From Page to Screen: 5 Books That Inspired Film and TV Adaptations

The magic of storytelling often doesn’t end on the page — some books find a second life on screen, reaching wider audiences and bringing characters to life in new ways. Here are five books, all available at Preloved Library, that have inspired popular film or TV adaptations:

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian classic depicts a chilling theocratic future where women’s rights have been stripped away. Its 2017 Hulu adaptation, starring Elisabeth Moss, reignited cultural conversations about gender, power, and freedom. The series has continued to expand on the original novel, offering a harrowing vision that feels hauntingly relevant.

 

2. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover’s emotionally charged novel follows Lily Bloom as she navigates love, resilience, and difficult choices in a complicated relationship. A film adaptation starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is currently in production and has already generated significant buzz among fans of the book. Hoover’s honest portrayal of trauma and healing has struck a chord with millions.

 

3. The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho

In this philosophical novel, a stranger visits a remote village with an unsettling proposal that tests the morality of the entire community. While not yet adapted for the big screen, The Devil and Miss Prym has cinematic qualities and thematic depth that have led to widespread interest, especially as Paulo Coelho’s works continue to attract global attention.

 

4. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Kate Atkinson’s acclaimed novel follows Ursula Todd, who is reborn repeatedly and given multiple chances to alter the course of 20th-century history. The BBC adapted this compelling concept into a haunting and visually rich TV series in 2022, exploring fate, war, and the intricacies of choice and consequence.

 

5. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

A dark satire of 1980s excess and superficiality, American Psycho follows the chilling descent of investment banker Patrick Bateman. The 2000 film, starring Christian Bale, became a cult classic, praised for its razor-sharp critique of capitalism and identity. The book remains controversial and compelling — a must-read before (or after) watching the film.

 

Whether you’re a reader who loves to compare adaptations or a film fan curious about the source material, these stories prove that a good book can thrive in any format. Find more in our Books Turned Movies collection