demonxore's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This is the third time I've read through the story of Beowulf, and the third translation I've compared. This translation is solid and preserves several instances of alliteration. Every time I read this, I like it more and more. Beowulf is a pretty great hero.
paperback_witch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
marthadude's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The modern feminist transition of my dreams.
aizaksonas's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bellyfedele's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thetomatowriter's review against another edition
3.0
It was lovely writing and epic and that's pretty much why I wanted to read it...because I love a good epic and I haven't read much epic poetry. That said, I couldn't tell you all that happened in it. Not much sank in so it wasn't very accessible. I'd love to check out some retellings.
info25's review against another edition
3.0
This poem tells of the adventures of Beowulf, a mighty warrior, who defends against Grendel and dragons.
I think it was alright. If I rated this thinking that this was a modern book, this would've received a 1. But since this is a really ancient work, I'll give it a slightly higher rating.
Also, I disliked Heaney's translation--he used ancient words that required a lot of dictionary checking. I see no point in using these words, especially because there are simpler and equivalent modern alternatives. (It would make sense if these words had additional meanings, but they don't)
I think it was alright. If I rated this thinking that this was a modern book, this would've received a 1. But since this is a really ancient work, I'll give it a slightly higher rating.
Also, I disliked Heaney's translation--he used ancient words that required a lot of dictionary checking. I see no point in using these words, especially because there are simpler and equivalent modern alternatives. (It would make sense if these words had additional meanings, but they don't)
proffy's review against another edition
4.0
I'm sure many of you have read Beowulf, or at least know the basics of the tale. If not, you can read the Seamus Heaney translation of Beowulf here. Put simply, a young buck named Beowulf comes to Heorot, King Hrothgar's hall, to rid the land of Grendel, a monster who has been decimating the population for over a decade. He kicks Grendel's ass, but that pisses off Grendel's mother who attacks the warriors in retribution. Beowulf, of course, has to go kill her then. After which - and yes, there's more if you can believe it - Beowulf returns home, eventually becomes King, and has to fight off a damn dragon in his old age which does not go well for the dragon or Beowulf.