This column, featuring Omaha Public Library's staff recommended reads for retellings of classic stories, appeared in the August 18, 2024, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE), page 6E of the Living Section. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab), opens a new window.
Omaha Public Library wants to help readers find new books - or at least books new to them. Our employees recommend reading based on different writing genres, themes or styles. This week, staff have suggested some of their favorite adaptations or retellings of classic stories. Find these books and more at your local branch or omahalibrary.org.
As summer wanes, try a new twist on classic stories - Omaha Public Library offers ideas for revisiting the classics
"The Ballad of Black Tom" by Victor LaValle. This is a creepy and atmospheric retelling of H.P. Lovecraft's short story "The Horror at Red Hook." It changes the protagonist from the white detective to a Black blues musician hired by the story's villain to comment on the racism in Lovecraft's original and explore the anger and hopelessness of the kind of character usually shoved into the background of Lovecraft's works. - David Dick, library specialist at the Benson Branch
"Clytemnestra" by Costanza Casati. Vivid and brutal, Casati's debut novel frames the story of Clytemnestra (twin sister to Helen of Troy and famous for murdering her husband Agamemnon) from a feminist perspective. Recommended for fans of Madeline Miller. - Grace Trembath, library specialist at the Millard Branch
"Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver. This adaptation of David Copperfield takes place in modern-day Appalachia, specifically Lee County, Virginia. Both heartbreaking and hilarious, Demon Copperhead is always clear-eyed about his situation. Charlie Thurston superbly narrated the audio version. - Theresa Jehlik, strategy and business intelligence manager
"Immortal Longings" by Chloe Gong. This adult fantasy novel expertly retells Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. The story follows a rogue princess, Calla Tuoleimi, as she competes in the kingdom of Talin's annual games in a fight to the death. The goal? To win and deal the king of Talin the justice he deserves. However, Calla finds her heart and determination at war when she joins forces with fellow contestant Anton Makusa, who has his own noble motivation for winning the games. Soon, Calla must decide what she wants more: a chance at love or revenge. This novel is great for fans of romantasy, dystopian fantasy and court intrigue. - Claire Saathoff, library specialist at the Saddlebrook Branch
"Lore Olympus. Volume One" by Rachel Smythe. The story of Hades and Persephone becomes the messy, modern soap opera of your dreams in this graphic novel retelling of an ancient Greek tale. - Trembath
"Medea" by Eilish Quin. Quin's debut novel tells the story of Medea, the daughter of a sea nymph and the granddaughter of a Titan. From her earliest days, Medea did not fit the mold of a future wife and queen. This portrait of the most maligned woman in Greek mythology is both lyrical and painful as Medea lives with one disastrous decision after another. - Jehlik
Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy
The March Sisters, "Meg and Jo" (Book 1) and "Beth and Amy" (Book 2) by Virginia Kantra. This modern retelling of Little Women revisits the March sisters when they're all grown up. Meg is married and raising twins. Jo has gone to New York City to write and is now working in a kitchen. Beth is pursuing a music career. Amy is in Paris working in fashion. Well-plotted and quick-paced, I'm surprised that the Hallmark Channel hasn't snapped these books up for future film development. - Jehlik
"Once Persuaded, Twice Shy" by Melodie Edwards. For fans of Taylor Swift and Hallmark movies. Jane Elliott loves running the local theater in her small town so she knows how to put on a good show. In truth, she's still heartbroken over losing the love of her life and wondering if she made the right decision. Because this is a "modern reimagining," there are hints of "Persuasion" and that's what makes it work. It's not trying to be Jane Austen. It's bringing an essence of Austen to the present day and making classics more accessible to wary readers. - Nicole Hilder, assistant branch manager at the Downtown Branch
"A Study in Charlotte" by Brittany Cavallaro. As a YA adaptation inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet," this book focuses on the teenage descendants of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, who meet at a boarding school and team up to solve a murder. While these characters are uniquely developed, Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes each reflect many of the vices and virtues of their ancestors, and these attributes dictate their actions in the face of mysteries and adversity. Readers of the original Sherlock Holmes books may appreciate some of the references more, but no previous experience with Conan Doyle's work is needed to enjoy this foray into the Holmesian universe. - Courtni Kopietz, marketing manager
"Teach the Torches to Burn" by Caleb Roehrig. This book was incredibly well written and sweet; the romance warmed my heart, and the retelling made the story all that much better. I love how the story gives justice to each character and how Juliet is still her own character as well. The retelling of this story through queer love adds a nuance to the original tale that deepens its emotional impact and broadens its appeal. By exploring themes of identity and acceptance through a queer lens, the retelling offers fresh perspectives on familiar dynamics, allowing for a more inclusive experience. It not only honors the essence of Shakespeare's classic but also enriches it, making the timeless story of love and sacrifice even more relatable for a modern audience. - Aubriana Hukill, library specialist at the Saddlebrook Branch
"What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix" by Tasha Suri. Could Heathcliff and Catherine have had a happier ending? Where did Healthcliff go and what did he do after he left the Heights? This YA remix of "Wuthering Heights" presents a richly detailed account of what Heathcliff and Catherine did while they were apart. Many of the characters and much of the storyline remains true to the original, with the addition of having the characters wrestle with issues of race and class. Told against the wild landscape of the moors and retaining the dark atmosphere and brooding characters of the original, it presents an alternate and slightly more hopeful ending. Trigger warnings for domestic abuse and violence. - Beth Dankert Babb, borrower services specialist
"Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys. This prequel to Jane Eyre tells the story of Bertha Mason (aka the madwoman in the attic). Rhys has brought to life Mr. Rochester's hated first wife, who grew up in Jamaica and was sent to school in England at 16. Never fully belonging in either Jamaican or English society leads Bertha down a very dark path. The library also owns a DVD of the 2015 movie that starred Rachel Ward, Nathaniel Parker and Michael York. - Jehlik
"The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins. In this modern retelling of Jane Eyre, the protagonist is a financially struggling dog walker for wealthy families when she meets the mysterious Eddie Rochester. Quickly falling for him, she soon learns that dark secrets exist in his past. Hawkins skillfully reimagines Bronte's timeless dark romance in a Southern Gothic setting, recreating the classic tale as a modern domestic thriller. - Sarah Lewald, assistant branch manager at the W. Clarke Swanson Branch
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