Wealtheow Her Telling of Beowulf by Ashley Crownover © 20008 Iroquis
Press ISBN 978-1-59652-391-3 195 pages Paperback $13.95 (U.S.)
$16.99
(Canada) (www.iroquoispress.com)
Over the past decades we have experienced retellings of classic myths both
in print and on the screen; set in both ancient and modern settings; and
told from a variety of perspectives. This book is another such retelling
of
a truly classic story. It seems especially timely, given the recent
cinematic treatment (which I have not see, by the way) of "Beowulf."
This story, Ms. Crownover's first novel, has the advantage that it is, at
least in broad outline, familiar to many people. What is truly different,
however, is the perspective from which it is told. Like Mists of Avalon,
it
offers the feminine (not necessarily feminist) point of view. It presents
a
look at a familiar story from an unfamiliar angle.
I was a little unsure when this book arrived. After all, the story of
Beowulf, although a true classic, can be a bit intimidating (after all, it
is classed as LITERATURE - sure to frighten off many readers). The names,
customs, and culture are all very different from the 21st century Western
world. I need not have worried. Ms. Crownover has shown a deft touch
with
this retelling. The reader steps into a world which seems familiar,
despite
its differences. The only difficulty I experienced was in putting the
book
down so I could take care of things that needed doing in the here and now.
Tales of heroic valor are not uncommon, and the story of Beowulf and
Grendel
is well-known. What is little considered in the average saga of battle is
the effect of the warfare on those who stay home, waiting for their
warrior
to return. This book addresses that concern, among others. It is a story
of battles fought - with sword and invocation; with spear and offering;
with
martial strategy and feminine wiles.
This book was NOT what I expected. It was long enough to allow for
character and plot development and short enough not to drag. As a first
novel it is exceptionally well done. I dare to hope that Ms. Crownover
may
bring her talents to bear on other heroic tales. She may show us a side
of
our heroes and their loved ones long neglected in our society.
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