Reviews

Grendel by John Gardner

aster_isk_m's review

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dark reflective
  • Loveable characters? No

4.0

em14randa's review

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2.0

this is the most confusing book i’ve ever read

bosermoki's review

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challenging dark emotional medium-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

3.75

cazxxx's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

nicohusko's review

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adventurous challenging dark funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

jmutrickster's review

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challenging dark mysterious relaxing tense medium-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

2.25

authoraugust's review

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4.0

A fascinating novella. Far from what you expect, but exactly what the original demands from this point of view, Grendel was a theoretical inspiration for one of my novels. I too am writing a traditional story through the eyes of the antagonist, and decided I should probably read this to see the pros and cons of conceptual imitation. Ultimately, this is very poetic and philosophical, a madness and a sanity that few other characters could provide.

brynn_'s review

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dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

pastel_princess's review

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

raediance04's review

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3.0

The book was thought provoking. It makes us think about who we alienate as monsters in society. The novel causes us to look into ourselves to understand why we instill fear in certain people and creatures. Very interesting but the writing was a little dry and hard to read. I would recommend to someone who like Beowulf and wanted a new perspective, but if you are curious about monster culture, there are better novels and articles that exist.