Unmissable books – read these before watching the screen adaptation!

December 18, 2020

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This is for anyone who enjoys reading or wants to start! Explore our list of classic books which have either come out as films recently, or are soon to hit the screens.

The Witches – Roald Dahl

A twisted and thrilling story of a young boy and his unfortunate encounter with a group of Witches in Norway. One of Roald Dahl’s most famous and celebrated novels, it is a must-read for children of all ages. Definitely one to delve into before watching it on Amazon.

Emma – Jane Austen

Set in a fictional English village, this acclaimed novel explores the life and difficulties of genteel women in Gregorian-Regency England. A true classic, this screen adaptation came out in February of this year. We would highly recommend getting lost in this extraordinary novel before watching the adaptation.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier

This early 20th novel follows a young woman in Monte Carlo and her impetuous marriage to a wealthy widower. A tale which grows in intrigue with every page, the screen adaptation came out in mid-October, and is available to watch on Netflix.

Death on the Nile – Agatha Christie

One of the most well-known outings of Christie’s infamous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, this novel perfectly encapsulates the genius of Christie’s writing style. The screen adaptation is led by Kenneth Branagh, who previously directed Murder on the Orient Express to great acclaim. Both are gripping reads well worth a go before watching the films. Reading this novel takes you on a detective’s journey!

Around the World in Eighty Days – Jules Verne

Published in the late 19^th century, this adventure tale centres around a wager between friends that the world can be circumnavigated in 80 days. Previously adapted for the screen in 2004, this extraordinary tale of danger and excitement will be returning to the screens in 2021 – giving you plenty of time to read the book!

The Invisible Man – H.G. Wells

Reading this is definitely advisable for the older kids and adults. This sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells was adapted in early 2020 to great acclaim. Despite a similar premise, the film follows a different trail of events to the original novel, and is therefore ripe for comparison to the novel.

The Secret Garden – Francis Hodgson Burnett

This magical tale of wonder and intrigue follows a spoilt girl relocating to a country house in England, and the twists and turns her new life brings. Recently adapted with leading British actors Colin Firth and Julie Waters, we would recommend giving this amazing book a go before watching it on screen.