Grendel Audiobook By John Gardner cover art

Grendel

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Grendel

By: John Gardner
Narrated by: George Guidall
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This classic and much lauded retelling of Beowulf follows the monster Grendel as he learns about humans and fights the war at the center of the Anglo Saxon classic epic.

The first and most terrifying monster in English literature, from the great early epic Beowulf, tells his own side of the story in this frequently banned book. This is the novel William Gass called “one of the finest of our contemporary fictions.”

“An extraordinary achievement.”—New York Times

 Epic Fantasy Fiction Classics Fantasy Epic Historical Witty Funny Magic Fairy Tales

Critic reviews

"George Guidall masterfully impersonates the grumbling momma's boy with deliciously sly humor and mock-tragic grandeur. Without ever striking a false note, he maintains throughout such a perfect balance of crudity and poetry that we laugh, cringe and weep all at once." ( AudioFile)
Philosophical Depth • Unique Perspective • Superb Narration • Clever Dialogue • Mythic Reimagining • Layered Protagonist

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It was nice to hear Grendel's side of the story, he is not all what you think he is. I recommend this book to everyone.

Great story

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Despite bottomless nihilism, Grendel's reflections are challenging, earnest & hysterical. Gardener's prose captures & bedazzles Grendel's observer's torment frustration speaks to human presumptuousness--esp our dogged clinging to alleged beliefs & principles. Grendel despises our reinvention of truth thru the ages via poetry, narrative & song -- in his view, little more than illusion -- in shaping fictive histories, destinies that justify our desires & meet our longing for greater purpose & meaning.

Pure delight

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John Gardner delivers some incredibly high brow dialogue throughout this anti-hero epic while his characters struggle with defining themselves against one other and the perpetual forward moving life they all share. The narration sells this plot.

Great narration drives this book

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It was a good book I really like the perspective it gives and also the philosophies that are hidden in each chapter. I also like the voice of the narrator it's very fitting for Grendel. I really enjoyed this book and it has an ending one would expect but not expect the same time.

Hidden messages about life

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I loved this book when I first read it many years ago, and it has been delightful to have George Guidall bring it thrillingly to life.

A great novel brought to life

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