82 pages 2 hours read

John Gardner

Grendel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In John Gardner’s Grendel, the monster Grendel recounts his life and encounters with humans in a nonlinear narrative, revealing his existential angst and philosophical reflections. Raised in a cave by his non-verbal mother, Grendel discovers his terrifying nature and begins terrorizing Hrothgar’s kingdom. Dialogue with a dragon deepens his existential crisis, leading him to question the meaning of life and his role in it.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Grendel by John Gardner transforms the Beowulf story, providing a philosophical and introspective look into the monster Grendel’s psyche. Praised for its lyrical prose and existential themes, some readers find its philosophical nature dense. While appreciated for its unique perspective, others feel the narrative can be slow. Engaging for those interested in literary retellings.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Grendel?

Readers who relish philosophical introspection and dark, contemporary takes on classic tales will enjoy John Gardner's Grendel. Similar to fans of Albert Camus' The Stranger and Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, they will appreciate the novel's existential themes and anti-heroic perspective.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

860L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Mythology

Education

Period

Post Modernism

Themes

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Values/Ideas: Beauty

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Topics

Education