Grendel
Ratings41
Average rating3.7
The first and most terrifying monster in English literature, from the great early epic Beowulf, tells his own side of the story in this frequently banned book. This classic and much lauded retelling of Beowulf follows the monster Grendel as he learns about humans and fights the war at the center of the Anglo Saxon classic epic. This is the book William Gass called “one of the finest of our contemporary fictions.”
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This book was interesting, and I don't think I got a chance to give it the attention it deserves. I had to read it for school in a limited time, so I never got a chance to really reflect on what I was reading. I would think, “that was interesting...” but then rush on to the next chapter. I will reread eventually.
It didn't seem linear. A lot was difficult to understand. Additionally the style of writing wasn't consistent :/ but two stars because there were some parts of beautiful description, and a few moments where I could identify and sympathize with Grendel.
Perhaps if this was part of my academic reading (high school/college) then I could fumble to more of an understanding. But instead I am left with a book that reminds me of a vague ‘Catcher in the Rye' mixed with ‘The Grinch who Stole Christmas'. I'm an anst-filled outsider who questions life/society but does little that differs from my routine despite my existential crises – also I had a confusing conversation with a dragon I'll only ever encounter once.
