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Martina Cole's novel 'The Take' immerses readers in a gripping narrative filled with gritty details and complex characters. As you turn each page, you'll dive deep into the criminal underworld, experiencing the tension and stakes firsthand. Unlike the TV adaptation, the book allows for a richer exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, giving a fuller understanding of the twisted journey they embark upon.

Reading 'The Take' offers a connection to the characters that on-screen portrayals often miss. Martina Cole's writing captures the essence of the raw emotions and intricate dynamics within a crime family. For those who crave depth and a comprehensive dive into the shadows of London's crime scene, the book is an essential read. It provides a more nuanced and immersive experience that is simply unparalleled by the television series.

Freddie Jackson is released from prison in 1984 having served a four-year sentence for armed robbery. His wife Jackie, who has been waiting for him on the outside in the mistaken belief that that he wants to go straight, soon finds herself disappointed: Freddie is in fact raring to get back into the game and has set his sights on becoming top dog in the East End underworld.

The Take

Dive into the world of Jane Austen's 'Emma,' where the elegance of Regency England comes to life with every turn of the page. Austen's keen insights into human nature, social manners, and the intricacies of romance unfold in a richly detailed narrative that no visual adaptation can fully capture. Experience the wit and wisdom of one of literature's greatest heroines in written form, where the subtleties of character and dialogue flourish in Austen's unparalleled prose. 

Reading Austen offers an intimate look into her world, allowing readers to engage directly with her characters' thoughts and motivations in a way television cannot replicate. Emma's journey of self-discovery, her highs and lows, and her eventual understanding of love, duty, and friendship are rendered with a depth and nuance that celebrates Austen's timeless exploration of society and self-awareness. Engaging with the text enriches your understanding of the cultural and historical context, ensuring an immersive experience for fans of classic literature.

Nothing delights Emma more than meddling in the love lives of others. But when she takes protege Harriet Smith under her wing, her plans can only end in disaster...

Emma

Dive into the thrilling world of Lynda La Plante's novels, the original inspiration for the TV series 'Above Suspicion'. These gripping books offer a richly detailed exploration of the criminal underworld, delving deeper into the complex psychology and backstories of the characters. In print, you’ll find a more nuanced portrayal of protagonist Anna Travis and her relentless pursuit of justice, elucidating her inner struggles and unwavering determination in a way the screen simply cannot.

Choosing the books over the series allows readers to immerse themselves in La Plante's masterful storytelling, where every page brims with suspense and intricate plot twists. Her vivid descriptions and the layered development of each character offer a fuller, more immersive experience. Readers will appreciate the depth of the narratives, distinguishing the novels as deeply-engaging mysteries that extend beyond the limitations of visual media. Experience the original, compellingly crafted tales that set the benchmark for crime fiction and continue to captivate readers around the world.

Above Suspicion is a British TV series based on Lynda La Plante's novels Above Suspicion, The Red Dahlia, Deadly Intent and Silent Scream. It stars Kelly Reilly and Ciarán Hinds, and features the career of La Plante's latest heroine DC Anna Travis.

The first series, Above Suspicion, was shown on the fourth and fifth of January 2009; the second series, Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia, was shown on the fourth, fifth and sixth of January 2010. The third series, Above Suspicion: Deadly Intent, was shown on the third, fourth and fifth of January 2011. The fourth series, Above Suspicion – Silent Scream was shown on the ninth, sixteenth and twenty-third of January 2012; in a break from the previous broadcasts, which were broadcast on consecutive days, this latest tale was serialised weekly.

ITV cancelled Above Suspicion on May 28, 2012.

Above Suspicion

Deadly Intent

Silent Scream

The Red Dahlia

Diving into Robert J. Sawyer's 'Flashforward' offers a unique journey through science fiction, where complex themes and thought-provoking dilemmas are intricately woven throughout the narrative. The novel delves deeply into the morality and scientific principles underlying the bizarre phenomenon that causes the entire human race to experience glimpses of their future. Unlike the TV series, Sawyer's book provides a richly detailed exploration of the characters' inner lives, their struggles with the concept of free will, and the existential questions that arise from knowing their future.

While the TV adaptation focuses heavily on drama and action, the novel places a greater emphasis on philosophical and scientific inquiry, drawing readers into a world where the boundary between prediction and predestination blurs. With its meticulously crafted plot and profound themes, 'Flashforward' by Robert J. Sawyer rewards readers with a more nuanced and intellectually stimulating experience, inviting them to ponder how knowledge of the future could influence the present.

When the entire world blacks out for two minutes and seventeen seconds, everyone sees a flash of their own future 6 months from the present. For some, the future is hopeful, while for others, it is unexpected. For a few, it doesn't seem to exist. Knowing their fate will alter each person's life, destinies will be changed.

Flashforward

FlashForward

Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' offers an immersive experience of the raw and passionate world of the Yorkshire moors. Reading the novel allows you to deeply engage with the complex characters and their tumultuous relationships, providing a richer understanding of their motivations and inner struggles. Through Brontë's evocative writing and vivid imagery, you can explore the gothic beauty and desolate landscapes that frame this timeless tale of love, revenge, and redemption. 

While the 2009 TV series brings this story to the screen, only the novel can provide the complete narrative depth and emotional resonance that Brontë intended. Her use of intricate language and layered storytelling creates a hauntingly beautiful experience that can't be fully captured on screen. By reading 'Wuthering Heights', you can explore the intricate dynamics between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, and uncover the powerful themes of obsession and social class that define their tragic romance. Dive into the pages of this classic novel and experience the full breadth of Brontë's masterpiece.

Foundling Heathcliff is raised by the wealthy Earnshaws in Yorkshire but in later life launches a vendetta against the family.

Wuthering Heights

Delve into the whimsical and enchanting worlds created by Lewis Carroll in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There." These timeless classics invite readers on an extraordinary journey with Alice as she navigates curious characters and bizarre landscapes, crafted through Carroll's ingenious blend of wordplay and logic. The books' surreal and poetic narrative reigns supreme in capturing the imagination, engaging both young and seasoned readers alike with its thought-provoking allegories and wondrous charm.

Discover the depth and richness of Carroll's original tales that a TV series simply can't encapsulate. The brilliance of Carroll's linguistic mastery and playful philosophical undertones enliven every page with authenticity and creativity unmatched by adaptations. By turning the pages of these beloved novels, you'll experience the true spirit of wonderland: unfiltered, intricate, and delightfully strange, offering insights into the human condition and challenging the perception of reality itself.

Alice Hamilton, a fiercely independent twenty-something, watches as her lover Jack Chase is kidnapped and driven into darkness. Desperate to find Jack, Alice puts her trust in a stranger who calls himself White Rabbit and suddenly finds herself on the other side of a looking glass.

Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice

While the television series 'The Little Murders of Agatha Christie' offers an entertaining reimagining of Christie's legendary tales within a French context, indulging directly in her novels provides a richer, more authentic experience. Agatha Christie's meticulous plots, intricate characters, and the subtle interplay of clues are best savored on the pages where her masterful prose brings each scene and uncovering to life.

Reading Christie's novels allows readers to delve into the nuances of her storytelling while indulging in the period ambiance of each mystery. In her novels, every word counts, and each revelation is a carefully crafted piece of her tantalizing puzzles. For those who appreciate intricate narratives and the pure joy of deduction, immersing oneself in Agatha Christie's works assures a more personal and intellectually engaging journey into mystery's golden age.

French adaptations of the stories by Agatha Christie.

The Body in the Library

The Pale Horse

Murder on the Orient Express

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Evil Under the Sun

The Little Murders of Agatha Christie

Immerse yourself in the vivid and imaginative world crafted by John Wyndham in 'The Day of the Triffids'. The novel takes the reader on a compelling journey through an eerily dystopian landscape where mysterious carnivorous plants, the Triffids, begin to threaten humanity after a strange cosmic event blinds most of the world's population. Wyndham's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of survival, resilience, and human nature, offering a richer and more escapist experience than the television adaptation can convey.

By delving into the novel, you appreciate the depth and nuance of Wyndham's writing, including his exploration of societal breakdown and the resourcefulness of individuals faced with unimaginable adversity. The book provides profound insights into human behavior and society's fragility, packaged within an edge-of-your-seat narrative. Reading 'The Day of the Triffids' allows you to fully appreciate the intricacies and emotions that might get lost in the visual constraints of a television series.

The Day of the Triffids is a BBC miniseries adaptation of John Wyndham's novel of the same name. The novel had previously been adapted by the BBC in a 1981 miniseries.

The Day of the Triffids

Delve into the gripping pages of Raymond Khoury's "The Last Templar," where each chapter transports you to both an ancient and modern world, weaving a tapestry of mystery, history, and thrilling adventure. The novel's intricate narrative offers a depth and richness that a visual medium often struggles to capture fully. As you explore the interplay of past and present, you'll discover characters with motivations and backgrounds that are profoundly fleshed out, allowing a greater connection and understanding of their quests.

Unlike the constraints of a television adaptation, the novel invites you to imagine the sweeping landscapes, delve into the historical enigmas, and savor the multitude of carefully woven plotlines. The book's detailed exploration of the Templar legacy provides a more immersive experience, where narrative and suspense are in constant, delicate balance. For lovers of historical intrigue and epic treasures, "The Last Templar" is more than a story—it's a journey into the unknown that challenges and captivates the mind.

The Last Templar is a four-hour Canadian miniseries, based on the 2005 novel The Last Templar, which aired in the U.S. on January 25 and 26, 2009, starring Mira Sorvino, Scott Foley, Victor Garber, Anthony Lemke, Kenneth Welsh, Danny Blanco Hall and Omar Sharif. The miniseries is produced by Muse Entertainment Enterprises. Emmy Award-winning Robert Halmi Sr., along with Robert Halmi Jr., and Michael Prupas are the executive producers.

The Last Templar

Dive into the witty and incisive world of 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' and experience a level of satirical brilliance that only David Nobbs can deliver. While the 2009 TV adaptation brings Reggie's mid-life crisis and surreal antics to the screen, the original novel offers a deeper and richer exploration of Reginald Perrin's frustrations with a mundane existence and the absurdities of contemporary office life. In the book, Nobbs' sharp prose and delightful humor provide a profound commentary on societal norms and the often ridiculous conventions of corporate culture.

Reading 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' offers a uniquely immersive experience where readers can fully engage with Reginald's inner thoughts and reflections. David Nobbs crafts a vivid tapestry of characters and situations that resonate with those who have felt the pressures of fitting into a predefined mold. The novel allows readers to savor the nuanced sarcasm and the deeper philosophical undertones that may be glossed over in a screen adaptation. For those seeking a truly enriching comedic journey, exploring the source material is an unrivaled treat.

Reggie Perrin is a modern update of the 1970s BBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, which starred Leonard Rossiter. The revival stars Martin Clunes and was first broadcast on 24 April 2009. Series 1 was released on DVD in Region 2 by 2entertain on 1 June 2009.

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

Reggie Perrin

For those who want to delve deeper into the intricate world of Bantorra, reading Ishio Yamagata's novels offers a richer experience. While the TV series distills the plot into a single format, the source material provides more in-depth explorations of the characters and their motivations, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the philosophical and existential questions posed by the narrative.

The novels provide a more detailed backdrop of the fantastical setting, along with additional subplots that enhance the central themes. Fans of intricate storytelling will appreciate the depth and nuance found in the books, gaining insights into the lore and complexities that may have been truncated or altered for television audiences. Engage with the original works to appreciate the meticulous world-building and character development that sets The Book of Bantorra apart.

In a world where dead people turn into books and are stored in the Bantorra Library where anyone who reads a book can learn their past. Bantorra Library is maintained by Armed Librarians who wield psychic powers and their enemy is a religious society known as Sindeki Kyōdan.

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