Books matching: disturbing retelling
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- #1
Save:An unflinching, nightmarish, and inventive spin on Wonderland - bold, brutal, and smart, but not for the faint of heart. If you crave dark reimaginings, dive in, but mind the trigger warnings!
In "Alice" by Christina Henry, readers are taken on a dark and twisted journey through a reimagined version of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. The story follows Alice, who escapes from a mental hospital with her companion Hatcher, seeking revenge on the Jabberwocky while navigating a dangerous and eerie Old City. The book delves into themes of violence, madness, and revenge, with a writing style that captures the horror and suspense of the twisted world created by the author.
If she moved her head all the way up against the wall and tilted it to the left she could just see the edge of the moon through the bars. Just a silver sliver, almost close enough to eat. A sliver of...August 2015•308 pages A boldly original, sometimes unsettling remix of familiar tales - brilliant for lovers of dark, clever reimaginings but definitely not your typical fairy tale collection.
The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg offers sharp, witty retellings of classic fairy tales and folklore. The stories weave together different elements, creating a mix of dark humor and chilling twists. However, the collection has a reputation for being uneven, with some tales resonating while others leave readers confused or disappointed. Notably, the retelling of The Velveteen Rabbit stands out as particularly disturbing, prompting strong reactions from readers.
Daughters are as good a thing as any to populate a kingdom with—if you’ve got them on hand. They don’t cost much more than their own upkeep, which you’re on the hook for regardless, so it’s not a bad...208 pages- #3
Save:A chilling and memorable YA sci-fi adventure that explores big questions about science and identity - creepy, gripping, and perfect for teens who like their stories a bit unsettling.
'Dr. Franklin's Island' by Ann Halam is a modern retelling of the classic story 'The Island of Dr. Moreau'. The plot follows three survivors of a plane crash who are captured by a mad scientist on a small island. The scientist conducts genetic engineering experiments, turning the survivors into animals. explores themes of science fiction, survival, horror, and friendship, with a focus on the consequences of tampering with DNA and the strength of loyalty among friends.
We formed a small crowd in the big confused mass of travelers in the Miami airport departure lounge . . . most of us identified by Planet Savers T-shirts, Planet Savers baseball caps, Planet Savers ja...2001•272 pages - #4
Save:This is a bold, bloody, and cheeky reimagining of the nativity story - brimming with action, dark humor, and irreverent creativity. If you’re a fan of unconventional historical fiction and don’t mind your Christmas tales gritty and gory, Unholy Night could be a wild, entertaining ride.
Seth Grahame-Smith's 'Unholy Night' is a reimagining of the biblical nativity tale with a twist - the Three Wise Men are depicted as thieves who get involved in protecting Mary, Joseph, and their infant child. The story is set in the year 2 B.C. during the reign of Caesar Augustus and follows the main character Balthazar, a thief with a conscience, as he navigates through a world filled with violence, supernatural elements, and historical accuracy. The author weaves together elements of the New Testament, creating an intriguing and adventurous narrative that explores themes of vengeance, morality, and religious questions.
The writing style of 'Unholy Night' is described as sparkling, with witty and modern dialogue that adds a layer of humor to the storytelling. The book offers a unique perspective on the familiar Nativity Story, incorporating narrative shifts and interesting character connections that keep the readers engaged. Despite the graphic violence and supernatural elements, the author manages to maintain a level of reverence in the storytelling, making it an enjoyable read for fans of historical fantasy and religious themes.
He rode his camel across the desert valley, kicking its sides like mad, his eyes the only things visible through the shemagh he wore to fight off the sun and the odor of the beast beneath him. Two ove...April 2012•343 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, unsettling reimagining that thrives on ambiguity and atmosphere - perfect for thoughtful readers who enjoy complex characters and don't mind leaving with more questions than answers.
'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.
They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop...1966•189 pages - #6
Save:A timeless tale that blends adventure, social critique, and memorable characters - worth reading for its influence and insight, but be prepared for its Victorian length and some dated attitudes.
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is a poignant tale set in 19th-century England that follows the life of an orphan boy who endures vast hardships. Born in a workhouse, Oliver faces child abuse and neglect as he seeks a better life in London. The plot unfolds as he meets a variety of characters, both good and evil, from the benevolent Mr. Brownlow to the sinister Fagin. As Oliver is swept into a world of crime and poverty, the story highlights the grim realities of social injustice faced by orphans and the poor during that era.
Dickens's writing style is characterized by rich, descriptive language and a dramatic flair. He masterfully portrays the stark contrasts between innocence and corruption, often using larger-than-life characters to emphasize moral lessons. The narrative is both engaging and reflective, filled with humor amidst the darker themes of child exploitation and societal indifference. While the plot can be convoluted and characters may seem one-dimensional, Dickens’s commentary on social issues and his vivid depictions of London's underbelly make Oliver Twist a timeless classic.
AMONG OTHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN A CERTAIN TOWN, WHICH for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning, and to which I will assign no fictitious name, there is one an ciently common to m...1838•392 pages - #7
Save:A haunting, gorgeously written classic that delivers more on mood and atmosphere than jump scares. Essential for fans of gothic and psychological horror, though the old-fashioned prose isn't for everyone.
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that is described as creepy and atmospheric. It explores the themes of gothic horror and psychological terror within a manor setting. The narrative is often noted for its literary and symbolic elements, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere that reflects and influences the psychology of the characters involved.
Poe's writing style in The Fall of the House of Usher is praised for its ability to immerse readers in a dark and macabre world. The author's descriptive prose is considered both intricate and dense, with a focus on creating an environment that plays a significant role in shaping the narrative. Despite some finding his writing overly detailed, many appreciate Poe's talent for crafting stories that delve into the depths of horror and mystery.
DURING THE WHOLE OF A DULL, dark, and sound- less day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly drea...1839•392 pages - #8
Save:A masterwork of psychological horror - chilling, ambiguous, and brilliantly written. Don’t expect easy scares, but do expect to be haunted long after you finish!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its...1959•224 pages - #9
Save:A challenging but mesmerizing modern myth - beautifully written, dark, and thought-provoking. Not for everyone, but rewarding if you enjoy lyrical, unconventional narratives.
'Everything Under' by Daisy Johnson is a modern retelling of the Greek Tragedy, Oedipus, with a focus on Gretel, a lexicographer, who receives a disturbing call from a hospital that brings back memories of her childhood and her mother. The novel explores themes of gender fluidity, family identity, and the importance of connections to our past and present. Through a non-linear narrative, the story weaves together Gretel's search for her mother, her time on the river with her mother, and her present life, creating a complex and compelling storyline.
The places we are born come back. They disguise themselves as migraines, stomach aches, insomnia. They are the way we sometimes wake falling, fumbling for the bed-side lamp, certain everything we’ve b...October 2018•280 pages - #10
Save:A hauntingly strange and atmospheric journey into the roots of supernatural fiction - best enjoyed by patient readers who savor ambiguity and mood over easy answers or non-stop thrills.
'The White People' by Arthur Machen is a collection of weird fiction tales that evoke strangeness, lingering aspects of the past, and trespassing into arcane realms. Machen's stories are described as having a magnificent and unique imagination, written in a plain yet literary style that flows easily. The book features a mix of supernatural elements, Celtic and pagan beliefs, and encounters with gods of old, creating a chilling and mysterious atmosphere. The prose style is noted to be cranky, awkward, and dated, with some readers finding it challenging to follow but others appreciating its deep Gnostic tradition and imaginative detail.
1904•387 pages
