Modern Pages, Classic Hearts: Stories That Evolve with Time
If You’re Not Into Classics, Try These Modern Alternatives
“Pride and Prejudice” → “Eligible”
“1984” → “The Circle”
Let’s be honest—classics are called “classics” for a reason. They’ve stood the test of time, they’ve shaped literature, and they’re often taught in schools. But not everyone falls in love with them right away. Sometimes the old-fashioned language, slow pacing, or historical settings can feel distant or tricky to relate to.
If that sounds like you, don’t worry. There’s a great way to enjoy the essence of a classic story without getting stuck in the past: read its modern counterpart.
Today, we’ll look at two classic books and their modern-day retellings or thematic twins that make the same points in a fresh, updated way.
“Pride and Prejudice” → “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813, is one of the most loved classics in the world. It tells the story of family, society, love, and expectations. It’s clever, funny, and full of strong characters—especially its famous lead, Elizabeth Bennet.
But let’s be real: the old British English, long descriptions of social customs, and strict marriage rules might make some modern readers feel disconnected.
Enter “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld.
This book takes the core idea of Pride and Prejudice—strong personalities, tricky relationships, and family drama—and brings it right into the 21st century. It’s set in modern-day America, and the characters deal with updated versions of similar challenges: finding love, dealing with family pressure, and figuring out what truly matters in life.
“Eligible” is quick, witty, and full of charm. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy Pride and Prejudice but wished it had text messages, reality TV, or yoga classes—this book is for you.
It doesn’t require you to know the original story, but if you do, you’ll catch some fun nods and clever twists. And if you don’t, that’s fine too—you’ll still enjoy a smart, feel-good read about love and identity.
“1984” → “The Circle” by Dave Eggers
George Orwell’s 1984 is a dark, powerful book that looks at a future where the government watches everything and people lose their freedom. It’s famous for introducing the idea of “Big Brother” and for showing a scary version of what could happen if we let control go too far.
It’s an important book—but also intense. Some readers, especially younger ones, may find the dystopian world hard to dive into or the pacing slower than today’s thrillers.
That’s where “The Circle” by Dave Eggers comes in.
“The Circle” is set in a modern, tech-driven world where a super-powerful internet company becomes more and more involved in people’s lives. At first, it all seems exciting—smart gadgets, constant connection, big promises of safety and happiness. But as the company’s influence grows, things get uncomfortable.
Without spoiling anything, this book explores the same big ideas as 1984—like privacy, power, and control—but in a way that feels much closer to home. If you’ve ever thought about how much we share online or how companies track our data, this story will make you think twice.
It reads more like a modern novel or thriller and is easier to relate to if you're used to today’s tech and social media.
Why Modern Alternatives Work
Classic books are valuable. They started important conversations and shaped literature. But you don’t need to force yourself to read something that doesn’t speak to you—especially when there are new books that bring the same themes to life in modern language and settings.
Here’s why modern alternatives are great:
- They’re more relatable — with familiar settings, slang, and technology
- They’re easier to read — with simpler sentence structure and pacing
- They keep the core idea — like love, freedom, or self-discovery
- They help bridge the gap — between old lessons and modern life
You might even find that reading the modern version first helps you go back and appreciate the original later on!
Books—whether old or new—are meant to connect with us. If a classic doesn’t grab your heart, it’s okay. Try a modern spin on it. You might find that today’s stories still carry yesterday’s wisdom, just wrapped in new clothes.
So go ahead: pick up a book that speaks your language. The magic of reading is still there, whether it’s written with ink pots or emojis.