BEOWULF: A NEW TRANSLATION

Narrator JD Jackson addresses his listener as "bro" in this decidedly contemporary retelling of the classic saga. Headley's translation has received attention for recasting female characters like Grendel's mother into strong women warriors, rather than the usual monsters and hags. More remarkable is her infusion of a modern idiom and storytelling style into the traditional alliterations and word-bondings, or kennings, of the original. Jackson assumes the persona of a fellow veteran, whiskey-soaked, seated at the end of the bar spinning his extravagant tales. His brilliant performance captures all the artistry, wit, and immediacy of this fresh translation, and breathes new life into what for most has been a literary fossil. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2020]