranged marriage but finds herself considering setting aside her literary ambitions after discovering her attraction to her perpetually single cousin’s infuriatingly conservative fiance.
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
Retelling: “Cinderella”by Charles Perrault
In this modern-retelling of Cinderella, plus-size Cindy dreams of becoming a shoe designer. But when a spot opens up on her stepmother’s famous reality dating TV competition, Cindy is thrust into the spotlight in ways she never thought possible
Retelling: Various folktales and legends from West Africa, the Middle East, and Greece
A debut anthology reimagines cultural folk and love stories from West Africa, Greek mythology and Middle East legend, from the tale of an unappreciated Nigerian goddess to the story of a powerful Ghanaian spokeswoman’s fateful decision.
Retelling: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
When their mother falls ill, the March sisters—reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy and shy Beth, return home to North Carolina for the holidays where they’ll rediscover what really matters.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
Retelling: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Treated as an exotic attraction by her peers, Jordan Baker, queer and Asian, has the world of illusion, magic and mystery at her fingertips but the most important doors remain closed to her until she can figure out a way to open them.
Retelling: Various Greek myths, most notably the “Odyssey” by Homer
Follows the banished witch daughter of Titans as she hones her powers and interacts with famous mythological beings before a conflict with one of the most vengeful Olympians forces her to choose between the worlds of the gods and mortals.