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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Such a treat to listen to Tolkien's reading of this!
This is Day 879 of me begging for a paperback version of this book. Now more than ever, I need a physical copy that I can write in. Chris Smith, get on that.
I'd read the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth before, in a couple of collection, and I liked reading the different drafts of it, as well as the translation of the Battle of Maldon, but for me the best part of this book was Ofermod, which is one of the best essays I've ever read and probably my favorite (also, it's giving Fëanor). I really enjoyed the last appendice also, Peter Grybauskas is a great essayist in my opinion. I will say, the reason why this is a 4-star is that a lot of part 3 and some of the appendices were too technical for me, which is not the book's fault but at times my eyes were looking at the words and not taking anything in.
I'd read the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth before, in a couple of collection, and I liked reading the different drafts of it, as well as the translation of the Battle of Maldon, but for me the best part of this book was Ofermod, which is one of the best essays I've ever read and probably my favorite (also, it's giving Fëanor). I really enjoyed the last appendice also, Peter Grybauskas is a great essayist in my opinion. I will say, the reason why this is a 4-star is that a lot of part 3 and some of the appendices were too technical for me, which is not the book's fault but at times my eyes were looking at the words and not taking anything in.
adventurous
challenging
fast-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:
Complicated
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
The translated poem is an account of the historical Battle of Maldon, more interesting as a look into historical writing than engaging as its own narrative. Tolkiens follow up and essays however are even more of a treat, giving further insight and illumination of the subject.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My first read of 2024, and you cannot get much better than starting with Tolkien! The Battle of Maldon is one of my favourite pieces of Anglo-Saxon verse, and this translation by Tolkien is gripping. Telling the tale of a brave chieftain in Beorhtnoth as the Saxons stood against the Danes in a historical battle that took place during the late 10th century.
It examines duty, heroism, what makes someones a worthy leader, sacrifice and more, all in an epic yet often melancholic tone, infusing heroism and tragedy.
This is very short and engaging, and easily accessible, even though Anglo-Saxon verse has an exaggerated reputation for being hard to understand. Please pick this up, especially if you love anything by Tolkien!
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My first read of 2024, and you cannot get much better than starting with Tolkien! The Battle of Maldon is one of my favourite pieces of Anglo-Saxon verse, and this translation by Tolkien is gripping. Telling the tale of a brave chieftain in Beorhtnoth as the Saxons stood against the Danes in a historical battle that took place during the late 10th century.
It examines duty, heroism, what makes someones a worthy leader, sacrifice and more, all in an epic yet often melancholic tone, infusing heroism and tragedy.
This is very short and engaging, and easily accessible, even though Anglo-Saxon verse has an exaggerated reputation for being hard to understand. Please pick this up, especially if you love anything by Tolkien!
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes