Grendel

by John Gardner
Grendel cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4144
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780679723110
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 1989-05-14
  • Reviews: 3

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. 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. The novel, praised by the New York Times as 'an extraordinary achievement,' offers a unique perspective on the traditional Beowulf narrative. William Gass hailed it as 'one of the finest of our contemporary fictions,' highlighting its literary significance and enduring impact. This book challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of the classic tale by presenting the story through the eyes of its most iconic antagonist.

Reviews
LitHub · 2021-08-17
entertaining 4.25

The book is funny, entertaining, and troubling, with a narrative that refuses to behave. The viewpoints espoused by Grendel are unruly and thought-provoking.

This book is a delightful and troubling exploration of the classic tale, with a narrative that refuses to behave. The reviewer found the book to be funny and entertaining, with a unique and thought-provoking take on the original story. The intricate storytelling and philosophical depth make it a standout work, but it is not for those seeking a light or straightforward read. The reviewer highly recommends it to those who enjoy deep and complex narratives, as it offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale. The book's unruly viewpoints and engaging narrative make it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Grendel is funny, entertaining, troubling, and above all unruly; the novel refuses to behave.

    The viewpoints Grendel espouses end up being surprisingly nuanced and thought-provoking.

    The book's engaging narrative and philosophical depth make it a standout work.

Miles of Pages Blog · 2017-08-07
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is poetic and deeply philosophical, but its complexity requires multiple readings to fully grasp. The narrative is intricate and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the classic tale.

This book is a profound and poetic exploration of the classic tale, delving into deep philosophical themes that challenge the reader. The narrative is complex and requires several readings to fully appreciate, but it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the original story. The reviewer found the book to be deeply engaging and intellectually stimulating, although its complexity may be a barrier for some readers. The intricate storytelling and philosophical depth make it a standout work, but it is not for those seeking a light or straightforward read.

Quick quotes

    Grendel by John Gardner was poetic, deep, philosophical, and entirely to complicated to follow without re-reading...several times.

    The novel's intricate narrative and philosophical depth make it a challenging but rewarding read.

    The book's complexity is both its strength and its weakness, requiring multiple readings to fully grasp its themes.

That's What She Read · 2015-06-28
brilliant 4.50

The book is brilliantly written with a complicated and fascinating portrayal of Grendel. The narrative is engaging and offers a fresh take on the classic story.

This book is a brilliant retelling of the classic tale, with a complicated and fascinating portrayal of Grendel. The narrative is engaging and offers a fresh perspective on the original story, making it a standout work. The reviewer found the book to be deeply engaging and intellectually stimulating, with a unique and thought-provoking take on the classic tale. The intricate storytelling and philosophical depth make it a standout work, but it is not for those seeking a light or straightforward read. The reviewer highly recommends it to those who enjoy deep and complex narratives.

Quick quotes

    That aside, this book is brilliantly written. Grendel's portrayal is complicated and fascinating.

    The narrative is engaging and offers a fresh take on the classic story.

    The book's intricate storytelling and philosophical depth make it a standout work.

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