7 Big Differences in Netflix’s ‘My Oxford Year’ vs. Julia Whelan’s Book That Every Fan Must Know

Netflix’s latest romantic drama, My Oxford Year, brings Julia Whelan’s bestselling novel to screen, but not without some surprising departures. Starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest, the adaptation reshapes key characters, plotlines, and emotional arcs that longtime readers will immediately spot. Based on Julia Whelan’s acclaimed book of the same name, the film premiered on August 1, 2025, and has quickly climbed Netflix’s trending charts—but how faithful is it to the source material?

My Oxford Year Julia Whelan: What the Movie Changed

The film retains the heart of Julia Whelan’s novel but makes substantial changes to character names, backstories, and even the ending. Carson plays Anna De La Vega, a driven New Yorker, whereas in the book, the protagonist is Eleanor Duran, a Rhodes Scholar from Ohio. This name and origin switch reflects a broader shift in character motivations and worldview. Eleanor’s political aspirations in the book become a more finance-focused ambition in the movie, with Anna slated to join Goldman Sachs instead of a U.S. political campaign.

The character of Jamie Davenport, played by Corey Mylchreest, also carries secrets that unfold differently across the two mediums. The book builds suspense through Eleanor’s discovery of Jamie’s deception using subtle cues, like a library visit gone wrong. The movie simplifies this with a secondary character, the librarian Laura, offering the reveal.

Perhaps the most emotionally charged change is Anna’s family situation. In the book, Eleanor lost her father at a young age, shaping much of her character’s emotional depth and maturity. The film omits this past trauma entirely, opting for a more upbeat familial backdrop.

Key Differences Between the Book and Film

• Character Names & Origins: Eleanor Duran (Ohio, Rhodes Scholar) becomes Anna De La Vega (New York, Goldman Sachs recruit).
• Career Paths: Political consultancy vs. finance.
• Family History: Eleanor is fatherless; Anna’s father is alive.
• Romantic Reveal: Jamie’s illness is discovered through personal investigation in the book, while the movie has a supporting character spill the truth.
• Emotional Moments: In the book, the punting scene between Eleanor and Jamie is pivotal; in the film, it’s shared with friends.
• Brother’s Name & Background: Jamie’s deceased brother is Eddie in the movie, Oliver in the book.
• The Ending: The book ends on an introspective note with Eleanor choosing herself. The movie shows Anna embracing Jamie’s legacy and teaching his poetry class at Oxford, accompanied by a bittersweet solo Europe trip montage.

Why the Film Made These Changes

While adaptations always face the challenge of condensing rich inner monologues and detailed plot arcs, My Oxford Year opted for a more streamlined narrative to fit Netflix’s rom-com format. The changes serve to modernize the story, speed up emotional payoffs, and broaden appeal for international viewers who may resonate more with a high-stakes finance career than an American political subplot.

Whelan’s book explores deeper themes of grief, ambition, and identity through a literary lens. The film, while still emotionally impactful, leans into visual storytelling and external action. It simplifies certain conflicts while introducing visual cues and moments of lightness through Anna’s friendships.

Impact of These Changes on the Story’s Message

The movie’s alterations shift the thematic focus. Eleanor’s original story is more about reconciling personal grief with professional ambition. Anna’s arc leans toward self-discovery through relationships and unexpected choices. While both stories offer emotional catharsis, the film ends on a more hopeful, if slightly less grounded, note.

Still, fans of the book will find familiar echoes in the dialogue, setting, and the emotionally charged chemistry between Anna and Jamie. Netflix’s version may not capture every nuance, but it does preserve the story’s core: the impact of love, loss, and finding your place in the world.

You Must Know:

What is My Oxford Year based on?
It’s based on the bestselling novel My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan, which tells the story of Eleanor Duran, a Rhodes Scholar navigating love, loss, and ambition at Oxford.

Is Anna De La Vega a real character from the book?
No, the book’s main character is Eleanor Duran. Anna De La Vega is the film adaptation’s version of Eleanor, with changes to her background and motivations.

Does the movie follow the book’s ending?
Not exactly. The book ends on a more open and introspective note, whereas the film wraps up with a hopeful montage and Anna stepping into Jamie’s academic role.

What kind of cancer does Jamie have in the story?
Though not explicitly named in either version, Jamie’s illness is terminal and parallels the condition that claimed his brother’s life.

Why did the movie change Eleanor’s career path to finance?
The likely reason is relatability and pace. A high-stakes finance job adds urgency and wider appeal, especially for a global Netflix audience.

Is My Oxford Year worth watching if you’ve read the book?
Yes. While different in tone and detail, the film offers a visually engaging, emotionally resonant experience that complements the book’s themes.