A parallel novel is an in-universe (but often non-canonical) pastiche (or sometimes sequel) piece of literature written within, derived from, or taking place during the framework of another work of fiction by the same or another author with respect to continuity.[1]
Parallel novels or "reimagined classics" are works of fiction that "borrow a character and fill in his story, mirror an 'old' plot, or blend the characters of one book with those of another".[2] These stories further the works of already well-known novels by focusing on a minor character and making them the major character. The revised stories may have the same setting and time frame and even the same characters.[2]
Goodreads maintains a list of its readers' ratings of the most popular parallel novels; as of 2022, these included Wide Sargasso Sea, Wicked, The Penelopiad, and Telemachus and Homer.[3]
Creating parallel novels can have significant legal implications when the copyright of the original author's work has not expired, and a later author makes a parallel novel derived from the original author's work.[4]
- ^ Patrick, Bethanne (November 25, 2007). "'Neither prequel, nor sequel, it's parallel novel'". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 29 November 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
- ^ a b Cellier-Smart, Catherine. "Parallel Novels". West Milford Township Library. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "The Best Parallel Novels or Reimagined Classics". Goodreads. Amazon. 1 October 2013. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
- ^ Locke, Scott D. (2018). "Parallel Novels and the Reimagining of Literary Notables by Follow-On Authors: Copyrights Issues When Characters Are First Created by Others". Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property. 17 (2): 271. Retrieved 2019-09-17.