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Parallel novel

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]

See also: Category:Parallel literature

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]

Legal issues[edit]

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]

Wild Wood (1981) by parallels The Wind in the Willows from the perspective of the stoats and weasels.[5][6]

Jan Needle

(1999) by Kirill Eskov parallels The Lord of the Rings with the Mordorians as the heroes.

The Last Ringbearer

(2001) by Alice Randall parallels Gone with the Wind.[7]

The Wind Done Gone

(2005) by Geraldine Brooks parallels Little Women (1868).[8]

March

(2013) by Jo Baker parallels Pride and Prejudice.[9]

Longbourn

 – Right to exploit a creative work

Authors' rights

Copyright protection for fictional characters

Crossover (fiction)

Intercompany crossover

 – Non-linear additions with consistency to the fictional universe

Expanded universe

 – Type of fiction created by fans of the original subject

Fan fiction

 – Story in a nested narration that brackets one or more embedded stories

Frame story

Klinger v. Conan Doyle Estate, Ltd.

- Non-canonical mixing of texts in new genres without continuity often in parody

Mashup novel

 – Genre of fiction about fiction

Metafiction

Nichols v. Universal Pictures Corp.

 – Revision of existing facts in succeeding works of fiction

Retcon

 – Works of fiction revised and retold

Revisionism (fictional)

 – Narrative work derived from existing works

Spin-off (media)