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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Simply beautiful story. I've read it at least three times now, and will return to it over and over again. I feel like I've swallowed a star, and hope to visit the land of Beauty daily. So grateful for Tolkien's works.
I'm a bit puzzled by this fairy tale. It doesn't seem to have much purpose to it, the story-arc is simple, and yet, there seems to be more to this story than meets the eye. It is the last story Tolkien wrote, and according to him, it was not written for children. Is it an allegory? Is it autobiographical? Does the passing down of the 'star' that gives access to the faerie world evoke Tolkien passing on the gift of fantasy to the generation that will follow in his footsteps? A lot to think about..
I got this book for free 6 years ago at a book sale where I was volunteering, and I’m glad I finally read it. Just some Tales, just two country boys doing their thing. Relaxing, twee, other adjectives :)
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Two stories in this book:
Smith of Wooten Major was a nice tale, showing the effects of magic on a person. I appreciate a story like this, but it doesn't grab my attention, despite the beautiful descriptions.
Farmer Giles of Ham is much more entertaining to me. The farmer's luck, the attitude of the dog, and the conversations all kept me laughing aloud and turning pages. This story is the one that pulls the book rating to a solid 4.
Smith of Wooten Major was a nice tale, showing the effects of magic on a person. I appreciate a story like this, but it doesn't grab my attention, despite the beautiful descriptions.
Farmer Giles of Ham is much more entertaining to me. The farmer's luck, the attitude of the dog, and the conversations all kept me laughing aloud and turning pages. This story is the one that pulls the book rating to a solid 4.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A charming tale of finding the magic in everyday life and being able to utilise it for good, despite your critics.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There's nothing to write home about in this story, but it was cozy and whimsical enough that I ended up quite enjoying it. It has the exact sort of imagery that I want from a Tolkien short story, being whimsical and sweet. The change in focus from the apprentice to the smith was a bit jarring, and I wish the smith had a bit more of characterization (between this and Leaf by Niggle, I don't think consistent characterization in short stories is Tolkien's strong suite), but overall enjoyable enough.
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No