Perhaps the only thing that excites book lovers as much as the release of a new book is to watch the stories they love come to life on screen. Whether it’s the satisfaction of seeing the images in our heads transform into moving images on a screen, or the pleasure of shaking our heads sadly to proclaim that the book was indeed better than the show, the root cause behind our excitement remains open for debate. But if you are anything like us, then here’s a list of ten acclaimed books that have been adapted into television series that are definitely worth reading AND watching!
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Chinese author Liu Cixin’s science fiction world of The Three-Body Problem has recently been brought to the screen on Netflix. With a stellar cast and an engrossing storyline where the Earth might be in danger of being overtaken and conquered by aliens, the television adaptation of The Three-Body Problem has been making waves ever since its release in March this year.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney had broken out on the literary scene in style with her second novel, Normal People, in 2018. The book, which had appealed to a lot of its younger readers, is now also available on-screen under the same name. Boasting an IMDb rating of 8.4 and 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, Normal People should be high on your watchlist if you like seriously well-made shows based on emotionally compelling stories.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow has a fanbase of its own. This story of Count Alexander Rostov as he discovers a new meaning in life while being put on eternal house arrest in post-revolution Russia touched many hearts with its writing and themes. Now, you can witness the same magic being recreated on screen with the series based on the novel streaming on Prime Video.
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The Talented Mr Ripley is a book that has yielded itself to multiple adaptations on screen. The third and latest adaptation features Andrew Scott in the titular role and effectively broke onto Netflix this month. Shot in black and white, and featuring a talented cast, Ripley is a must-watch even if you know where this thriller story is heading.
Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra
Vikram Chandra’s Sacred Games is perhaps one of the most popular adaptations of an Indian novel. The book was adapted for screen in two seasons in 2018-19 and has a strong rating of 8.5 on IMDb. The star-studded adaptation is fast-paced and thrilling, and it will keep you glued to your seats until you finish binge-watching the series to its explosive ending.
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s 1996 novel Alias Grace was adapted into a mini-series in 2017 and is available to stream on Netflix. This story of a young Irish immigrant who is accused of murdering her employer has some deeply compelling performances, making it a stunning contender for your watchlist.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth’s novel of more than a thousand pages has been adapted for screen by none other than Mira Nair, who brought the world of the novel alive in 2020. Set in a newly independent India, the adaptation fleshes out and vibrantly animates Seth’s world and its suitable characters. Featuring a massive cast of characters, the series is currently available to stream on Netflix.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Set in the Second World War, Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See is the story of a blind French girl and a German soldier, trying to survive the tumult of a war-torn era. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been adapted for screen and is now available to stream in India on Netflix. If you’ve loved the book and/or are constantly on the lookout for good historical dramas, then this adaptation is definitely worth a try!
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six is one of Reid’s most popular novels and was adapted for screen in 2023. The novel follows the life of rockstar Daisy Jones and if you are a fan of musicals, then Daisy Jones and the Six might just be up your alley. Find it on Prime Video!
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a work that cannot be recommended enough – both the book and the series. The novel is a brilliant piece of writing that has been brought to the screen with tantamount vividness and verisimilitude. Set in a dystopian world where women have been stripped of their rights, the story follows the life of June and is a chilling and sobering read/watch. Available to stream on Prime Video, The Handmaid’s Tale is another highly recommended gem.
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About the Reviewer:-
Sneha Pathak has a PhD in English Literature and has taught at the collegiate and university level. She currently works as a freelance writer/translator. Her writings have appeared in various publications such as Muse India, Purple Pencil Project, The Wise Owl Magazine, The Curious Reader, Mystery and Suspense Magazine etc. She recently published her first book of translation, an anthology of stories translated from Hindi. Follow her here: Instagram