Firstly, I read this as part of the 52 in 52 challenge. I needed a book with a character who could fly. However, this is not a genre I normally like to read.

So, Tolkien’s writing is clearly genius. He is funny, entertaining, and I like his style. I enjoyed the times he spoke direct to his readers, and that kind of thing normally turns me off. But it works with Tolkien. He's good.

Bilbo Baggins, a very ordinary, unadventurous hobbit is chosen by Gandalf to accompany thirteen dwarves in a quest to regain their treasures and their ancestral home. It is a long and dangerous journey, and they have to fight goblins, elves, lake people and the evil dragon, Smaug. I understand this is exciting for people who enjoy fantasy. But I got bored of it fairly quickly. I also didn’t like Gandalf. Am I alone in that opinion? He seemed to be the puppet master who wound everyone up so that they embarked on this journey and then, mostly, left them to do all the hard work without him.

So, in summary: I’m giving this book 4 stars because I recognise the talent and imagination of Tolkien. He was a genius, for sure. If I were to rate it purely on my enjoyment, I would have given it three stars. But that is purely because it’s not a genre I enjoy.

Lovers of traditional fantasy. It has lots of different creatures: goblins, elves, trolls, a dragon, dwarves.

Tolkein's breaks of the fourth wall. I really liked having him talk directly to me. I felt like I was a child in story time, listening to the adult read to me.

The genre. I just don't get fantasy. All those magical creatures, while they will be fantastic for people who enjoy this genre, just turned me off.

Read something contemporary, something in a genre I like.

Amused. A little bored.

J.R.R. Tolkein. When I stopped to think how long ago this was written, it becomes a lot more impressive. I imagine this book is unlike any written before it. This man had an incredible imagination.

If you like this kind of thing, you'll love this.

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Created Mar 07, 2025 at 5:36am • Submit your own review...