Classic Novels by Women Gain Popularity in Hollywood and Publishing

In recent years, the entertainment industry has been embracing classic literature written by women, with Hollywood leading the charge. The adaptation of these timeless stories is captivating audiences both on and off the screen.

Emma Corrin, known for her role in “House of the Dragon,” is set to portray Lizzie Bennet in a Netflix adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” Daisy Edgar-Jones will star in a new film version of “Sense and Sensibility,” while Aimee Lou Wood takes on the iconic role in a television adaptation of “Jane Eyre.” Earlier this year, Emerald Fennell’s cinematic take on “Wuthering Heights” earned over $240 million at the box office, highlighting the strong appeal of these stories.

This trend isn’t limited to film and television. The publishing world is also revisiting these classic narratives by releasing a fresh audiobook of “Pride and Prejudice” and a wave of new titles inspired by novels such as “Little Women.”

“My question is whether we’re in a resurgence, or if it’s just a continuation of this trend in the adaptation world that I think came about in the 1990s,” said Cristina Richieri Griffin, an assistant professor in the English department at the University of Virginia. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s just showing up in new ways now.”

Griffin, who teaches courses on 19th-century fiction and adaptation, emphasizes the enduring role women have played in the literary world. Austen’s debut novel, “Northanger Abbey,” was her response to the Gothic fiction popular at the time, illustrating that women’s voices have long been integral to the evolution and reinterpretation of literature.

Rachel Haines, a doctoral candidate in the English department, notes a broader trend towards romance in literature. “A lot of people I know are reading things like ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ and the romantasy genre in general,” she explained. “It’s a lot more socially acceptable to read these things and take them seriously now.”

Haines is also teaching a course focused on the “love plot,” tracing the roots of modern romance novels back to “Pride and Prejudice.” According to the American Enterprise Institute’s Survey Center on American Life, 56% of Gen Z adults say they didn’t date during their teenage years. This may lead individuals to seek romantic experiences vicariously through literature and adaptations.

“With adaptations, with romance novels, we expect the ending. Since we know what’s going to happen, it feels safe and even therapeutic to engage with them,” Haines added.

Despite the historical settings of 19th-century novels, which often depict the complex social codes of the British upper class, themes of romance and social navigation remain relatable today. As Griffin observed, “Every adaptation reminds us that there are some human experiences and social structures that are timeless.”

Griffin cites “Clueless,” a modern adaptation of “Emma,” as a prime example. Although set in the Los Angeles Valley of the 1990s, the film captures the universal themes of friendship, social dynamics, and misunderstandings, echoing its 19th-century roots.

Even the societal norms depicted in novels like “Wuthering Heights” and “Pride and Prejudice” resonate in today’s world, where social interactions can be scrutinized online. Even reading in public may be judged as “performative.”

This inherent magic in adaptations continues to draw audiences into these timeless tales, ensuring their relevance for generations to come.