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damariica's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
mandyfish's review
5.0
If you had to read "Beowulf" at any time during your education, you must read John Gardiner's tale, written from the monster Grendel's perspective. He makes the monster into quite the existential philosopher, and his point of view is rather tragic and funny.
ledlight's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rhulad's review
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ultimatekate's review
4.0
I loved how Gardner approached the book, and I plan on teaching it with "Beowulf" next year. There are times when I think it gets a little wordy, so I'm only going giving my kids a few sections. I, however, really enjoyed it.
lisalotte's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
astratton1027's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
mr_sosotris's review
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A bonkers book!
It’s funny and gruesome and deep and ridiculous all at once. Grendel is a delightful mind to inhabit simply because he’s just flailing through life, not understanding anything, even though he’s friends with an omniscient dragon.
This is Beowulf from the other side, a satirical book that manages to be both touching and relatable, even though it’s about a vicious monster who eats people.
Just a ton of fun. If you enjoy Monty Python, you will absolutely enjoy this book.
It’s funny and gruesome and deep and ridiculous all at once. Grendel is a delightful mind to inhabit simply because he’s just flailing through life, not understanding anything, even though he’s friends with an omniscient dragon.
This is Beowulf from the other side, a satirical book that manages to be both touching and relatable, even though it’s about a vicious monster who eats people.
Just a ton of fun. If you enjoy Monty Python, you will absolutely enjoy this book.
madiganinwonderland's review
3.0
3.5
I feel like I would like this more the second or third time through. It's really impeccable writing, but it's confusing a lot of the time and because of the way it's written, it definitely drags on.
I'm glad to be done with this but I'm definitely keeping it and will probably reread again sometime, though probably not for years.
I feel like I would like this more the second or third time through. It's really impeccable writing, but it's confusing a lot of the time and because of the way it's written, it definitely drags on.
I'm glad to be done with this but I'm definitely keeping it and will probably reread again sometime, though probably not for years.