We can all agree that at least once in our lifetime, we read a retelling. It doesn't matter if it was about Cinderella or Pride and Prejudice. What matters is the meaning behind the story and what it means to us.
“History is always changing behind us, and the past changes a little every time we retell it.”
–Hillary Mantel
Retelling and How it Applies to Fantasy Books
Defined by the dictionary, retelling means "tell a new version of a story". During a classroom session could work and help students to organize and describe events, enhancing their reading comprehension. While in literature, it means writing or telling a new version of an old story. Usually based on fairy tales and classic novels, although the author adds a little bit of spice (no, that type of spice –but it could be–). It could be set in a modern and/or dystopian setting or be a mashup of genres and tropes. Retelling is not created out of anywhere. It needs to have a story baseline. They should have the following characteristics:
The plot line and events are presented in sequential order
The main characters are in it
Problem-solving based on the storyline
Define the most important events of the story and exclude (or change) the unimportant ones
I will assume that we all love Disney movies and that we enjoy watching them over and over. For me, fairy tale movies have always been my favorites. But, what I didn't know until recently is that many of my favorite books are retellings of our favorite fairy tales.
For example, ACOTAR is based on The Beauty and the Beast. I thought it had similarities, but as I continued reading, I understood the retelling SJM was doing. ToG started as a Cinderella retelling, but SJM decided to do it more epic and did a complete spinoff.
You may ask yourself: "how can ToG be based on Cinderella?". Well, for starters, the book began with Celaena being freed of slavery by Dorian (Prince Charming), giving her a pathway to freedom. But as the book evolved, so did the plotline for SJM, moving almost completely away from the retelling.
Another example could be These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. This is a Romeo and Juliet retelling. A friend also pointed out to me that it was haha, but it was a bit more obvious since the main characters had almost identical names and in the description was indicated as well.
It's Importance in Literature And Why We Like Them
As I previously mentioned, retelling helps develop and enhance our reading comprehension. It also helps to understand and pick up the most meaningful events of the book. To fully understand the plot and characters.
I believe that retellings are endearing both for the readers and writers. For the author, it is possible to add a little bit of their creativity and surprise the reader with twists and turns, making the book so much entertaining. Also, by retelling classic novels and fairy tales, the writers give a second chance and a new life opportunity. Meanwhile, for us (readers), could mean that retellings are more adaptable for our ages. That could help us understand things that may be "occult" or hidden from our children's eyes.
When I learned that ACOTAR was based on The Beauty and the Beast, I started to spot the similarities and differences between the two, which makes it almost like a game haha. I consider that one of the main things in retellings is the freedom it gives your creativity, whether or not it is the closest thing to the original plot. Writers have the power to make an almost forgotten novel a new and exciting one. It will also allow the readers to go to the original version and read it (adding more books to our TBRs).
But also, something retellings can teach us is that nobody reads the same book. I know it sounds strange, but it is the truth. How many times have you read a book you loved and adored only to discover that a friend disliked and hated it? We read the books we liked because we understand the meaning behind depending on our reality, on what it makes click with us. We love the books that make us accept and get the characters. We love the books that make us feel something. Makes us feel alive.
So it doesn't matter if you read Wuthering Heights, Cinderella, or a retelling. What matters is that you know why you read these books. That you understand and hopefully get the meaning and message behind the book. What matters is that you get what you are reading and, more importantly, that you love it.
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