10 best book-to-TV adaptations as All The Light We Cannot See drops
There have been a cavalcade of book adaptations dropping on screen recently. But does TV do it better? Have your say.
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The book is better.
It’s an oft repeated phrase when it comes to screen adaptations.
There are the inevitable issues with casting choices (can anybody ever match the way a reader has pictured the protagonist?) and the nuances of the story (internal monologues, don’t always translate well to the screen).
At least the long-form nature of television means there’s a chance to flesh out the characters and portray most of the plot.
There have been a cavalcade of book adaptations dropping recently.
Here are 10 of the best:
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE
Netflix
This ambitious adaptation of Anthony Doerr’s gorgeous, Pullitzer Prize – winning 2014 novel has just dropped. And reviews of the four-part World War II drama set in the besieged French city of Saint Malo have been mixed. The cast is amazing: from Hugh Laurie and Mark Ruffalo, to the two female actors – Nell Sutton and Aria Mia Loberti – who are vision-impaired and share the part of Marie-Laure Leblanc. However there’s an interesting conundrum of feeling quite connected to the characters, while also a frustration they’ve only just scratched the surface of the plot.
LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY
Episodes drop Wednesdays, Apple TV
Just as Bonnis Gamus’ book was a wholly enjoyable read, Lessons in Chemistry is a wholly enjoyable watch. Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson is inspired casting as Elizabeth Zott, along with Bill Pullman’s son Lewis as her love interest Calvin. The part of the nosy neighbour Harriet Sloane has been beefed up into something a bit more meaningful. While the series removes much of the book’s humour, it doesn’t lose its heart.
GAME OF THRONES
Binge
Many claim the wave of book-to-TV adaptations are a direct result of this success of this epic series which only ran off the rails when it ran out of books to use as source material. The first four seasons were superb in capturing the world of George R.R Martin’s novels on screen. An entire fictional continent rose, stretching from Beyond the Wall to Dorne and across the Narrow Sea to the Free Cities of Braavos. Dragons were no longer imagined, they were real beasts to be mourned as much as the human characters when they inevitably – and often – died.
THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART
Prime Video
This seven-part series of Holly Ringland’s evocative and beautifully crafted tale of the titular Alice was in safe hands with the powerhouse Bruna Papandrea and her Made Up Stories. It was translated perfectly for the small screen. Much has been written about the big names — Sigourney Weaver, Asher Keddie and Leah Purcell – in the fabulous cast but the talent and heartfelt performances stretch right through the ensemble.
DAISY JONES AND THE SIX
Prime Video
Based on the best-selling book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, this 10-episode series had smash hit written all over it. Sam Claflin and (Elvis Presley’s granddaughter) Riley Keogh were picture and pitch perfect as the leads playing Billy Dunne and the eponymous Daisy. It’s worth tuning in for the superb acting and well-written and addictive drama, not to mention the soundtrack. However reviewers also pointed out that the 10-hour series feels both too long and not long enough.
BRIDGERTON
Netflix
Perhaps avid readers should take a leaf from author Julia Quinn who wasn’t worried at all when her beloved Regency era series was optioned for screen. And with revered TV creator Shonda Rhimes at the helm that’s understandable – “I’m certainly not going to tell Shonda Rhimes how to make television’” she’s said. While fans have been outraged, that the third season will skip ahead to book four’s Colin and Penelope’s romance, they’ve lapped up the casting choices and translation of storylines making it one of the streamer’s most-watched original series.
BIG LITTLE LIES
Binge
Liane Moriarty’s story of murder was set against the backdrop of an affluent Australian community. For the TV show, adapted by and starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, the action moved to America. The show’s stellar cast – joining Witherspoon and Kidman were actors including Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern and Alexander Skarsgard – deftly portrayed the world of petty jealousies and big secrets, maintaining the tension of the book. Moriarty was involved in the second season, which took the series beyond its source material. And with legendary Meryl Streep joining the cast, there was little chance it would be awful.
THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT
Netflix
Adapted from the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, the screen adaptation was a long time in the making. It’s a rather faithful version of the powerful illustration of addiction, love, and ambition. And it’s likely the only chess-based psychological drama you’ll likely ever consume. The seven-part miniseries – with the exquisite Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, the orphan who grows up to become an international chess sensation – was universally lauded by critics and viewers.
THIS IS GOING TO HURT
Binge
A series of diary entries by a junior doctor may not have seemed like a winner, but Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt was a huge success. Kay, who is now a comedian, wrote a hilarious, engaging and ultimately moving memoir which gave an insight into the work junior doctors do. And the BBC’s adaptation into an eight-part comedy-drama, struck the perfect balance between making viewers laugh and cry, just like the book did.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Netflix
Jane Austen’s classic book has spawned many an adaptation, but the best is the 1995 BBC version (don’t even try to disagree). Austen’s novel tells the story of headstrong and independent Elizabeth Bennet – the second oldest of five sisters – and the cold and closed off Mr Darcy. It’s layered with social commentary about the role of women and marriage in Regency era Britain, and is slyly funny. It’s no wonder we can’t get enough of this book on screens – big and small.
Originally published as 10 best book-to-TV adaptations as All The Light We Cannot See drops