Wealtheow: Her Telling of Beowulf, by Ashley Crownover, is a retelling of the classic Beowulf and Grendel legend.
Wealtheow is the young bride to Hrothgar, king of the Danes. When the monstrous Grendel begins attacking their people, all hope seems lost until the bold warrior Beowulf promises to exact revenge.
Told from Wealtheow’s point of view, as well as the mother of Grendel, this legend is retold from a female perspective with powerful drama. Grendel’s mother was forced to flee her home and raise him in the wild. She has a path and purpose for Grendel that becomes a bloody and violent rampage.
Wealtheow is a kind and compassionate woman who learns the truth behind Grendel and his past. And instead of having a vengeful heart, Wealtheow follows her heart and makes difficult decisions in the midst of heartache.
A quick read, at only 208 pages, Wealtheow: Her Telling of Beowulf, is a fascinating and vivid tale of love, heartache, revenge, and hope. It is beautifully written, with plenty of emotion, and gives a fresh take on the old legend.
Sounds an excellent one, although it seems rather short.