There’s an old saying: the classics are classics for a reason. Whether you knew it at the time or not, there’s a high chance you’ve read a beloved classic novel at some point in your life, whether in your own free time or for an English class. But have you ever come across a rewritten or revamped twist on one of these classics? We’ve gathered a few popular titles to introduce you to the idea of new takes on old classic novels.
What Makes a Book a Classic?
No one sets out imagining their novel will one day become a part of our classic canon—it just sort of happens. Traditionally, a classic novel is defined as a book that has stood the test of time, is objectively expertly crafted, and has an enduring influence over readers. Well-constructed retellings or new takes on these classic novels will keep those important elements alive in the new rendition, creating a modern spin on a timeless tale from any book genre.
Do You Need Copyright Permission to Rewrite an Old Classic?
Currently, in the United States, anything copyrighted before 1929 is legally considered public domain, meaning any author has full permission to rewrite the story to their liking. Any novel or play published before that year is free for the taking, resulting in a long list of popular twists on classic novels.
5 Common Elements of a Revamped Classic Novel
Whether it’s been rewritten as a fan-favorite beach read or keeps the same tone, new takes on old classics often have elements such as:
- Adding supernatural elements
- Telling the story from the perspective of another character
- Genderbending the main character
- Setting the same plot in a different time
- Supplementing more politically or morally relevant themes
A Few Well-Loved Retellings of Classic Novels
Whether you prefer to read a physical copy or get immersed in an audiobook, you can lose yourself in these modern renditions of a few timeless classics:
Reimagine David Copperfield with Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for this widely acclaimed novel—and with good reason! Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead spins the story of a boy born to a single teenage mother in a trailer. With no assets besides his good looks, powerful wit, and natural survival instincts, Demon navigates the perils of foster care, child labor, athletic success, poorly managed schools, addiction, first loves, and crushing losses—and that’s just to name a few of his trials and tribulations. Though she credits Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield as inspiration, it is not a prerequisite—anyone can enjoy this tale of Demon Copperhead as a captivating standalone novel.
Enjoy the Radical Retelling of Huck Finn with James by Percival Everett
Discover a New Side to Snow White with Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
Boy, Snow, Bird is an illuminating retelling of the well-known fairytale Snow White—but with much deeper themes than mining dwarves and dashing princes. When Boy Novak arrives in a small Massachusetts town in the winter of 1953, she’s on a mission—to search for beauty. When she marries a local widower, Arturo Whitman, and becomes a stepmother to his daughter, Snow, everything goes south. Suddenly, Boy finds herself transformed into the wicked stepmother she never wanted to become when the birth of her daughter, Bird, who is born dark-skinned, exposes the Whitmans as light-skinned, white-passing African Americans. Boy, Snow, and Bird find themselves divided and desperate to understand one another, confronting the all-knowing mirror to explore racism at its core.
Get the Female Perspective of The Iliad with The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
The Iliad is one of the most widely translated classic novels in the world—so how was the character of Briseis, a Trojan queen and captive of Achilles, somehow erased by history? The Silence of the Girls brings her powerful character to life as she forges connections with fellow female prisoners and unveils the lives of the thousands of women living behind the scenes of the Greek army camps. As gods and mortals battle out in the legendary war, we get the honor of learning about the concubines, nurses, prostitutes, and more who made it all possible. Experience the ancient story in a new, empowering way with this one-of-a-kind novel.
Read a New Take on the Classic Monster Novel with Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi
Mary Shelley, often considered the mother of science fiction, would be likely proud to have inspired Saadawi’s extraordinary novel Frankenstein in Baghdad. Taking place in the streets of U.S.-occupied Baghdad, we follow along as Hadi, a scavenger and oddball regular at the local café, collects human body parts and stitches them together to create a corpse. He claims his goal is to force the government to recognize the parts as people and give them the burial they deserve, but when the corpse goes missing and creepy murders begin all around the city, he soon realizes he’s created a monster. Filled with twists and turns and a dark, witty humor, this contemporary retelling reveals the reality of living in Iraq through the lens of this classic story.
Best Children’s Renditions of Classic Novels
From graphic novel versions to audiobooks compatible with the Yoto player, rewritten versions of classic novels for children are a big hit. Keep a look out for these popular titles so you can introduce your youngest family members to timeless literature early on:
- The Muppet Christmas Carol, written by Brooke Vitale and illustrated by Luke Flowers
- The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
- Dorian and the Magical Painting by Classics for Kids
Pick up the classic and the retelling to read them and compare or enjoy the new spin on its own. There’s no wrong way to enjoy a new take on an old classic novel!
