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connorjdaley's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the fifth, and final tale in Tales from the Perilous Realm, and another reread for me. I once again feel like I grasped this more, and enjoyed it more, the second time.
This was a nice, easy read to get through, as it is a short story but published as it’s own release. With that being said there is certainly a deep metaphor here to life, unexpected departure, suffering and purgatory, and the great beyond. Not much of a believer myself—and don’t misunderstand, Tolkien is not giving a overhanded Christian/religious tale here—but I do really enjoy the way Tolkien conveys all that through the little things, in the littlest story. Niggle wants to finish his painted canvas before his big journey, but he can’t seem to get anything done for all the needless interruptions. Kind of a silly, fun way to describe life itself. And there is of course other views on what is meant here as well...this is just the most direct take on it I feel.
I personally feel this a lot lately, so this was a timely reread. We constantly have our time planned or micromanaged, even if it’s by ourselves, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. Being kind throughout the hiccups and ‘interruptions’ is the key.
A quick and wonderful reread, personally a 5/5*.
fictionadventurer's review
4.0
Thought-provoking story about the value and the limitations of art. It'll be lingering in my mind for a while, I think.
christinegoboyle's review
3.0
Definitely not my genre but short enough for me not to hate it. So many questions for such a short book!
mudder17's review
5.0
I loved this short story as narrated by Derek Jacobi who was the perfect voice for this children's story. Without revealing any spoilers, this is the story of Niggle (and to a lesser extent, Parish) who are neighbors. Niggle is a painter/artist and Parish is a gardener. There are plenty of lessons to be had in this simple story and it's one I wouldn't mind listening to over and over again (it's very short).