Loved the TV adaptations? We find out the best original texts to curl up and read with – for reel, this time
In this age of Netflix (and chill), we have whole seasons of our favourite TV shows at our fingertips. Many of them are adapted from wildly popular novels, so we’re here to answer the age-old question: is the book actually better? We find out the best titles that are worth giving your subscriptions a pause – here’s what we think…
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This dystopian classic depicts a society run with totalitarian, patriarchal ideals, and the devastating effects on its women. And it’s seriously touching a nerve right now. The story’s colour-coded symbolism reaches new depths on screen, and many shots left us in awe, from Offred’s crimson dress to the oranges she picks up while on grocery duty.
Our verdict: This is one you need to experience both in print and on screen. Offred’s matter-of-fact storytelling works better without all the on-screen dramatics, but cinematography that holds its own weight is something we just can’t say no to. Besides, Elizabeth Moss is mesmerising as Offred (and we’re all for Max Minghella bringing Nick to life).
The Mist by Stephen King
A town in Maine becomes shrouded in a curious mist and its residents soon discover they’re trapped in more than a mere case of bad weather. The TV adaptation sticks to the same horror genre as King’s 1980 novella, but that’s where the similarities with its source text ends. Garnering average ratings, the show was cancelled after just one season.
Our verdict: Best consumed in its original medium. Delve straight into the mind of Stephen King instead; this man knows how to create toe-curling terror without the need for a special effects department.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
In a world where Gods are manifestations of the country’s beliefs, an ex-convict follows a mysterious Mr Wednesday and both become entangled in a battle between Old, dying Gods, and New, thriving ones. The show is a visual treat – think faded, grungy Gods against new, sleek ones in their prismatic glory, all against some highly glorified Americana.
Our verdict: We think the show is stunning in itself and worth spending some serious binge-watching hours. The novel, meanwhile, has pages upon pages of universe-building descriptions that also deserve notice.
Poldark by Winston Graham
Poldark is a series of 12 novels written between 1945 to 2002, its characters spanning a few generations over two centuries. In the latest adaptation of these novels, Aiden Turner plays a seriously swoon-worthy army officer, Ross Poldark, who returns home after war only to find his ex-fiancée marrying his cousin.
Our verdict: There’s no better place than on page to develop a series as substantial as Poldark. We also find that Ross is more nuanced and flawed in text than on screen.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
How could we forget this one? The Game of Thrones series is named after the first book in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. The story is well known for its many twists and turns as complex as its characters. It follows a few families fighting for the Iron Throne, while others fight for independence from it, and from their fictional nation of Westeros.
Our verdict: Hit the pause button and read the books. The series is undoubtedly epic, and many initial episodes have been loyal to Martin’s work, but later ones have gone rather inconsistent, as Martin himself hasn’t completed the latest installments to the series.
Take a break from tinsel town and hit the books instead with the NLB Mobile app. You get to browse, borrow and read all the above titles whenever, wherever.
Tip! Borrowing physical books is also easier with the app – it also works as a scanner too, so you get to loan on the spot and beat the queue to the borrowing station!
This article is sponsored by the National Library Board, as part of the National Reading Movement to encourage people to Read More, Read Widely and Read Together.