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t4rmin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
briandbremer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I loved this book, especially the parts that are in verse. It's also interesting that it contains a completed version of the tale that predates Tolkien finalizing his vision of the Elves (and the myths of Middle Earth generally)
But the book suffers from the fact that Christopher Tolkien clearly had to sew this book together out of pieces and parts. Unlike the Children of Hurin, this story clearly wasn't done at the time of Tolkiens death. But it really is a must read for the Tolkien fans out there.*
*The book does benefit from a working knowledge of the Silmarillion if only because of the names and places that make an appearance.
But the book suffers from the fact that Christopher Tolkien clearly had to sew this book together out of pieces and parts. Unlike the Children of Hurin, this story clearly wasn't done at the time of Tolkiens death. But it really is a must read for the Tolkien fans out there.*
*The book does benefit from a working knowledge of the Silmarillion if only because of the names and places that make an appearance.
supermagicpenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
hurricanyounot's review against another edition
After several attempts of trying to read a work by Tolkien (other than the Hobbit), I finally think I need to come to terms with the fact that I do not like this man’s writing style.
elctrc's review against another edition
3.0
Tough review to make. I am a huge Tolkien fan. I have read LOTR twice, the Hobbit a half dozen times, and The Silmarillion. That said, it's been a while!
In this latest volume, the story of Beren and Luthien is retold a half a dozen times, in different prose forms and from different points of view. It is a story touched upon in the Silmarillion, but here it is enriched with detail, sorrow, and multiple endings.
I will admit that I struggled with the retellings, as each one did not always reveal an interesting side to the tail (more often it simply provided alternate scenes and a slightly different journey. However, some elements did stand out - the story of the great Cat King, which, when compared to its alternate adversary, Sauron, who tortures his victims, provides a softer, more fablelike tale than the rest.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and it's retellings, but was not blown away by the prose or storytelling. It is worth it for the small insights Christopher reveals about his father's process, and for that I was satisfied.
"Now shalt thou through the gates of pain
the land though askest grimly gain
thou shalt to the moonless mists of hell
descend and seek thy Eilinel."
In this latest volume, the story of Beren and Luthien is retold a half a dozen times, in different prose forms and from different points of view. It is a story touched upon in the Silmarillion, but here it is enriched with detail, sorrow, and multiple endings.
I will admit that I struggled with the retellings, as each one did not always reveal an interesting side to the tail (more often it simply provided alternate scenes and a slightly different journey. However, some elements did stand out - the story of the great Cat King, which, when compared to its alternate adversary, Sauron, who tortures his victims, provides a softer, more fablelike tale than the rest.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and it's retellings, but was not blown away by the prose or storytelling. It is worth it for the small insights Christopher reveals about his father's process, and for that I was satisfied.
"Now shalt thou through the gates of pain
the land though askest grimly gain
thou shalt to the moonless mists of hell
descend and seek thy Eilinel."
raulterhes's review against another edition
4.0
While it being a hard read (like really hard, especially the poem part if you're not a native speaker or maybe a linguistic expert) I quite enjoyed it. The evolution from the first version of the story to the epic poem. I wish the final rewrite of Tolkien was brought to an end when he wrote it because the latest (Although really short) was much easier to read and I found it more enjoyable.
Why not 5 stars? I love Tolkien, I would read the Silmarillion a hundred times and still want more, but is part story, part how Tolkien evolved his writing, part inspiration and part (this was the least enjoyable part for me) how Christopher Tolkien struggled with finding bits and pieces + a little too much of trying to explain the meaning of everything.
All in all would recommend this book to people quite accustomed to the whole Tolkien lore, else maybe try reading the more popular books first
Why not 5 stars? I love Tolkien, I would read the Silmarillion a hundred times and still want more, but is part story, part how Tolkien evolved his writing, part inspiration and part (this was the least enjoyable part for me) how Christopher Tolkien struggled with finding bits and pieces + a little too much of trying to explain the meaning of everything.
All in all would recommend this book to people quite accustomed to the whole Tolkien lore, else maybe try reading the more popular books first
cosy_novel_niche's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This book is all about our well-beloved characters Luthien and Beren and we may see how they developed and changed throughout the different versions of their legend. It was lovely to have more information about Tolkien himself and to explore his world again. However, I would suggest this book only to big fans of the author and Middle-earth, because new readers may find it confusing and repetitive.
This book is all about our well-beloved characters Luthien and Beren and we may see how they developed and changed throughout the different versions of their legend. It was lovely to have more information about Tolkien himself and to explore his world again. However, I would suggest this book only to big fans of the author and Middle-earth, because new readers may find it confusing and repetitive.
october528's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
cxavier's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5