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Best Retelling Books

December 2024

New Boy

Chevalier’s retelling of Othello set in a 1970s suburban schoolyard is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence and racial tension. Through the eyes of 11-year-old Osei, a Ghanaian diplomat’s son, we witness the cruel dynamics of playground politics unfold. As Osei navigates his first day at an all-white school, alliances shift, jealousies flare, and the seeds of tragedy are sown. Chevalier’s keen observations and deft prose capture the raw emotions of adolescence, making this a haunting and unforgettable read.

The Song of Achilles

Achilles, the golden warrior, and Patroclus, the awkward prince, forge an unlikely bond that deepens into a passionate romance. Miller’s lyrical prose breathes new life into Homer’s epic, exploring the tender moments between battles and the raw emotions of young love. As the Trojan War looms, their relationship is tested against duty and fate. A heart-wrenching tale that had me captivated until the final page, pondering the enduring power of love and the cruel whims of the gods.

Circe

Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios, is a misfit among the divine. Banished to a remote island, she hones her craft in witchcraft, crossing paths with mythical figures like Odysseus. Miller’s lyrical prose breathes new life into this lesser-known goddess, weaving a tale of self-discovery and defiance against the gods. Through Circe’s eyes, we experience the timeless struggles of power, love, and mortality in a fresh, feminist retelling of Greek mythology.