Not a fan of certain classics? You’re definitely not alone. Not every “must-read” classic will be rewarded a spot on everyone’s shelf, and that is alright! If the original didn’t work out for you, then these ten modern takes on classic novels may, as they capture the essence of the originals, from the message, the drama, and even the emotion!
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
For readers who find Oscar Wilde’s Gothic classic a bit too brooding and slower-paced, Emily M. Danforth’s Plain Bad Heroines offers a modern take that captures the essence of Wilde’s work with a more contemporary touch. This novel is set in the 1900s, featuring haunted girls, cursed books, and the unraveling of dark secrets within the Brookhants School for Girls. This blending of the past and present, with a female-driven plot, may be perfect for you!
Circe by Madeline Miller for The Odyssey by Homer
Homer’s The Odyssey is one of the most well-known pieces of literature, rich in mythology and adventure; however, for some readers, it can come across as a story with outdated values and a heavily patriarchal narrative. If you struggled with Odysseus’s long journey home or are curious about other relevant figures in his story, then Madeline Miller’s Circe may be fit for you!
Following the story of a witch named Circe, this story reimagines the world of Ancient gods and mortals with a feminist flair. Rather than a story of conquest and adventure, this book focuses on the female voice that was often pushed to the side in Ancient myth.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The classic and iconic slow-burning romance, Pride and Prejudice, is known for its social commentary, clever dialogue, and surprising feminist undertones during its release period. However, the 19th-century language and the strict societal norms may deter many readers. Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld is a modern-set retelling that follows the Bennet family in their 21st-century life in Cincinnati, with Liz as a magazine writer and Darcy as a successful neurosurgeon. With a few nods to the original along with clever and satirical dialogue, this novel reimagines Austen’s perspectives on marriage, class, and the dynamics of family.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo for The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is often praised for its contribution to American literature, with its themes rooted in wealth, longing, and the concept of the “American Dream.” However, for some, the narrow perspectives, lack of emotional depth in female characters, and materialistic themes may make the story feel distant. If you are craving a story rich in a similar world with a queer reimagining, then Nghi Vo’s novel may be perfect for you! The story follows the life of an adopted queer, Vietnamese woman named Jordan Baker during the 1920s. Offering a new perspective and themes of power, identity, and belonging that reframe Fitzgerald’s novel!
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy for Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Moby-Dick has been credited for its philosophical and symbolic narrative, which has been read in schools and by researchers alike. But the dense and overly informational fixation on whales may make it an intimidating read for others. If the obsession and desire for an adventure on the sea interests you, then Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy may be ideal for you!
The story follows a woman named Franny Stone, who leaves everything behind except for her research gear. She travels on a fishing boat to track the last Arctic tern migration. Similar to Herman Melville’s novel, there is a clear relationship between humans and nature; however, the unraveling of Franny’s character and history makes this story more than just a seafaring journey.
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a classic tale of sisterhood that, due to its undertones of traditional gender roles and historical setting, may steer readers away. If you are someone who loves the themes of girlhood, family, and feminist ambition but craves something a little more modern, then Virginia Kantra’s Meg and Jo may be your next go-to read! This story is set in the present day and follows the lives of both Meg and Jo as they navigate adulthood and confront buried family complications. While staying true to the heart of Alcott’s story, it is also a modern take in a world of social media, bills, and family struggles.
A Clash of Steel by C.B. Lee for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island has been praised for its seafaring adventure and coming-of-age themes in a classic pirate tale. But for a lot of modern readers, its language and pacing can make it feel like less of a swashbuckling adventure. If a pirate journey is what you seek, then C.B. Lee has you covered! This YA remix of Treasure Island is set in 19th-century China, focusing on character development, sapphic romance, and a mysterious quest for lost treasure. Lee’s novel is consistent with Stevenson’s themes of danger, self-discovery, and betrayal while adding a queer and vibrant twist to the original pirate tale.
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss for Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
If this suspenseful gothic classic of morality and scientific mishaps is not your cup of tea, then the intriguing reimagining written by Theodora Goss may be the one to read instead! Staying true to the thrilling and scientific themes of the original, Goss’s version transforms it completely and follows the daughters of the iconic characters of Stevenson’s story. As the essence of a murder mystery unfolds, this modern novel employs clever dialogue and highlights the presence of women, a departure from the classic.
A Dowry of Blood by S. T. Gibson for Dracula by Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is often recognized for its contribution to defining the vampire genre in media. This gothic story of terror and the supernatural is what draws many in. Still, if the rigid Victorian prose structure and passive female presence are not for you, then A Dowry of Blood may just be the gothic vampire tale you’ve been itching for. Told from the perspective of Constanta, one of Dracula’s brides, it reimagines the vampire tale with a darker and more mysterious romantic twist, transforming the original narrative into one that is empowering and enlightening.
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro for The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes defined one of literature’s famous detectives and the trope following it. Tales of always being one step ahead, analytical, and stoic in the face of pressure, it makes it one that has inspired a variety of crime-solving related media. But, if the lack of emotional depth or the old-fashioned narrative is something you dislike, then Brittany Cavallaro’s adaptation of the classic may be the modern take you’ve been tracking down!
This modern YA novel follows Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes, who are distant descendants of the iconic Holmes and Watson. When a murder mystery that involves both of them arises, it is up to them to uncover and solve the case!
Classics may be considered timeless, but that does not mean they’re for everyone. Loving literature doesn’t mean liking every single book read. Your reading journey is your own, and your preferences count! If a classic didn’t click with you, don’t give up; modern reimaginings and adaptations are just around the corner!
Want to explore classics in an illustrative light? Check out these manga adaptations of the classics here!
If these classics weren’t your thing, check out our Bookshop bookshelf, Keeping It…Classic… Recs That Is.
