Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead has long been one of my favorite plays/concepts. I always loved seeing Hamlet from their point of view, and it was my first introduction to the concept of retelling an existing story from a different character's perspective.
So I'm looking for good variations on this theme. The book doesn't have to be funny or absurdist, just a well thought-out exploration of the concept. I'm familiar with some of the more popular books out there, but have not read them, so I'm interested in learning about any book in this category that you liked, and what makes it worthwhile to you…
by ssAskcuSzepS
6 Comments
Wild Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys is an interpretation of Jane Eyre, from the mad woman in the attic perspective
Percival Everett’s book James is exactly this– The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain but narrated by Huckleberry’s friend on his travels, the fugitive slave Jim, rather than by Huck, as in the original.
I loved James by Percival Everett. I’ve never read Huckleberry Finn and only knew the broad brushstrokes of the story, so can’t really speak to the retelling.
James. Circe. Song of Achilles. The Penelopiad The last three are variations on Greek mythology. James is Huck Finn from Jim’s perspective and a tour de force.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
Grendel by John Gardner (Beowulf)
Circe by Madelline Miller (The Odyssey)
Ransom by David Malouf (Trojan War, Priam’s perspective)