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4.46 AVERAGE
4.46 AVERAGE
I first read this over 20 years ago in middle school. I did watch the movies, but I was never fanatical about them. So, while I didn't go into this with a blank slate, most memories of it were hazy at best. I recognize the series' status as a classic and I fully acknowledge the influence it has had on the genre. Nevertheless, I am going to review it as I would any other book: for the qualities that I experienced of it while reading.
With that said, I cannot read a book and completely ignore its place in the cultural milieu. And in that regard, I was massively disappointed in LotR. That basic disappointment stems from a major lack of balance, in my opinion: the book (herein referred to as "a book" because I read the single-volume version) is overladen and overwrought for the very simplistic story that it tells. The text is bloated with unnecessary detail that draws out each simple leg of the simple story well beyond what I view as tolerable. As a result, I found myself rushing and hoping to get through each part rather than immersing myself in the world and relishing each moment.
For me, possibly the most frustrating aspect of this overwrought simplicity was the fact that, for all the exposition about every minor detail, we're left with a nearly completely unexplained big baddy who has no apparent motive for wanting to see everything destroyed other than perhaps an intense (yet still unexplained) desire to rule over a plain of dust. At some point, I couldn't help but to stop caring about the threat posed by Sauron.
The only thing that keeps this at 3 stars for me, and not lower, is my recognition of the sheer amount of world-building on display. It is lightyears beyond anything other fantasy or sci-fi authors do. Maybe there's an irony in my lambasting the book for its overwrought details on the one hand and praising it for its world-building on the other. However, as I mentioned, it's about balance. The world-building would have benefited much more from either a much grander story or from several smaller stories illustrating different aspects of the world. Trying to use a simple story with Flatlander characters as a vehicle to explore that world just does the world (and the reader) a disservice.
With that said, I cannot read a book and completely ignore its place in the cultural milieu. And in that regard, I was massively disappointed in LotR. That basic disappointment stems from a major lack of balance, in my opinion: the book (herein referred to as "a book" because I read the single-volume version) is overladen and overwrought for the very simplistic story that it tells. The text is bloated with unnecessary detail that draws out each simple leg of the simple story well beyond what I view as tolerable. As a result, I found myself rushing and hoping to get through each part rather than immersing myself in the world and relishing each moment.
For me, possibly the most frustrating aspect of this overwrought simplicity was the fact that, for all the exposition about every minor detail, we're left with a nearly completely unexplained big baddy who has no apparent motive for wanting to see everything destroyed other than perhaps an intense (yet still unexplained) desire to rule over a plain of dust. At some point, I couldn't help but to stop caring about the threat posed by Sauron.
The only thing that keeps this at 3 stars for me, and not lower, is my recognition of the sheer amount of world-building on display. It is lightyears beyond anything other fantasy or sci-fi authors do. Maybe there's an irony in my lambasting the book for its overwrought details on the one hand and praising it for its world-building on the other. However, as I mentioned, it's about balance. The world-building would have benefited much more from either a much grander story or from several smaller stories illustrating different aspects of the world. Trying to use a simple story with Flatlander characters as a vehicle to explore that world just does the world (and the reader) a disservice.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lord of the Rings is a perfect book. First, as with the movies, I find it easy to classify the three parts as one. It is a trilogy, yes, but it could heretically be better called a trinity. I've spoken with many who say it drags on too long, or there are too many songs, or it's front-heavy and the end wraps up without the expected level of detail. There are bits of truth in all those statements, but for me this is one time I'm happy to overlook the small things in order to revel in the big picture majesty of the book.
The world Tolkien created started simple and small, but shortly into LotR it's clear that the door to his hobbit hole opens up on a vast landscape filled with a rich mythology of creatures and people that far exceeded (perhaps) his original intent. Every encounter and interaction is so detailed as to leave little to the imagination.
The Council of Elrond remains my favorite chapter. It has been described as a dull, never-ending, nothing-happening chapter, but I can't get enough of it. It has been some years since my last full read-through, but this book (and the last decade of adaptations) has completely changed how I see the fantasy genre.
It is a perfect book.
The world Tolkien created started simple and small, but shortly into LotR it's clear that the door to his hobbit hole opens up on a vast landscape filled with a rich mythology of creatures and people that far exceeded (perhaps) his original intent. Every encounter and interaction is so detailed as to leave little to the imagination.
The Council of Elrond remains my favorite chapter. It has been described as a dull, never-ending, nothing-happening chapter, but I can't get enough of it. It has been some years since my last full read-through, but this book (and the last decade of adaptations) has completely changed how I see the fantasy genre.
It is a perfect book.
Legendary Doesn’t Cover It
A truly fantastic tale full of everything you’ve ever heard and many hidden treasures for those who explore in full. I always love returning to these books and rewatching the movies together. Such an amazing world to get lost in!
A truly fantastic tale full of everything you’ve ever heard and many hidden treasures for those who explore in full. I always love returning to these books and rewatching the movies together. Such an amazing world to get lost in!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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:
Yes
This book/series changed my life. It's rooted deep in my soul and has been for years. It's the book(s) I quote most, think about most, and refer to most for inspiration.
Read the whole for the third time.. and I fall in love with it every time..
The book I have read the most times, probably 25 times or more, since I first came across it at age 19. I love Tolkien's use of poetic and mythic language, and I love the characters.
read this over a period of several months because I couldn’t commit the weeks it might’ve taken me to get through it in one go.
it was not at all what I expected. it wasn’t dense or challenging to read. the plot was well paced and its subject matter compelling.
this story is beautifully written, which is so so rare in high fantasy, where plot and world building typically reign supreme.
tolkien is truly a master of his craft. it was an utter pleasure to be witness to his brilliance.
it was not at all what I expected. it wasn’t dense or challenging to read. the plot was well paced and its subject matter compelling.
this story is beautifully written, which is so so rare in high fantasy, where plot and world building typically reign supreme.
tolkien is truly a master of his craft. it was an utter pleasure to be witness to his brilliance.