Passing by Nella Larsen
Based on Nella Larsen’s critically acclaimed 1929 novel—which established her as one of the core women writers of the Harlem Renaissance—the film adaptation of Passing is planned for release in 2021. Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut follows Irene and Clare (played by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga), two childhood friends whose lives are changed irrevocably when they reconnect as adults and Irene makes the discovery that Clare has left her African American heritage behind to pass as a white woman. If you loved Brit Bennett’s summer smash-hit The Vanishing Half and are yet to read Larsen’s expertly plotted psychological drama, there’s still plenty of time to grab a copy before it hits screens next year. - Bayley
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan’s gripping psychological thriller Anatomy of a Scandal is set to become a Netflix series next year. The novel follows three main characters wrapped up in a highly publicised scandal: a politician accused of rape; a wife certain of his innocence; and a prosecutor desperate to see justice served. They must attempt to unravel the truth whilst keeping hidden the secrets that stalk their past. Sophie and James’s marriage threatens to fall apart under the spotlight, while Kate faces the pressure of successfully pulling off a once in a lifetime case. This compelling and scandalous tale is an incredible read and soon-to-be gripping watch. - Meg
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Set in France during 1939, The Nightingale follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who are both caught up in the tragedy and loss inflicted during the Nazi invasion of France during World War II. Driven by love, Vianne is a mother who will stop at nothing to keep her daughter safe—even if it means endangering her own life. Isabelle is fuelled by passion and youthful rebelliousness, leading her to join the Resistance and stand up against Nazi control in France. While they may seem worlds apart, they are united in their fire and strength, giving readers a heartbreakingly beautiful and truly awe-inspiring novel. - Laura
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
After the sensational success of Normal People, Sally Rooney’s 2017 debut novel Conversations with Friends is following suit and being adapted into a 12-episode limited series, and we cannot wait! The story follows the complicated nature of modern relationships. Dublin-based college students, Frances and Bobbi, find themselves romantically entangled with an older married couple. The four become lost in a complex “ménage-a-quatre” played out at dinner parties, holidays to Provence and in the couple’s elegant home. This is a coming-of-age story, detailing the intricacies and complications of friendships, class dynamics, romance and lust. Expect the same powerful yet beautiful exploration of intimacy that was seen in Normal People, shining a light on the vulnerabilities of navigating life whilst trying to discover who you really are. - Genevieve
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
After gaining an Emmy nomination for her role in The Act, Joey King is set to star in the upcoming limited series based on Jodi Picoult’s A Spark of Light. The plot centres around a women’s reproductive health clinic at the corner of Juniper and Monfort, the only clinic in Mississippi where it's possible to obtain legal abortions. When fifteen-year-old Wren, in need of birth-control pills, convinces her Aunt Bex to take her to the clinic, she never expects her day to be eventful. Whilst waiting, a desperate gunman storms into the clinic and starts firing. Police hostage negotiator, Hugh McElroy, rushes to the scene and makes a plan to communicate with the gunman. When he gets a text from his daughter Wren, he begins to break and bend all the rules to save his daughter's life. - Zoë
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The hit-novel Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid stole the hearts of readers and music-lovers after its 2019 release. Through its imaginative and unique narrative style, we are told the story of Daisy Jones and her rise into music stardom. Filled with complex relationships between bandmates, the difficulties of fame, talent and money, as well as sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll in the legendary era of the 1970s, there is no question about why this is being adapted into an Amazon series with original music. Daisy Jones & the Six is set to star Riley Keough as the titular character and Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne. Stay tuned for this one!
- Hollie