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There is a literary trend I’ve noticed lately – modern authors writing prequels to classic books or retellings from another character’s point of view.
The most famous one that comes to mind is Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995) by Gregory Maguire to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum.
Some of my favorite books growing up were:
- Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy M. Montgomery
- Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
I loved reading about girls growing up in other time periods and learning about what life was like for them. These books are the kind you can read as a kid and enjoy, and when you’re an adult they’re still enjoyable. That’s a mark of really good writing.
Marilla of Green Gables: A Surprising Prequel
A few years ago, my cousin bought me the book, Marilla of Green Gables: A Novel by Sarah McCoy. I was a bit leery. Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908, and Marilla of Green Gables was published in 2018. I wondered if Sarah McCoy could do Marilla justice 110 years after the character was introduced. Would she try to imitate Lucy Maude Montgomery’s style, or stick to her own? Would the writing feel connected?
I was pleasantly surprised – I really enjoyed Marilla of Green Gables: A Novel. One of the things I vividly remember from the Anne books is Marilla’s use of the word Fiddlesticks!”, and it was interesting to see young Marilla use that phrase. The reader is also shown the beginning of Marilla and Rachel Lynde’s friendship, as well as the backstory on her relationship with John Blythe. Sarah McCoy did a really good job connecting her prequel to the Anne series. I liked reading about Marilla’s beginnings, and how that shaped the woman we meet in Mongomery’s books.
Retellings from the Mother’s Point of View
Sarah Miller is another author who has written “retellings”.
- Caroline: Little House, Revisited – Laura Ingalls Wilder’s mother’s story.
- Marmee: A Novel – Little Women from the March family matriarch’s viewpoint.
These character retellings bring a fresh voice to well-known events:
- Caroline’s fears about moving west and keeping order while living in a covered wagon.
- Marmee’s experience while her husband was away during the Civil War, and her friendship with Mrs. Hummel.
Both women’s narratives highlight strength, resilience, and the quiet leadership that shaped their daughters.
My Takeaway
I’m still very loyal to the original books and series, but this was a fun variation on books close to my heart and deepen my appreciation for the characters I already loved..
What prequel, retelling, or alternate POV story have you read that stayed true to the original while bringing something new?
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