Looking for something new to read this year? Here are 12 incredible books that are all being released as films or TV shows in 2021! They’re the perfect thing to seek your teeth into before seeing the characters come to life on your screen. Despite the pandemic, 2021 promises plenty of thrilling, heartwarming and exciting book adaptations to keep us adequately distracted. Have you read any of these books already?
1. Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah
Despite being less well-known than some of Hannah’s other novels, Firefly Lane is set to be a Netflix original in 2021. This story follows two friends as they transition from 8th Grade through to adulthood. They’ve always vowed to be the best of friends but one act of betrayal will put their relationship to the ultimate test. The 10-part Netflix adaptation stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke as Tully and Kate, and will be premiering early this year. Check out the trailer below!
2. There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
If you love thrillers, make sure to check out There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins before it’s released on Netflix this year! The graduating class at Osborne High is being targeted by a masked assailant, intent on exposing their victims’ deepest, darkest secrets.
3. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
If you want to read this booker prize winner before it’s released on Netflix, you’ll have to be quick! It’s due to air early in 2021. The story follows Balram Halwai as he tries to pull himself out of poverty in India, and the adaptation is set to gain as much praise as its primary source. Variety has dubbed it as an ‘absorbing tale of an Indian Servant on the rise’, likening it to Slumdog Millionaire ‘with more reality’.
4. Dune by Frank Herbert
This adaptation of the classic sci-fi story has been eagerly anticipated for a number of months, and is set to be released late 2021. Set on a fictional desert planet with a drug capable of extending life, the story follows Paul Atreides after his noble family is betrayed. Expect drama, magic, and an epic journey in what will be one of the biggest films of the year. The star-studded cast includes players such as Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Jason Momoa.
5. The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
2021 will apparently be a great year for Kristen Hannah, who will see not one but two of her books come to life on the screen! The immensely popular The Nightingale follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, during the Nazi occupation of France. This emotional story is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year and will star real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning.
6. The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
Psychological thriller, The Woman in the Window, is set in New York City, where Anna Fox lives alone with very little to fill her days. When the Russell family move in across the road, however, Anna sees something she shouldn’t and her world begins to fall apart. Starring Amy Adams, this fast-paced thriller will be released on Netflix in 2021.
7. The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
From the same author of the huge hit Me Before You, comes The Last Letter from Your Lover. In 1960, Jennifer Stirling wakes up in hospital with no recollection of her life or who she is, but finds an impassioned letter asking her to leave her husband. In 2003, Ellie discovers this same letter in her newspaper’s archives. Obsessed with the story, she’s determined to find out the truth.
The film adaptation stars bigs names such as Felicity Jones, Shailene Woodley, Joe Alwyn and Sex Education‘s Ncuti Gatwa.
8. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
From the author of Big Little Lies, comes Nine Perfect Strangers, another brilliant and witty mystery. Taking place in the unlikely setting of a wellness retreat, the story follows nine strangers who find themselves embroiled in a growing drama. The HBO series will be released later this year, starring Melissa McCarthy and Nicole Kidman
9. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Following the madly popular mini-series adaptation of Normal People, it’s probably no surprise that Conversations with Friends will also be taking to the screen in 2021. Rooney’s first novel follows 21-year-old Frances, a college student and aspiring writer, and her best friend Bobbi. Once lovers, now friends, they become absorbed into the life of a high-flying couple. Like Normal People, it takes a close look at the nature of human relationships, and will be likely be aired on BBC Three later this year.
10. Passing by Nella Larsen
Set in Harlem, New York, this classic novel centres around the reunion of two black women who were once childhood friends. One is passing as white, a fact which even her husband doesn’t know, and the other has remained in their old neighbourhood, living as a black woman. This gripping and emotional film adaptation is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.
11. Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
This legal thriller by Sarah Vaughan follows the unravelling of a marriage when the husband is accused of a terrible crime. Gripping and suspenseful, the adaptation is set to be a six part Netflix series, from the creators of Big Little Lies and House of Cards.
12. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
Mothering Sunday follows Jane, a maid who has the day off to celebrate Mother’s Day, whilst her employers attend a lunch to celebrate the engagement of their neighbour’s son, Paul. What they don’t know is that Jane has been in a secret relationship with this same man for a number of years. The adaptation looks to have a fantastic cast, including names such as Josh O’Connor, Odessa Young, Olivia Coleman, and Colin Firth.
