Author John Gardner brought to readers a unique perspective when his existentialist novel Grendel was released in 1971. The novel looks at the epic tale of Beowulf from the antagonist’s viewpoint, looking out from the eyes of the monster known as Grendel.
This is an ongoing series looking at books that have influenced one fantasy author.
by John Gardner
I discovered this novel more than 20 years ago while in college. My main educational focus at the time was upon writing, history and philosophy, and a professor suggested Grendel as it wrapped together all my interests.
I couldn’t have picked out a better novel for myself.
This novel is a re-telling of the Beowulf epic poem, told from the point of view of that poem’s first antagonist, the monster Grendel.
Right up front I’ll you this is not the easiest novel in the world to read, though it is short (for those of us with limited attention spans). It will help the reader to be more than a little familiar with the Beowulf poem, with astronomy, philosophy and to lesser extent history and literature. Gardner does not make this an easy read, but it’s not meant to be; Grendel is ultimately a tale of woe that crosses the borders of sanity into existentialism and beyond, even into nihilism.
Don’t expect happy endings, and don’t expect a fun read. But you might find it an interesting read, perhaps even an enlightening one.
I’ve also found this novel an odd curiosity because Gardner himself carried a dark side, probably in part due to his involvement in the accidental death of his younger brother, though he also he a quite strong conservative streak.
If nothing else, this novel is an interesting re-hash of an epic story. It’s not for everyone, and it’s not entertaining reading, but it will get you to thinking.
Up next: Armed and Dangerous: A Writer’s Guide to Weapons
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