A New York Winter's Tale
If you are a fan of book adaptations then you are in for a treat this year as there are a whole host of them heading to the big screen.
We take a look at some of the novels that you absolutely have to read before you see the film release as the work from authors such as Veronica Roth, Gillian Flynn and Cecelia Ahern have all be given the big screen treatment.
- A New York Winter’s Tale - released 21st February
A Winter’s Tale was written by Mark Helprin and was released back in 1983, and will see Akiva Goldsman make his feature film directorial debut.
Set in a mythic New York City and spanning more than a century, 'A New York Winter’s Tale' is a story of miracles, crossed destinies, and the age-old battle between good and evil.
The movie is set to bring together a great cast as Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Matt Bomer and Will Smith are all on board.
A Winter’s Tale topped the New York Times List when it was released, and is set to be one of the most charming movies of the year. Lets hope all involved can do the story and characters justice.
- The Book Thief - released 26th February.
The Book Thief is a big screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by Markus Zusak and sees Brian Percival in the director’s chair.
The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel, an extraordinary and courageous young girl sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany.
She learns to read with encouragement from her new family and Max, a Jewish refugee who they are hiding under the stairs. For Liesel and Max, the power of words and imagination become the only escape from the tumultuous events happening around them.
The book is narrated by death, and it will be interesting to see how this is interpreted on the big screen. The movie stars Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson and will introduce us to the talents of Sophie Nelisse.
- Labor Day - released 28th March
It has been a while since we have seen Kate Winslet on the big screen, but she is set to return this spring with Labor Day; a big screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard.
Labor Day follows Adele and her thirteen-year-old son who help a stranger - a man who turns out to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.
The movie sees Jason Reitman return to the director’s chair for the first time since Young Adult, and has also penned the screenplay.
Winslet will take on the role of Adele, and will star alongside Josh Brolin, Tobey Maguire and Clark Gregg.
- Divergent - released 4th April.
Over the last few years we have seen a whole host of young adult fiction novels adapted for the big screen, 2014 sees the turn of Divergent.
Divergent is the first book in Veronica Roth’s trilogy, and will see Shailene Woodley take on the central role of Tris Prior.
Divergent is a thrilling action-adventure set in a future world where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities. Tris Prior (Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group.
When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late.
The young adult fiction genre has done incredibly well in recent years, and Divergent is set to be another exciting addition. Roth’s novels are action packed filled with interesting characters and relationships.
- The Fault In Our Stars - released 20th June
Shailene Woodley will star in not one but two book adaptations this year, as she is also set to lead the cast in The Fault In Our Stars.
The novel was penned by John Greene, and explores theme of illness, fear as well as love and relationships; Josh Boone is in the director’s chair for the film.
Hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them – and us – on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.
The Fault In Our Stars was a number-one bestselling novel and explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.
Woodley and Elgort are the upcoming talent in the central roles, and will star alongside Willem Dafoe and Laura Dern.
- Gone Girl is released - 3rd October
Gillian Flynn is another author whose work is getting the big screen treatment, as Gone Girl is coming to film thanks to director David Fincher.
Fincher is no stranger to book adaptations with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Fight Club under his belt, and he is back in the director’s chair.
The movie follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne on her wedding anniversary, and will star Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck.
Flynn herself has adapted her own book into a screenplay, and has hinted that the final act of the film will differ from her original novel.
Flynn’s novel is packed wit twists and turns and I can’t wait to see how she has adapted her own work. Dark Places is the second of Flynn’s novels to be adapted for the big screen in this year.
- The Maze Runner - released 24th October
We have already talked about one young adult fiction adaptation with Divergent, but The Maze Runner is also heading to the big screen.
The Maze Runner is based on the novel of the same name James Dashner, and will see Wes Ball make his feature film directorial debut.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, young Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
The Maze Runner was released back in 2009 and is the first in a trilogy of novels by Dashner; could this be the start of a new film series?
- Love, Rosie - released later this year.
Cecelia Ahern has already had P.S. I Love You adapted for the big screen - rather badly, I might add - and now Love, Rosie has been made into a film.
Rosie and Alex are best friends. They are suddenly separated when Alex and his family move from Dublin to America. Can their friendship survive years and miles? Will they gamble everything for true love?
Christian Ditter is in the director’s chair, while Lily Collins and Sam Claflin will take on the central roles of Rosie and Alex. Tamsin Egerton, Christian Cooke and Jamie Winstone are all also on board.
Love, Rosie (or Where Rainbows End) is a book written through letters, emails and messages between the two central characters over the years. This is a novel that explores themes of friendship, love and missed opportunities.
I have to admit that I hated the adaptation of P.S. I Love You as it bares very little resemblance to an excellent book, let’s hope Love, Rosie is a little better.
Other books to check out ahead of the film’s release include Lone Survivor, The Monuments Men, Vampire Academy and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.
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