BOOK TO SERIES
Circe, Americanah, Normal People, Bridgerton+
When a favorite book is adapted for film, you might have mixed feelings. The characters and stories are so real and perfect that you don’t want anyone to mess up. And two hours seems far too short for a 300-page novel. But it’s a different story when a favorite book is adapted for television. The nuances and plot seem to translate more easily into small-screen life. Some stellar adaptations of famous novels are coming, so get ready to read then binge, PROVOKRs.
NORMAL PEOPLE
Sally Rooney’s love story in Normal People spans years and reveals the passionate sparks that fly between its protagonists. The series now streaming on Hulu is a stunning adaptation set in Dublin, Ireland. Rooney’s writing style lends itself to easy reading, so pick up the book before (or even after) you watch.
BRIDGERTON
The source material for Shonda Rhimes‘ upcoming Netflix series is quite extensive. The Bridgerton Family Series by Julia Quinn includes eight books about a family favored by British society. With Rhimes at the wheel and British families at the forefront, expect a high-society drama laced with plenty of sex.
LOVECRAFT COUNTRY
Lovecraft Country is a novel from Matt Ruff that documents the horrors of Jim Crow America, but it also implements H.P. Lovecraft-style horror. The HBO series of the same name comes from producers Misha Green, J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele — a trifecta of modern TV excellence. Watch the horrifying trailer below, and let it lure you into picking up the novel.
AMERICANAH
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie not only pens the beautiful novel Americanah — she creates the series, too. Working alongside her is Danai Gurira from The Walking Dead and Black Panther. Lupita Nyong’o stars in the forthcoming HBO adaptation, which also features Uzo Aduba, Corey Hawkins and Zackary Momoh.
CIRCE
Lauded as one of the best and sexiest books of 2018, Madeline Miller’s Circe will get the TV treatment. HBO owns the rights to the dark, mysterious novel about a powerful witch of the gods. It’s going to be a sexy, stunning adaptation, so read up PROVOKRs.
