A captivating modern retelling of Beowulf, “The Mere Wife” by Maria Dahvana Headley weaves a spellbinding tale of motherhood, myth, and the monsters we create. In a gated community, two women clash: Willa, a wealthy, isolated mother, and Gren, a fierce, outcast mother. Their conflict mirrors the ancient feud between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother, exploring themes of class, privilege, and the wildness within us all. 9781911617631