Books I Wish Were Adapted

April 25, 2022 | Dara Marie | @thornfield_lane

Most book adaptations are less than ideal. Books and television are very different mediums that lend their way to different types of storytelling. Some stories transfer better across mediums than others. I adore A Monster Calls but I refuse to watch the film (even though I love Felicity Jones) because I’m too afraid the CGI and special effects will overpower the story’s heart. 

Often when I read a book that doesn’t have an adaptation, I’m thankful. However, there are a few occasions I find myself wishing for one; I want to see the book come to life beyond my own imagination. I want to witness the characters living, breathing, and interacting before my eyes. 

Here are a few of those books:

The Secret History By Donna Tartt

As I have previously explained this novel: pretentious, eccentric college students committing murder. I mean, come on: that’s the perfect plot right there. 

All jokes aside, this was a fascinating book with complex characters and themes. I think with the right director and actors, it could be a wonderfully cinematic, dramatic, philosophical movie. The characters were so vivid in my mind; I would love to see them on screen. Plus, I believe the dark academic aesthetic of romanticizing the ancient Greek language and mythology, blazers, fancy wine, and old libraries would appeal to so many old souled people like myself. 

My Dear Hamilton by Laura Kaye and Stephanie Dray

If you didn't tell from a few of my previous posts, I love musicals and Hamilton is one of my favorites. 

This novel is a historical fiction first-person look at Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s wife. My mom got this for me for Christmas a few years ago. I didn’t have super high hopes but I ended up absolutely loving it. It got me very emotional and was generally historically accurate which I highly appreciated. 

I think this would make an awesome miniseries that could appeal to more than just musical fans; it would draw in history, drama, and period piece fans alike. It has everything: romance, war, scandal, heartache, tragedy, triumph. There’s something there for Netflix or Amazon or HBO to pick up. 

Life After Life By Kate Atkinson

This would be a hard one to adapt due to its complexity: the main character, Ursula, keeps dying and then being reborn and living different lives. But, if Christopher Nolan has taught us anything, it’s that messing with time is well within possible in a movie. It would take skill and precision, but this could be done in an Inception-type manner. The pre-world war II British aristocracy would be a gorgeous aesthetic to play around with such a complex timeline. 

Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield

This book owned my heart and soul while I read it. So many characters with intricate, interconnected backstories. 

A little girl is found in the river Thames outside of a 19th-century town and thought to be dead, but miraculously survives and three separate families step forward to claim her. It’s a slow, unraveling mystery that grips you to the very end. 

I would love to see the dramatic scenes played out on the silver screen. It would wrench people’s hearts out if done well.

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

This is a lesser-known children’s fantasy series from the 60s. It’s technically already been adapted by Disney (If you’re familiar with The Black Cauldron, the movie takes its name from the series’ second book but its plot from a mix of the first and second–I know. It bugs the crap out of me which is why, for the sake of this article, I’m not fully acknowledging its existence). It follows a young boy, Taran, and how he grows from being an assisted big keeper to a king through various adventures. There are witty princesses, sarcastic rogues, and a strange creature that’s never fully classified. 

I would love to see a gritty, Amazon Prime or HBO TV series of this with one season for every book. I’d love to really dive into the world Prydain and get more people aware of these fantastic books. 

Mexican Gothic 

This gets its own shout-out because as soon as I finished reading it, I found out a Hulu miniseries is in the works. I am hyped for it!! I really hope it does that book justice because it is fabulous in all its gothic glory. 

I’m currently holding out high hopes for the Netflix All the Light We Cannot See miniseries in the works. I’ve liked the casting they’ve announced so far. But, I swear, if they ruin one of my favorite books, I will revolt and Netflix’s days will be numbered. 

On that note, when I say I wish these books were adapted, I mean I wish them to be adapted correctly. Meaning, a script that expands the story while honoring the original source material, a custom runtime to match the story’s complexity, and top-rate actors, directors, and editors. Some examples of fabulous adaptations include but are not limited to Pride and Prejudice (2005), War and Peace (2016), His Dark Materials (2019–), The Book Thief (2013), Little Women (2019), Dune (2021). All of these adaptions followed my guidelines for a satisfying adaptation. I partially want to get into scriptwriting just so I can make book adaptations that aren’t terrible. 

As long as they’re done right, I give my blessing for these stories to be adapted. 

What book would you like to see adapted? What books do you hope are never adapted? I'd love to hear from you! You can connect with me through thornfield.lane@gmail.com or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter: @thornfield_lane

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