Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley

3 reviews

waytoomanybooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I had to read this for a college course, and I have to admit that it's one of the better books I've had to read for school! The translation and context provided by Seamus Heaney went a long way in my enjoyment and understanding of the epic poem. It reads a lot like the Greek epics: The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. It's a classic hero's journey tale: Beowulf battles monsters, avenges the lives of those cut down in battle, confusing family trees where all the names sound the same, and lots of hyphenated descriptions of people and beasts. 

It may help to know that if you have to read this for school, I was able to read the whole thing in about 6 hours while taking notes for class, and I'm a slow reader. I hope you find it as easy and interesting to read as I did!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

marthadude's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

3.75

I love Beowulf but this wasn’t my favorite translation. It’s a bit too academic for my taste. Not bad but not as enjoyable or entertaining either. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

marthadude's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...