Older Novels That Publishers "Modernized"
Look, if you are taking out racist nonsense, sure. But if you are adding texting for no reason, get out here with that bullshit.
Be sure to check which edition of these books you read if you don't want to be jump scared by weird incongruity. Recommendations heartily welcomed.
(Newer titles that have already seen updates also welcome.)
created by kathytrithardt
last updated October, 2026
Comments
I feel like there was recent controversy with this with the Pretty Little Liars books being updated to include more modern social media or pop culture references
Added!
that sounds familiar, I also remember this
I read it for the first time last year and imagine my surprise when there was a tik tok reference
oh my god what did they do to Matilda 😭 I hadn't heard
In this case, my understanding is the updated some words (in a few RD books) so it was more inclusive for modern readers, and focuses less on what characters look like, and changed "female" to "woman" or "girl," so I think this might have been good overall?
ah, I see. I'd still prefer the original I read as a child, but that sounds somewhat less heinous. I appreciate not having to go look for it, thanks
They "updated" A LOT of Dahl's books, including edits to some of Quentin Blake's illustrations, so buyer beware. Personally I am not in favor of the changes for a whole bunch of reasons, but I think that no matter what, people should be able to make informed purchasing choices.
Actually I am still pretty pissed about one of the edits they made to The Twits in particular — you know that line about how you can have a wonky nose and a double chin etc and if you have good thoughts they'll shine out of your face like sunbeams and you'll be beautiful? They removed the double chin.
they did what?? good god 😩 why can't they go after Dahl's writing for adults, which is frequently cursed, and leave the children's books alone? those were fine how they were 😭
The Lisa Kleypas books on the list where apparently editing to fix consent issues, just FYI.
Currently on Casino Royale (my goal is to read all the Bond in order, including Gardner and Benson, by Yule 2027) oh my GODS.
Oh no, what did they update?
Blatant misogyny and a hint of anti-Semitism., with soupçon of anti-Bulgarian racism to boot. Early Fleming was certainly a thing.
Unsurprised.
Pulpy example is Informed Risk which was published on paper in 1989. I haven’t looked for it, but the audiobook says the FMC wants to write the next Harry Potter but that was published in 1997. So the audiobook updated but I kind of want to know what it said! What was hip with the kiddos in the 80’s
Is this the book by Robin Carr (just so I make sure to add the correct book)?
Yes sorry I should have said that. Robin Carr
No worries, I just wanted to be sure 😊
Six of Crows isn't that old of a book? What was changed?
Character ages.
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