The Dead (1987): Film vs Book

About the film

A winter party in Dublin brings together friends and relatives, and a song leads to a quiet, memorable revelation.

How close is it to the book?

The film follows the final story of the collection almost scene by scene and keeps its dialogue, mood and period. It is one of the most faithful screen versions of a classic story.

Read or watch first?

The collection offers many more stories, and this one is the gem of the set.

What the book gives you

Dubliners by James Joyce

Elegant, vivid stories that you can read one at a time, each a small gem.

Who will like it: Readers who want short stories that capture ordinary lives with great precision.