The Mere Wife

by Maria Dahvana Headley
The Mere Wife cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 9018
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781925693256
  • Publisher: Scribe Publications
  • Published: 2018-07-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In a seemingly idyllic suburb called Herot Hall, two worlds collide when Gren, a boy raised outside the community's borders, befriends Dylan, a resident of the gated enclave. The story is a modern retelling of Beowulf, exploring themes of motherhood, protection, and the monsters we create and confront. The novel delves into the lives of Willa and Dana, the mothers of Dylan and Gren respectively, each determined to protect their sons in a world that sees them as threats or outsiders. /n/n The Mere Wife is a powerful exploration of identity, community, and the boundaries that divide us. With its unique setting and modern twist on a classic tale, the novel offers a fresh perspective on the timeless themes of good and evil, love and sacrifice.

Reviews
The Oxford Blue · 2021-06-01
refreshing 4.00

The novel gives Beowulf a modern-day spin, handling key contemporary concerns with poignancy. The suburban setting adds a fresh perspective to the classic tale.

The Oxford Blue's review highlights how The Mere Wife successfully modernizes the Beowulf legend, setting it in a suburban context. This approach allows the novel to explore relevant social issues with depth and sensitivity. The reviewer appreciates the fresh perspective and the way the story resonates with current societal concerns. The novel's ability to blend myth with contemporary life is particularly praised, making it a compelling read that stands out in its genre.

Quick quotes

    Headley gives Beowulf a modern-day spin, thus dramatising and poignantly handling some of the key concerns that plague us right now.

    The suburban setting adds a fresh perspective to the classic tale.

    The novel's ability to blend myth with contemporary life is particularly praised.

The Guardian · 2018-12-13
powerful 4.25

The novel is a muscular, bloodthirsty retelling of Beowulf from the perspective of Grendel's mother. It offers a unique and powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of motherhood and identity.

The Guardian's review describes The Mere Wife as a bold and intense retelling of the Beowulf legend, focusing on the character of Grendel's mother. This perspective provides a fresh and compelling narrative that explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the monstrous. The reviewer admires the novel's raw and unflinching portrayal of its characters, making it a standout in the realm of contemporary fantasy. The story's depth and complexity are particularly noted, offering readers a rich and thought-provoking experience.

Quick quotes

    Maria Dahvana Headley's muscular, bloodthirsty novel is a contemporary retelling of Beowulf from the perspective of Grendel's mother.

    It offers a unique and powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of motherhood and identity.

    The novel's raw and unflinching portrayal of its characters is particularly admired.

The Fantasy Inn · 2018-07-26
engaging 4.50

The novel is one of the best books the reviewer has read, offering a creative and engaging retelling of Beowulf in a suburban setting. The story is praised for its originality and emotional depth.

The Fantasy Inn's review highlights The Mere Wife as one of the best books the reviewer has encountered, particularly for its creative retelling of the Beowulf legend in a suburban context. The novel's originality and emotional depth are highly praised, making it a standout read. The reviewer appreciates the way the story blends myth with contemporary life, offering a fresh and engaging narrative. The emotional resonance of the characters and their struggles is particularly noted, making the novel a compelling and memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    The Mere Wife is a retelling of Beowulf in the suburbs, because this is easily one of the best books I've read.

    The novel's originality and emotional depth are highly praised.

    The emotional resonance of the characters and their struggles is particularly noted.

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