Description
In this audacious reimagining of the classic Beowulf epic, the monster Grendel emerges as a complex, philosophical protagonist who challenges our understanding of good and evil. Through Grendel's own voice, readers experience the world from the perspective of literature's most infamous creature—a being caught between his violent nature and his yearning for meaning and connection. Gardner's innovative narrative explores themes of isolation, existentialism, and the subjective nature of heroism, transforming a legendary monster into a deeply human character. This groundbreaking work deconstructs the hero's tale by revealing the monster's perspective, forcing readers to reconsider the moral certainties of the original epic. A masterwork of contemporary fiction that breathes new life into ancient mythology.
Available Editions
paperback
Vintage
Published May 14, 1989
192 pages
ISBN: 9780679723110
Reviews
No ratings yet. Be the first!
No written reviews yet.
Details
First Published
1971
Language
eng
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for Grendel by John Gardner.