Adaptations of Classics

[Jills_Bookshelf]

Classics are classics because they are loved through the ages. They have appealed to readers across generations. And because they are so loved, people often write modern takes of beloved favorites. Some are great! Some are....yeah.... So what are some good ones that you've come across?
Personally, I'd love to find an adaptation of Jane Eyre that isn't smut. :)
*if the adaptation is unclear, please list the
classic on which it is based*

[Holly]

I've actually never thought about reading modern adaptations. I watched a video-blog of a modern Pride and Prejudice which was really amazing. But as for books, I'd be interested to see if anyone recommends any.

[Jills_Bookshelf]

Bridget Jones' Diary is a funny and clever modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. :)

[Susan]

I haven't been interested in any of the updates of classics such as those by Jane Austen or A. Conan Doyle or any others. Has anyone seen the article on the value of reading literary fiction published in Science journal? Literary fiction apparently improves the reader's intelligence, compassion, and emotional intelligence.

[Jills_Bookshelf]

I agree completely that literary fiction and the classics have immeasurable value intellectually as well as being vastly entertaining. That's why they are classics and continue to be read. The purpose of this board is not to find "replacements" for the original. I'm more interested in finding a new twist on a good story to save me from all the "Twilight"s and "Fifty Shades of Grey"s. Lol
I haven't read that article. I'll have to find it.

[Leslie]

I don't know if this is what you mean but James Joyce's Ulysses was supposedly a modern adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey…

[Tom]

Jill wrote: "I agree completely that literary fiction and the classics have immeasurable value intellectually as well as being vastly entertaining. That's why they are classics and continue to be read. The purp..."

The question I want to pose is what is a literary work and in what way is it distinguished from a contemporary novel? I'm sure we would all agree that Fifty Shades of...doesn't make the cut. But many of us would insist that Catcher in the Rye does. Or Catch-22. Note please that I'm careful to select only books that are orphans, their creator having stopped writing due to death.
The question is what is a literary novel and when you meet one, what do you say?

[Jills_Bookshelf]

I guess each person's definition will be different, but I judge it based on literary value, being relatable, and overall something that lasts beyond a "Book of the Month Favorite" that you read one time. It's an original story that sticks with you.
But we've sorta veered off topic for this board, though I think it is a valuable conversation to have.
Leslie, I was getting more at a modern adaptation. Bridget Jones' Diary is a well done modern spin on Pride and Prejudice, for example.

[Andrijana]

I really like adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. This is one my favorite books and when I saw the movie adaptation, also a classic, it was like I have already imagined it. Every character is well placed, acting is great, deep and emotional. The book has universal themes like justice, prejudice, courage, family love, kindness, heroic father figure and lots more.
Timeless novel and classic literature.
Movie "To Kill a Mockingbird" is nicely done and represents the book with respect.

[Phil]

The movie "Clueless" isn't far the best movie adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Also, West Side Story is probably the best movie version of Romeo and Juliet.

[Phil]

I can't edit comments on my phone - I meant to say Clueless is by far the best adaptation of Emma (not "isn't")

[Jills_Bookshelf]

I love those movies! Especially TKAM with Gregory Peck!! He is amazing!

Any book recommendations?

[Jerilyn]

I liked Death Comes to Pemberly, by P.D. James, but I see that positive review was the exception on Goodreads.

[Alana]

I read one for another group called When She Woke, which is a modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter. I didn't like some of what was done with it, and it's not the best, but certainly was very interesting and the themes lend themselves very well to discussion, especially in the modern political climate.

[Colleen]

I still love Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, if movies count. Takes me back to my college days.

[Leslie]

Jill wrote: "I guess each person's definition will be different, but I judge it based on literary value, being relatable, and overall something that lasts beyond a "Book of the Month Favorite" that you read one... It's an original story that sticks with you...."

I am finding this definition ("an original story") mutually exclusive with the topic ("adaptation of a classic").

I find it much easier to think of movie answers rather than book answers. For example, I think Steve Martin in "Roxanne" is a wonderful modernization of Cyrano de Bergerac. Phil already mentioned "West Side Story" and "Clueless". "Kiss Me Kate" is a nice musical adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

I did recently see a play called Rancho Mirage which seemed to me to be an adaptation of Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

"Leslie, I was getting more at a modern adaptation..."

I still don't see why Ulysses doesn't count as a modern adaptation - it is set in 1920s Ireland as opposed to the original which is 1200 BC or so. Isn't that more modern?