30 Mesmerizing Classic Book Retellings for 2023
I adore classic book retellings. It’s a fun way to experience a book I loved in a new light. Sometimes I even like the classic retelling more than the original!
Juliet is one of my favorite books of all time and it’s based on Romeo and Juliet. And while I can’t stand Jane Eyre, the fantasy classic retelling (My Plain Jane) makes me smile.
If you are interested in some classic retellings to add to your collection, you’ll see our favorites below. Let us know if you pick any to read!
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Our Favorite Classic Book Retellings
Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books
The Wife Upstairs
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a Jane Eyre classic retelling featuring a southern home decor influencer! Told by both the second wife and through the diary entries of the first, this domestic thriller is perfect for year-round reading.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was shocked by the ending. Who would have thought that so many influencer books would be thrillers?
Why Jackie likes it
I liked this book, but I guessed the ending right away which put a damper on the rest of the story for me.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Influencers / Domestic Thrillers / Classic Book Retellings
Anna K
Author: Jenny Lee
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Anna K #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This modern-day YA classic retelling of Anna Karenina was SO GOOD. It’s set in NYC at an elite prep school with total Gossip Girl vibes. Manhattan’s teenage elite are partying, shopping, and hosting incredible parties. Anna K is torn between her long-term boyfriend and her attraction to Count Vronsky.
Why Kirsten loves it
While this is a retelling of a story I already know, there were enough twists to make it interesting! It was such a wonderful escapist read and I can’t wait to tackle the sequel!
Find this book in: Books set in High School / High School Romances / Classic Retellings / Best YA Romance Books
Classic Book Retellings
Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
In this Romeo and Juliet retelling, Rosaline takes center stage. Don’t remember Rosaline from the original? She was the woman Romeo was enamored with before he met Juliet.
But as Rosaline tells this story, we get to know the real Romeo – and the other devious men of Verona. Don’t be fooled by the gorgeous cover of this story. Inside you’ll find a dark tale of the dangerous obsession men have with young women.
I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to think of Shakespeare’s most famous work without thinking of this classic book retelling as well.
Sherwood by Meagan Spooner
Sherwood is a young adult historical fiction retelling of Robin Hood with Maid Marian at the center. In this version, Robin died in the crusades and it’s actually Marian that is robbing the rich and giving to the poor.
I adored how this story puts a female at the center of one of the most known fairytales.
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
This enchanting classic retelling takes a look at Nathaniel Hawthorne and the woman that inspired his most famous work, The Scarlet Letter.
Isobel, a seamstress with a gift of seeing words in colors, narrates the book. She covers her disastrous marriage, her settlement in the new world, and her attraction and eventual love affair with Hawthorne. But like her husband, Hawthorne might not be the man Isobel thinks he is.
It was very interesting to read about the town of Salem, how the community treated those they deemed as outsiders, and how those outsiders looked out for one another. I enjoyed the story, but did feel it dragged at times. I do think it would be lovely adapted to the big screen though.
Greek Mythology Classic Retellings
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books / Historical Fantasy Books
A Thousand Ships
Author: Natalie Haynes
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I loved this take on the traditional Greek stories surrounding the Trojan War. They are all told by the women in the mythology which is certainly a perspective that doesn’t get much play. From Amazonian warriors to Queens like Penelope, each of the famous female figures in Greek mythology gets their own moment in the son in this epic tale.
Why Kirsten loves it
Penelope’s chapters in particular had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this classic retelling to Greek mythology lovers and lovers of adult fantasy books.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books of 2021 / Historical Fantasy Books
14 Brilliant Greek Mythology Retellings Worth Reading
Are you looking for more greek mythology classic retellings? Then this is the post for you!
Sherlock Holmes Classic Retellings
A Study in Charlotte
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Charlotte Holmes #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I enjoyed the first book in the Charlotte Holmes Trilogy. I’ve mentioned before that I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan. This Sherlock Holmes retelling differs from the others because it occurs in modern times.
The central characters are the teenage descendants of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. In the story, Jamie Watson has just started at an elite boarding school where he meets Charlotte Holmes. Charlotte is not interested in being Jamie’s friend, but when a student dies under suspicious circumstances, they must work together to clear their names.
Why Kirsten loves it
The adolescent angle leaves room for error in Holmes’ deductive reasoning skills. Watson is also a more fleshed-out character who has deductive reasoning skills of his own. This classic retelling wraps up nicely and the characters solve the mystery leaving enough open ends to allow for a sequel.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Retellings / Books Set in High School / Detective Books / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Dark Academia Books / Classic Retellings / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens
A Study in Scarlet Women
Author: Sherry Thomas
Year: 2016
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Lady Sherlock #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sherry Thomas delivers a masterful new take on Sherlock Holmes with this mystery series featuring a lady detective using Sherlock as an alias.
The series set-up on this one lays the groundwork for why Charlotte Holmes left home, became a detective, and met Mrs. Watson. And, of course, there is a mystery about numerous deaths to be solved as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the layer of deception Charlotte needs to have to keep her identity a mystery in an era where women weren’t valued for their minds. It was nice to see a mystery with some social commentary as well.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Fiction Books / Best Historical Mystery Books / Detective Books / Classic Book Retellings
Prequel Classic Book Retellings
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
I was unsure how I would feel about this book because of my love for Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery. From the first page of this book until the last, I was captivated.
McCoy was able to capture the magic of Green Gables and bring Marilla to light. I am so happy that I read this classic book retelling!
Caroline: The Little House Revisited by Sarah Miller
I read Little House on the Prairie for the first time earlier this year mostly because I wanted the background for this exact book. The entire time I was reading the original series, I found myself wondering about the choices the parents were making.
I wanted to know why certain things were being done and I finally got my answers in Sarah Miller’s classic retelling of the story. I didn’t love Little House, but I ADORED Caroline. This fictionalized biography is better than the original series in my opinion.
Fairy Tale Retellings
Plot
I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.
When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.
She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.
Why Jackie loves it
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books About Ballet
Plot
Holly Darling, the Granddaughter of Wendy, runs a very successful skincare company. She is a single parent to Jack after a terrible accident killed her husband and Jack’s twin. When she gets a call that her daughter Eden is missing from the home where she has been hidden away in a coma for a decade, she knows that Peter Pan is the one responsible.
Peter Pan is dark, sinister and grown-up. Holly must get Christopher Cooke to help her find her daughter and defeat Peter.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Child Death, Drug Use
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic fairy tale retelling of Peter Pan is anything but innocent and whimsical. Like all retellings of classic novels, this story is different from the original!
Find this book in: Classic Book Retellings / Fairy Tale Retellings
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read. While Bree is technically still in high school, she is attending a college program which means, I get to scream about this book from the rooftops in both college and high school book lists.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books Like Ninth House
Spinning Silver
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Nebula and Hugo Award Finalist
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Miryem’s family are moneylenders but her family is in poverty because her father does not collect his debts. In an effort to save her family, Miryem begins collecting the debts herself and soon a rumor begins that she can turn silver into gold. Soon, these rumors spread to the king of Staryk, and Miryem’s life changes forever when he comes to see if the rumors are true.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this YA fantasy book by Novik. I loved the strong female characters, the story, and the writing. This book is a classic retelling of Rumplestiltskin that is complex and wonderful and the ending had me in tears.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / The Best Winter Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books with Colors in the Title
19 Captivating Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults
For more fairy tale retellings, we’ve got a list of our favorites.
YA Classic Book Retellings
A Secret Princess by Margaret Stohl and Melissa De La Cruz
This classic retelling is a clever mash-up of The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Both Sara Crewe and Mary Lennox are at the same finishing school where they meet Cedric Erroll and eventually Dicken.
In this version, Sara is from the Philippines so the tale explores the same themes as the originals with racism addressed as well. I really enjoyed this version and looked forward to the changes the authors made to the story to make it more modern.
Plot
This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me. Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy. I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust.
Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.
Trigger Warnings
Genocide, Antisemitism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience. Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
National Book Award Finalist, Ibi Zoboi, has remixed the classic Austen favorite, Pride and Prejudice. In this version of the story, Zuri is proud of her family and her Brooklyn roots, but she’s not loving the gentrification of her neighborhood. She is not at all impressed with Darius and the rest of the rich Darcy family that’s moved in across the street. As her sister, Janae, begins to fall for Ainsley Darcy, Zuri and Darius’s paths continue to cross.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m always down for a classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite books of all time. I was particularly interested in this take because it features modern, black teenagers. This was my first Austen retelling from a non-white author, though certainly more diverse retellings have come out since I read this one. I adored this version. Yes, I knew what would happen, but this is about the journey, people!!!
Find this book in: Best High School Romance Books / Pride and Prejudice Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Best YA Romance Books
Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon
This was a fun little classic ya historical fiction retelling based on Oliver Twist. I found it to be a lovely little extension of the story.
The concept is that during all of Oliver Twist, Ollie was actually a girl in disguise so this story picks up where Oliver Twist ended. There is a romantic element (of course) but it’s also about accepting your past and staying true to yourself.
YA Fantasy Classic Retellings
Within These Wicked Walls
Author: Lauren Blackwood
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Reese’s Book Club Fall 2021 YA Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This debut novel is billed as an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre but I think the Jane Eyre part is the least exciting part of this fantastical tale. (Which is saying something!)
I’ve never read any YA Fantasy book like this one. The world-building is so unique. Andromeda is an exorcist who cleanses households of the evil eye. Magnus Rochester is desperate to have the evil eye removed from his household but no other exorcist will take the job.
Why Kirsten loves it
The chemistry between these two is intense and instant, the scenes of terror throughout the book are ideal for the haunting season, and the subtle Jane Eyre references bring the whole thing up a notice. This YA fantasy is one of the best retellings I have read and I loved it.
Find this book in: Novels about Africa / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021
Plot
This YA book was quite clever as a modern retelling of Dicken’s classic. 17-year-old Holly was visited by the ghosts of Christmas because she was a total scrooge. But she woke up unaffected by the visit and died shortly thereafter. Now she has to work for Operation Scrooge as she tries to help other poor scrooges like herself.
She’s been the ghost of Christmas past for 5 years now but this year is different…this year something changes…and it might just be her!
Why Kirsten loves it
This paranormal book is such a great read for teens looking to be exposed to Dicken’s classic in a more modern setting.
Find this book in: Classic Book Retellings / Ghost Books / YA Christmas Books / Fantasy Christmas Books
My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand
My Plain Jane is a retelling of Jane Eyre and featured ghosts and ghosthunters. The writing is so modern and when juxtaposed with the historic tale, it emerges as a crisp new genre of its own.
It’s laugh-out-loud funny and the audiobook narration is marvelous. This one made our list of the best classic book retellings!
Fantasy Retellings of Classic Novels
Plot
This tween fantasy novel is a retelling of Anne of Green Gables – except Grace (Anne) is in training with the witch (Marilla). Oh! And Matthew is a cloud.
Why Kirsten loves it
Fantastical? Yes — and utterly delightful. I loved when retellings completely rework the story so readers get glimpses of the classics we love, while experiencing something completely new. This story swept me away and was so sad when it ended.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Classic Retellings / Best Books for a 10-year-old
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Author: Gregory Maguire
Year: 1995
Genre: Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Tony Award-winning musical, soon to be a major motion picture
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Everyone knows the Wicked Witch of the West but not everyone knows how she became that way. She wasn’t always bad. This is the story of a girl who would grow up to become one of the most hated villains in history. Elphaba is born with green skin and is treated with superstition and dislike. When she enters Shiz University, she is eventually able to make friends
When Elphaba realizes that Animals are threatened with exile, she tries to protect them. After all, they have voices, minds, thoughts, and opinions too. Soon she finds herself in a war with the mysterious wizard.
Why Kirsten loves it
I think of Professor Snape from Harry Potter in the same way. If you love witches and rooting for the bad guys, this book is for you. Like the Broadway play, the movie adaptation of this will be a must-see.
Why Jackie loves it
I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz and could not imagine the Wicked Witch of the West as anything else, until I read this book. This is a brilliantly written book that shows there are always two sides to the story. This is a message that is so strong and remains relevant in our society.
Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series / Books Like the Lunar Chronicles / Classic Book Retellings / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Year: 2012
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war. This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.
Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be.
The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder. She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.
Why Jackie loves it
I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike
Find this book in: YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time
Find more books like this in: Books Like Cinder
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne
I read this adult fantasy novel just after Halloween and I rather wish I had started it a few days before the holiday. It’s truly a perfect Halloween book!
It’s also a classic retelling as we get to see the story of Dr. Frankenstein with a twist. This story has his younger sister, Angelika, at the heart of the story as she improves upon his creature with an invention of her own.
The problem is that she has fallen for her monster! Will their love be able to survive?
Half Sick of Shadows
Author: Laura Sebastian
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Popsugar Best Summer Read of 2021
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Lady Elaine tells this retelling of Arthurian legend. I loved hearing this tale retold because I’ve long been a fan of The Mists of Avalon, The Sword and the Stone, Camelot, and the like.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this feminist classic retelling that showed a weaker Arthur supported by the strong, magic-bearing women of the story. Gwen, Morgana, and Elaine’s friendship was the highlight of the story for me.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Adult and YA Fae Books / Classic Book Retellings
Jane Austen Retellings
Plot
I’m a sucker for a Jane Austen adaptation so I was eager to read this story about the servants at Longbourn, home to the Bennett sisters. It was a love story that definitely focused on the people behind the scenes, without many appearances by the famed characters of Pride and Prejudice.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked that we got a brief look into Elizabeth’s life as Mrs. Darcy, but I really did enjoy the servants’ stories. I’d recommend this one for fans of Downton Abbey for sure.
Find this book in: Books Like Downton Abbey / Books Like Pride and Prejudice / Classic Book Retellings
Plot
As soon as I realized this was a classic Jane Austen retelling of Sense and Sensibility, I knew I had to read it!
This version is set in D.C. and the key characters are involved in politics. It feels very appropriate post-election. I loved seeing the connections back to Jane Austen’s original work.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is probably one of my favorite retellings sense and sensibility and it’s a fun political fiction story.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Jane Austen Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
This modern classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice had me giggling multiple times. The Bennett sisters get modern updates in all the best ways.
And in this one, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have hate sex as part of the courting ritual which just cracked me up. Mrs. Bennett’s hysterics remain true to form and will be sure to delight. We love this pick from our list of best contemporary fiction books. It also appears on our list of Jane Austen Book Adaptations.
Plot
National Book Award Finalist, Ibi Zoboi, has remixed the classic Austen favorite, Pride and Prejudice. In this version of the story, Zuri is proud of her family and her Brooklyn roots, but she’s not loving the gentrification of her neighborhood. She is not at all impressed with Darius and the rest of the rich Darcy family that’s moved in across the street. As her sister, Janae, begins to fall for Ainsley Darcy, Zuri and Darius’s paths continue to cross.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m always down for a classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite books of all time. I was particularly interested in this take because it features modern, black teenagers. This was my first Austen retelling from a non-white author, though certainly more diverse retellings have come out since I read this one. I adored this version. Yes, I knew what would happen, but this is about the journey, people!!!
Find this book in: Best High School Romance Books / Pride and Prejudice Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Best YA Romance Books
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
I loved the first book in the series so much. I could not wait to read this second book that is not only a Jane Austen retelling, but a delightful pick in novels about food.
I loved this fresh take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It was so much fun to read this classic retelling and I will admit that it made me very hungry.
20 Books like Pride and Prejudice & More Jane Austen Retellings
Looking for more Jane Austen classic book retellings? Check out this list of our favorites!
I never heard of The Winters before! So excited. Rebecca is one of my all-time favorite books. I love this list. While I’ve read some, most I have never even heard of and I always think it’s fun to read retellings of books I like. Thanks for the great post!
Terrific list! A lot of these are new to me so I’m making notes of the ones I want to read. I’m always up for a unique retelling!