Going beyond the process of adaptation, Geraghty is more interested in the films themselves and how they draw on our sense of recall. While a film reflects its literary source, it also invites comparisons to our memories and associations with other versions of the original. For example, a viewer may watch the 2005 big-screen production of Pride and Prejudice and remember Austen's novel as well as the BBC's 1995 television movie. Adaptations also rely on the conventions of genre, editing, acting, and sound to engage our recall—elements that many movie critics tend to forget when focusing solely on faithfulness to the written word.

"Geraghty covers a wide variety of works...demonstrating the flexibility and broad applicability of her innovative approach to film adaptation....This study provides a fresh perspective on film adaptation....Highly recommended." - CHOICE

"Christine Geraghty's book is...methodologically clear, lucid, and consistent on all levels....At all times Geraghty's discussions remain detailed and nuanced to boot." - Image & Narrative, November 2008