From: Susan Dubin <sdubin>
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:10:35 -0700

I think that as long as it is clearly understood that the retelling is a modern interpretation, it enhances the story. After all, myths and legends when originally transmitted orally were changed and adapted to fit the new audience in certain details while keeping the original themes, characters and plot.

Actually, as long as the general idea of the story is not changed, a modern version could make the story even more accessible and meaningful. I collect King Arthur stories, and one of my favorites is "The Mists of Avalon." This retelling definitely gives a feminist slant to the story but in so doing (in my opinion) makes the original story even richer by expanding our understanding of all the characters and their possible motivations.

Susan Dubin Off-the-Shelf Library Services


  ----- Original Message -----
  From: ayodelea at umich.edu
  To: Susan Dubin
  Cc: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
  Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2008 5:41 PM
  Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Second 2 weeks: New Mythologies: Novels Based onMythsand Tales


  Thanks for the feedback, Susan. I will check out the book you suggested, but i agree about using the methods you have proposed. However don't you think a modern slant might be seen by some as diluting the authenticity of the said text or do you think that the slant makes it even more relevant and connected to contemporary times....?

  Quoting Susan Dubin <sdubin at socal.rr.com>:

> Excellent questions, Ayodele! I try to look at the authenticity of
> the story, seeing what themes the retelling emphasizes and the point
> of view of the characters presented. I find most enjoyable the myths
> that are retold through another character's eyes or those that are
> given a modern slant. One of my favorite books is Paul Fleischman's
> book about the Trojan War, "Dateline: Troy." He retells the story but
> illustrates it with newspaper clippings from modern day. Great
> political commentary as well as retelling of an enduring tale!
>
> Susan Dubin
> Off-the-Shelf Library services
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ayodele Olugbewga Alli"
> <ayodelea at umich.edu>
> To: <ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu>
> Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2008 2:55 PM
> Subject: [CCBC-Net] Second 2 weeks: New Mythologies: Novels Based on
> Mythsand Tales
>
>
>>
>> I am personally pleased with the discussion topic featured for the rest of
>> the month. As, we delve into the topic about books that do a good job of
>> blending myths and tales within their content I wonder: how do you all
>> determine the high quality of these novels? How about books that you
>> believe are lacking and that perhaps stretch the authenticity or
>> interesting core of the initial myth and tale in question? I wouldn't mind
>> examples of such bad books and what makes them so.
>> Thanks-----------Ayodele(Ann Arbor, Mi)
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Received on Mon 20 Oct 2008 10:10:35 AM CDT