#HauntedShelf
@PuddleJumper @Jadams89 #FrightClub
#BookScavengerHunt
#beast
I can think of no better book to portray BEAST. And POV. We all know Beowulf's side of the story, but what about Grendel's? 🐉
#HauntedShelf
@PuddleJumper @Jadams89 #FrightClub
#BookScavengerHunt
#beast
I can think of no better book to portray BEAST. And POV. We all know Beowulf's side of the story, but what about Grendel's? 🐉
In her translation of Beowulf, Headley mentions this novel, based on Grendel‘s mother. It brings the story into the current day, focusing on Dana and her son Gren. It‘s weird in a way that fits the situation. I liked it. It‘s decidedly feminist and also a bit queer (really shouldn‘t all books be this way?).
Another book I absolutely adored. Granted I was predisposed to like it as it's based on Beowulf and set in the modern day. The mere wife is Gren's mother and this is her story. It is so beautifully written. And so so many nods to Beowulf, as one would expect.
I like Beowulf as much as any English teacher does and I was optimist for this adaptation. I was pretty meh the first 2/3rd and would have quit if it weren‘t a book club choice and short. The last 3rd, however, did get me going. So if you can make it that far…
Gren and Dylan were the highlight of this novel and the only non monsters in the novel.
#classicliterarureretelling #twofuckedupmoms #bookclub
Finally getting around to this translation
Having taught BEOWULF for a number of years to my sophomore honors, why didn't I have them read this, too? This book is not simply a retelling of BEOWULF from the monster's point of view; it is highly intellectual and philosophical as Grendel seeks to find some sort of meaning to his life. Drawn to and repulsed by humans, he reminds me of Frankenstein's creature, who also seeks the purpose to his existence. ⬇️