Grendel
by John Gardner
1971
174 pp.
Rating: 2
I didn’t like this book. AT ALL. I absolutely love Beowulf, and I highly recommend reading or listening to Seamus Heaney’s version. Whereas Beowulf could almost be considered a Christian work, Grendel is nihilistic. Enough said.
- booklogged – April 13, 2007
- Thanks for the warning, 3M. Every once in awhile it’s refreshing to come across a review that doesn’t compel me to add the book to my list. Just sorry you had to waste your time reading it.
- Carl V. – April 13, 2007
- So….you didn’t like it then?
I like the cover, at least. - Daphne – April 14, 2007
- What is that on the cover??
- Quixotic – April 18, 2007
- I have this on my list of things to read. I too love Beowulf, and Seamus Heaney’s version is excellent. I guess I’ll have to see what I make of Grendel!
Oh no! I’m nervous about this one now. I’m reading this book soon for the banned books challenge. I also picked up Heaney’s version of Beowulf to read first. Oh well, we’ll see
I was thinking about suggesting this one for my Canon book group, but maybe I’ll not inflict this on them.
(here from the OUAT challenge)
Grendel is a great book. Nihilistic, yes; it is, after all, told from the monster’s point of view.
Read it again. Julie Taymor’s opera version (I saw it) was terrific.
Remember, we’re talking dark ages here.
I loved Angle of Repose. Silly me…
[...] Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner (3M) Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson (Raidergirl3) Grendel by John Gardner (3M) Mission of Gravity – Hal Clement (Backcountry Musings) Princess Bride by William Goldman [...]
[...] Grendel** by John Gardner (Worst of 2007) [...]
[...] by Lois Lowry; Number the Stars**** ; Gathering Blue****1/2 ;Messenger**** ;Gossamer****1/2 21. Grendel** by John Gardner 22. March ***1/2 by Geraldine Brooks; Year of Wonders 23. The Princess and the [...]