Whose Song Is Sung

by Frank Schaefer

A dramatic revision of the famous epic of Beowulf, the warrior king of Anglo-Saxon myth, and his nemesis Grendel, draws on new historical research to offer an entirely new perspective of this archetypal warrior.

Genres: Fantasy

300 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

About the author

b. 1936
Dallas writer Frank Schaefer is likely better known to readers as the author of several romance novels which he has published under various pseu­donyms.

Reviews

[R.J. Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book re-opened my eyes to historical fiction and left a lasting impression on me. Most of my reading experience with medieval fiction before this time was Arthurian legend and SCA weapons catalogues. After reading this tale, I realized that a story is important not only by recording "who smote who" but by giving the reader an imersive look at how other cultures and civilizations lived, socialized, and beleived.

[S.wagenaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty darn good book that I stumbled across and bought on a whim. The Beowulf legend told as if he existed as Geat warrior in the Dark Ages by an old dwarf who was his friend and companion. More like a historical adventure tale than a fantasy, and all the better for it. Good Viking-type adventure and well worth the time to read.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beowulf in a very different telling.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe I might have enjoyed the book more if it hadn’t advertised itself as the story of Beowulf and instead started reading it with the knowledge that really it’s the life of Musculus. The adventure overall was enjoyable but it dragged on and there are many, many pages that offer nothing but explanations and details that have no meaning to the overall story. I wish I could give a 3.5 but I don’t feel it deserves 4.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several re-tellings of Beowulf (as well as the original poem), and this one is among my favorites. A very engaging story, with interesting characters, and it puts Beowulf into a new light that some may not have considered. Highly recommended.