Grendel

An awesome modern take of Beowulf!!

We listen as the surprisingly insightful monster deconstructs human society both with his thoughts and with his teeth. And when he, tortured, cries, we sympathize.

An astounding exploration of human nature.

IT BEGINS

I hardly ever find merit in understanding a monster's side of the story when its evil is so clear: Grendel eats humans. Pretty straight forward. But it was interesting and even amusing to hear his side of the story. John Gardener did a fantastic job narrating a monster's tale of a raving lunatic (Beowulf) bent on destroying him. I really think you need to have experience with the epic...more

I hardly ever find merit in understanding a monster's side of the story when its evil is so clear: Grendel eats humans. Pretty straight forward. But it was interesting and even amusing to hear his side of the story. John Gardener did a fantastic job narrating a monster's tale of a raving lunatic (Beowulf) bent on destroying him. I really think you need to have experience with the epic poem Beowulf before you read this novel, though, if only as a context to appreciate the novel.   hide

This was okay...

This book is easily compared to our general reaction to that which we do not understand. Not very often to do you see the inside workings of the "monster" portrayed so vividly. Typically, we fail to see the psychology behind the people we deem "unworthy" of acceptance and therefore, shove aside. This book is an eye-opening experience to those who judge first and neglect...more

This book is easily compared to our general reaction to that which we do not understand. Not very often to do you see the inside workings of the "monster" portrayed so vividly. Typically, we fail to see the psychology behind the people we deem "unworthy" of acceptance and therefore, shove aside. This book is an eye-opening experience to those who judge first and neglect questioning.   hide

Anyone who is a fan of modernism won't be particularly fond of this book, which is meant to be a critique of hard determinism and the schools of thought that flow from it. Grendel is not a hero, nor is Hrothgar or even Beowulf. Any sympathy is reserved for Shaper, who despite living in the same coldly mechanical universe as Grendel is able to give meaning and purpose to events, even if...more

Anyone who is a fan of modernism won't be particularly fond of this book, which is meant to be a critique of hard determinism and the schools of thought that flow from it. Grendel is not a hero, nor is Hrothgar or even Beowulf. Any sympathy is reserved for Shaper, who despite living in the same coldly mechanical universe as Grendel is able to give meaning and purpose to events, even if from Grendel's perspective it is only glamor.   hide

The self and the world: two snakepits. Read this to the monster that lives inside you.