Six Books to Read Now (Before You See Them On Screen)

Even if YA sci-fi isn’t usually your thing, you’re going to want to try out Chaos Walking. Set in a dystopian world where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts, the award-winning books follow Todd and Viola as the planet around them goes to war. Once described as ‘un-filmable’, the adaptation has been beset by problems, but it’s finally been released, with Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley as the leads.

In 14th century France, the last legally-sanctioned duel in the country’s history sees knight Jean de Carrouges challenging his friend and squire Jacques Le Gris, after de Carrouges’ wife (Marguerite de Thibouville) claims Le Gris raped her. Originally scheduled for release last year, and now due out in October, the film will star Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer, with Ben Affleck and Harriet Walter supporting.

Following the huge success of the Normal People adaptation the BBC released during lockdown last year, they’re now working on a production of Rooney’s debut novel. This one is about two couples whose relationships become messily entangled, but it’s also funny, warm and thought provoking.

Telling of the ‘murder, madness, glamour and greed’ that shook the Gucci dynasty when Maurizio Gucci was murdered in 1995, this is a well-written (if sensational) account of shocking crime. Ridley Scott’s film of the same name is due out in November, and will star Adam Driver as Maurizio, and Lady Gaga as his ex-wife Patrizia. Worth watching just for the clothes.

Wanting to lose weight, reboot their lives or just take a break, nine strangers gather at a remote health resort for a 10-day stay. They soon find themselves wondering about each other’s true intentions, and about their host, the mysterious Masha. Coming to Amazon Prime this month, the stellar cast includes Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans and Samara Weaving.

A hedonistic, nostalgia-fuelled novel which follows the rise and fall of 70s rock band on the LA scene (think Fleetwood Mac). Like a backstage tell-all featuring the best band you’ve never heard of, the novel was a smash on release in 2019. There’s no release date for the series yet, but an Amazon production with Reese Witherspoon at the helm is worth looking out for.