Friday, July 18, 2025

Book Blogger Hop: Respecting or Reimagining Deceased Authors' Legacies?

Illustration of a book blogger hop taking place on Friday, highlighting various books and a comfortable reading space.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! 


To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates. 


Here’s what to do: 
  1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
  2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer). 
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This Week's Prompt:

What is your opinion on modern artists' interpretations of deceased authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen? Do you think these interpretations represent the authors correctly, or do they disrespect the authors?

- submitted by Billy  @ Coffee-Addicted Writer


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My Answer:

I've read several modern retellings, reimaginings, and sequels to classic novels, and to be honest, I've often come away disappointed. Many adaptations, especially those that incorporate horror elements such as vampires or zombies into the original plots, can be disrespectful. This sentiment applies not only to readers but also to the original authors, who I can only imagine might be turning in their graves over these reinterpretations. That’s just my take on retellings.

Now, when it comes to sequels, I’m more open to those that are “official” continuations approved by the authors’ families or estates. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of high quality; it’s hard to compare them favorably to the originals. 

Here’s a tip for aspiring authors: instead of retelling someone else’s story, aim to draw inspiration from their work. Allow your favorite books and authors to ignite your imagination and inspire you to come up with your own ideas and stories.

⁓B.J. Burgess

2 comments:

  1. That is an interesting perspective. I generally like retellings or inspired by tales from the classics; be they fairy tales or literary works. I don't know if I ever read a direct retelling that incorporated vampires or other paranormal elements. Thinking back on it, they could've been more a story that was inspired by a classic but still has its own thing going on, and threw in some vampires or werewolves. I think we sometimes use the word "retelling" as an easier way of explaining the story when it might not 100% accurate.


    Here's my BBH

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting. I took it from the point of view that the author would be pleased that people would want to reimagine their work.

    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete

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