Do you gravitate towards retellings of classics? I have a difficult time resisting, even though I’ve been let down by some of them. I think its ambitious and difficult to take a beloved classic and then put a spin on the original - but I applaud authors who go for it because I think it take guts.
Some authors will take the classic and retell it in simpler language, make it more comedic or add more context, which is what Stephen Fry has done with Mthyos, Heroes and Troy. I recently got my hands on these three and can’t wait to read them. There are so many Ancient Greek Mythology retellings, that it’s a bit overwhelming. I especially can’t seem to resist them! It’s no secret I’m fascinated by the Ancient Greeks and their mythology is so entertaining and nuanced that retellings of the same myths over and over again, never seem to get old. I also have Edith Hamilton’s Mythology and in her book she includes Norse Mythology (I also haven’t read this one yet, because… so many books and so little time). I’ve resisted Circe since it was published, but it’s constantly in the back of my mind, so I ordered it. Circe is a novel in which it seems that people either love it to hate it, which makes it even more appealing to me. I’m also particular curious about the Miller’s style - people have described it as “dry,” and a bit “sparse.” This makes me chuckle because I have a hunch she did this on purpose - this is exactly how the style of Ancient Greek literature is described.
Retellings are challenging because they are reimagining works that are greatly loved. Often, the reader is seeking to experience how the original made them feel - they are seeking nostalgia. Retellings often focus on characters or narratives that may have been secondary in the original text, or tell the story from the perspective of another major character, whose point of view the reader did not get. How many times have authors retold Pride & Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective?
Disappointment often occurs with retellings because the reader states the author “Got is wrong!” “Misinterpreted the text!” “The original author would have NEVER done this!?” I have personally said all of these things, however I don’t think this is a bad thing - you know how the saying goes, “No two people ever read the same book.” In a way, when an author decides to retell a well-know story, it’s their interpretation and that doesn’t mean that their interpretation is wrong. I read an interpretation of Pride & Prejudice that I really did not like, but again, it’s a work of fiction and the author can do whatever they like - I don’t have to like it and what didn’t work for me, may work for someone else and vice versa.
Either way, I enjoy retellings because they force me to think about the original text from a new perspective, regardless of if I end up liking it or not, it’s always fun to engage with a classic narrative in a fresh way. It also reminds me not to always take reading so seriously - just sit back, enjoy the story and relax. When I want the original, I can always have a reread.
Like my bookish content? Follow me on Instagram for more!
Post a Comment