Classic Double Challenge 2013

This is such a unique idea for a reading challenge that I couldn't resist. The Classic Double Challenge is hosted by One Librarian's Book Reviews. The idea is to read a classic work of fiction, fairytale or mythology and then read a modern retelling, prequel or book inspired by it in order to compare the two versions. This is a great idea, as there have been so many novels based on classics released lately. I'm just going to attempt the small challenge, to read just two books, but perhaps I will manage more.




Here is a list of potential double-acts I might try reading:

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel.
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Jane by April Lindner or A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont. 
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Spilntered by A.G Howard.
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare and Ophelia by Lisa Klein.
• The Iliad by Homer and Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Enter Three Witches by Caroline B Cooney
• Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie and Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith or Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding.
• The Turn of the Screw by Henry James and Tighter by Adele Griffin.
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum and Wicked by Gregory McGuire.
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Wither by Lauren DeStefano.

A larger list of suggestions can be found here, and a list of fairy-tale adaptations here. One Librarian's Book Reviews is also hosting the Retell Me a Story Celebration from Jan 13th-19th.  This will consist of author and blogger guest posts, reviews, retelling news and discussions and giveaways. I'm really looking forward to it.

 Have you read any modern retellings or adaptations of classic works of literature? How do you think they compared to the originals?