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ellyfrancesca's review
4.25
THE SHORT STROY EVERYONE THE SHORT STORY NIGGLE BY LEAF NO OTHER WAT LEAF BY NIGGLE ITS SO AMAZING!!!!!
julicke95's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A wonderful short collection that showcases many different sides of Tolkien's work.
Firstly, the essay 'On fairy stories' remains one of the best defenses of fantasy ever put to paper and I get something new out of it every time. 'Leaf by Niggle' felt very personal to Tolkien, as it was an allegory (no, really) of Catholic purgatory and the afterlife that reflected much of Tolkien's own insecurities. 'Smith of Wootton Major' starts as a charming fairytale, but the fairies in question embody a sort of enchantment and gravitas that is unique to Tolkien. I hate to say it though, but I'm not a big fan of Pauline Baynes illustrations though. As charming as they are, I feel like they take away from the enchanting magic of the story. Lastly, 'The Homecoming of Beorthnoth' is a short play based on a fragment of poetry detailing a Viking invasion and feels like both an exercise in historical writing and a reflection on heroism and chivalry.
So yeah, there's a lot of variety in a short page count. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Tolkien's work!
Firstly, the essay 'On fairy stories' remains one of the best defenses of fantasy ever put to paper and I get something new out of it every time. 'Leaf by Niggle' felt very personal to Tolkien, as it was an allegory (no, really) of Catholic purgatory and the afterlife that reflected much of Tolkien's own insecurities. 'Smith of Wootton Major' starts as a charming fairytale, but the fairies in question embody a sort of enchantment and gravitas that is unique to Tolkien. I hate to say it though, but I'm not a big fan of Pauline Baynes illustrations though. As charming as they are, I feel like they take away from the enchanting magic of the story. Lastly, 'The Homecoming of Beorthnoth' is a short play based on a fragment of poetry detailing a Viking invasion and feels like both an exercise in historical writing and a reflection on heroism and chivalry.
So yeah, there's a lot of variety in a short page count. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Tolkien's work!
josh94mac's review
challenging
reflective
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? No
2.0
ameve2's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
amandakitz's review against another edition
5.0
I've had the pleasure at work recently of stumbling upon both a first edition second printing of this the UK edition and a first American edition, and J R R Tolkien continues to win his place as my favorite author for both his essay on fairy stories and the tale of Leaf by Niggle. Highly recommend for any lover of Tolkien's works who has yet to enjoy this gem.
willbor's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed Leaf by Niggle. Tolkien’s story telling never disappoints and is endlessly charming.
The essay was enjoyable too, full of insight and put succinctly into words things I’ve thought myself.
I also love trees.
The essay was enjoyable too, full of insight and put succinctly into words things I’ve thought myself.
I also love trees.
amanda_g_s's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
counterfeitnickel's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0