Grendel is told from the point of view of the monster from the Old English poem Beowulf. John Gardner imagines him as a lonely, thoughtful creature who lives in a cave beneath a mere, tormented by the human warriors who live nearby in Hrothgar's hall of Heorot. Grendel listens to the songs of the Shaper, who turns the mess of history into glorious tales, and asks a dragon about the meaning of life. After twelve years of attacks, he meets Beowulf, who arrives from across the sea.
Readers who like reimaginings of classic stories will find a funny, philosophical and bleak novel. It raises questions about stories, violence and the way a culture decides who is a monster.
Deep and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1971
- Language
- EN
