From modern-day adaptations to richly reimagined historical settings, these novels capture the essence of Shakespeare while offering fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. Dive into this must-read list of Shakespeare retellings that promise to enchant, thrill, and move you with their inventive storytelling and unforgettable characters.

Hag Seed by Margaret Atwood

A brilliant and inventive retelling of The Tempest, set in a modern-day prison where a disgraced theater director stages a unique production of the play. Atwood skillfully blends Shakespearean themes and contemporary issues while exploring redemption, revenge, and the transformative power of art. With sharp wit and insightful commentary Hag Seed is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will captivate readers with its clever narrative structure and the way it revitalizes a classic tale.

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These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

In this dazzling Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, rival gangs clash as a monstrous threat emerges from the Huangpu River and the entire city is in disarray. At the center are Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov whose families have been at odds for generations. With rich world-building and complex characters, Chloe Gong masterfully blends historical intrigue with fantastical elements, creating a vivid, atmospheric tale of love and betrayal.

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If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson’s lyrical prose and compelling characterizations draw readers into the poignant and bittersweet journey of Elisha and Jeremiah. Set in New York City, both protagonists attend a private school where neither fits in but find belonging in each other. If You Come Softly deepens readers’ appreciation for heartfelt, socially conscious stories that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

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Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Reimagining the infamous Shakespearean character, Lady Macbeth, as a fiercely ambitious and complex woman navigating a treacherous world. Ava Reid breathes new life into Lady Macbeth by weaving a dark and atmospheric novel about ambition, power, and guilt.

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Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma

The final book in this Twelfth Night-inspired romantic comedy is a friends to lovers trope filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and messy familial dynamics. Veera Mathur wishes she could turn back time and avoid her new reality. The one where the love of her life isn’t married to someone else. Deepak Datta’s life isn’t much better. He’s currently in a relationship with a beauty influencer well that is until she broke up with him via a get ready with me video. When the two cross paths at a wedding the idea is simple: fake it well enough to be convincing and then go their separate ways.

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By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is back with an intriguing novel highlighting Emilia Bassano, the real author of Shakespeare’s plays. In 1581, Emilia Bassano enjoys the perks of being Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, particularly the theater. With aspirations of seeing her own work on the stage but understanding the limitations of being a woman, Emilia pays a man to use his name but the sacrifice is far greater. In present-day, Melina Green has written a piece inspired by Emilia Bassano but the sacrifices Melina must make to achieve success aren’t all that different from centuries ago.

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Hamnet by Maggie O-Farrell

A poignant and lyrical retelling that imagines the life of a father who’s filled with grief at the passing of his son. Set in 16th-century England this dual perspective details life before and after Hamnet dies and the impact of his death. O’Farrell offers a profound examination on the intersections of life and death and art and reality.

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The King of Infinite Space by Lynsay Faye

Dive into this bold and imaginative retelling of Hamlet, set in a contemporary, magical New York City. The King of Infinite Space captures the existential angst and complex relationships of the original play while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist. Ben Dane’s life completely changes when his father dies but he can’t seem to shake the idea that maybe it wasn’t an accident.

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It’s All Relative by Rachel Magee

Helena and Amelia are soon-to-be step sisters who could not be more different. Helena is a go with the flow, making things up on the fly type of person, and Amelia loves a schedule and order, which is why she takes up coordinating their parents dream wedding. Amelia sees the wedding as a way to keep her family together and be as perfect as possible, to make it like it was when her mom was there. Helena sees it as her demise, forced to join a family of perfect people with expectations she will never be able to live up to. Soon the wedding arrives and things do not go according to Amelia’s plan, like Helena having a deadly seafood allergy and showing up to the reception with her close friend Landon, who, unknown to her, is Amelia’s ex. As worlds begin to collide, the girls wonder if this “beautiful merging of two families” is all its cracked up to be.

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The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake

The Last True Poets of the Sea is a loose retelling of Twelfth Night, set in a small coastal town in Maine. Violet and her brother, Sam, have always been told their family is resilient and it all started with their great-great-great grandmother who survived a shipwreck. Tragedy lurks in every corner leaving Violet and Sam desperate for a change. The Last True  Poets of the Sea is a beautiful heartfelt novel exploring family, self-discovery, and healing through the eyes of its resilient protagonist.

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A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley

A modern retelling of King Lear, set on an Iowa farm following Larry Cook and his three daughters. As Larry’s life takes a turn for the worst, his daughters are left to pick up the pieces. Smiley delves into the dark undercurrents of family dynamics, power, and betrayal.

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