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A review by clarkissimo
Grendel by John Gardner
5.0
Yet another book that it took me far to long to read. "Let them wander the fogroads of Hell." ... "I looked up though the treetops, ludicrously hopeful. I think I was half prepared, in my dark, demented state, to see God, bearded and gray as geometry, scowling down at me, shaking his bloodless finger."
I've always liked Gardner, especially his book, On Becoming a Novelist. I'm especially satisfied with this book because he spent time in that book describing the process that brought him to Grendel without ever solving the "mystery" of its origins. He wrote that all the pieces where in place for the book, ready for the lightning to strike...but what he couldn't explain was the lightning.
Amazing how nuanced the monster really is. And how funny and awful and lonely, too. Such a succinct piece of fiction. Immediately moves into the top ranks of my favorite books.
I've always liked Gardner, especially his book, On Becoming a Novelist. I'm especially satisfied with this book because he spent time in that book describing the process that brought him to Grendel without ever solving the "mystery" of its origins. He wrote that all the pieces where in place for the book, ready for the lightning to strike...but what he couldn't explain was the lightning.
Amazing how nuanced the monster really is. And how funny and awful and lonely, too. Such a succinct piece of fiction. Immediately moves into the top ranks of my favorite books.