When lots of people visit my site to check out a book review, it’s usually because a TV adaptation has been announced or recently released. At the moment, my review of The Rumour by Lesley Kara is getting attention and sure enough, a new TV adaptation is on Channel 5. Sadly, the TV reviews are not good – The i Paper calls it ‘boring rubbish’, The Guardian says it’s ‘silly but moreish’ and it’s currently rated 4.9 on IMDb. As I always say in these situations… read the book!

Here are my reviews of books which have been adapted for TV:

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough (Netflix, 2021). I’m not sure if I finished watching this, so it wasn’t good or bad enough to be memorable! I had some issues with the book, but I enjoyed the twist.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Amazon, 2023). I was wary of this adaptation because the book was so good. Happily I enjoyed the series very much and the music was great.

Titus Groan and Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake (BBC, 2000). This series was suitably odd with a very impressive cast, but somehow it didn’t work too well for TV. The books are brilliant though.

The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis (Netflix, 2020). I thought the TV series was very good, however I had mixed opinions on the book, because I liked the style but not the chess descriptions.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (BBC, 1995). The iconic adaptation and the only one you’ll ever need. Not strictly faithful to the book but who cares? Jane herself would love it, I’m sure.

Emma by Jane Austen (BBC, 2009). This is a good adaptation of my 2nd favourite Austen, but I found Romola Garai over-the-top in her expression and prefer Gwyneth Paltrow or Anya Taylor-Joy.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (Netflix, 2018). I abandoned the TV series because it almost wasn’t the same story at all. The book is excellent though and I’ll re-read it some time.

Beautiful People by Simon Doonan (BBC, 2008). The TV show is loosely based on this memoir and is the 90s instead of 60s. Both are worth checking out, they’re quite rude though!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (BBC, 1981). This classic TV show is fun and is true to the spirit of the books, much better than the film. There were only 6 episodes.

Aquila by Andrew Norriss (BBC, 1997). This children’s show about an ancient spaceship was entertaining and had a fantastic theme song. As far as I remember, the adaptation is close to the book.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend (ITV, 1985). With a catchy theme by Ian Dury and great casting, this was a very good adaptation, although the books are better!

There’s a relatively small overlap between books I’ve read (and reviewed) and TV adaptations that I’ve seen. I’m more likely to read a book and not watch the show, or to watch it but not read the book!

Have you seen these adaptations, do you enjoy them or do you always prefer the book?