I've read the book, I've watched the film...which is better? I DECIDE

Freida Mcfadden creates a page turning masterclass and of course it has become a film, but will the film hold up?

Lets see...

This week on the podcast I’m finally back after an accidental Christmas break (yes, I genuinely forgot it was Christmas). Apologies for missing last week.

In this episode, I dive into the Christy Martin book and compare it to the film adaptation, looking at what worked, what didn’t, and how the story changes when it moves from page to screen. We talk truth vs dramatization, what the film captures brilliantly, and what the book does better — plus a bit of honest reflection on why this story hits so hard in both formats.

Thanks for sticking with me — normal service resumes now.

In this episode of Is the Book Better?, I take on The Revenant — comparing Michael Punke’s historical novel with Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. From brutal frontier survival to icy revenge, I break down what the book actually focuses on versus what the movie turns into an endurance test for both Leo and the audience.

We dig into the true story of Hugh Glass, the differences between historical fact and cinematic spectacle, and why the book is more about obsession, survival, and the American frontier — while the movie leans hard into suffering, silence, and awards-season vibes. There’s talk of bear attacks, fur trappers, revenge narratives, and whether the film’s visual mastery makes up for what it leaves out from the source material.

If you’re into book vs movie comparisons, film adaptations, historical fiction, or just enjoy arguing about whether the book is always better, this episode is for you.

So strap on your snowshoes and join me as I decide once and for all: is The Revenant book better… though?