Books matching: modern retelling
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- #1
Save: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... - #2
Save:'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... - #3
Save:'Norse Mythology' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of retellings of Norse myths, centered around gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. Gaiman's writing style has been described as engaging and reminiscent of oral storytelling, with a mix of humor, seriousness, and a touch of fantasy. The book covers various incidents such as Odin becoming the All Father, Thor's journey to the Land of the Giants, and the coming of Ragnarok, the end of all days.
Gaiman's interpretations bring new life to familiar characters like Thor, Odin, and Loki, adding depth and humor to their personalities. The book offers a fresh take on Norse mythology, making the ancient tales accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. Through short stories and narratives, Gaiman navigates through the complex world of gods, giants, and magic, providing an engaging and quick read for both newcomers and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Loki was handsome, and he knew it. People wanted to like him, they wanted to believe him, but he was undependable and self-centered at best, mischievous or evil at worst. He married a woman named Sigy... - #4
Save:"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... - #5
Save: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... - #6
Save:'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... - #7
Save: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...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mythos ) - #8
Save:'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... - #9
Save:'Lore Olympus: Volume One' is a modern retelling of the classic tale of Hades and Persephone by author Rachel Smythe. The story is brought to life with vivid noir elements and vibrant colors that beautifully capture the essence of the original myth. follows the characters through various plot twists and character developments, addressing themes such as trauma, relationships, and personal growth. Smythe's unique art style and storytelling keep readers engaged as they delve into the world of Greek mythology reimagined in a contemporary setting.
- #10
Save:'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...
