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A review by deathlessprogeny
The Hobbit [Pocket Edition] by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.0
Finally, the time came when I read Tolkien's own work. After years of avoiding watching any LOTR movies, they are too long for my easily distracted brain.
I enjoyed going on this adventure ( Homo Viator) with Bilbo. The only negative aspect to me was that it is a children's book - not as complex as one would wish, but still an exciting read. I think LOTR will improve on this aspect. (And, maybe, the movies turned this into a more mature and complex story).
There is not a lot of world-building in it. We get right into the action. Nonetheless, here's Tolkien's genius; the entire voyage introduces part of the world, some history, and different species. We do not get a general idea of Middle Earth, only the Shire, but the descriptions leave us wanting to explore more of the world. We also learn about the relations between various factions and a dwarf or a hobbit's type of character.
As far as characters go, Bilbo is the main focus; we see him shift and become a fantastic hobbit by the end. The dwarves, however, don’t change much, but this is justified in the type of character they are. Gandalf stands mysteriously on the side, but his side quest (which we only learn about at the very end) is a small glimpse into what I suppose will be going on in LOTR. Other characters enrich the story, like Bard and Beorn. And the most interesting to me: Gollum, as I know, plays a role in LOTR.
I enjoyed going on this adventure ( Homo Viator) with Bilbo. The only negative aspect to me was that it is a children's book - not as complex as one would wish, but still an exciting read. I think LOTR will improve on this aspect. (And, maybe, the movies turned this into a more mature and complex story).
There is not a lot of world-building in it. We get right into the action. Nonetheless, here's Tolkien's genius; the entire voyage introduces part of the world, some history, and different species. We do not get a general idea of Middle Earth, only the Shire, but the descriptions leave us wanting to explore more of the world. We also learn about the relations between various factions and a dwarf or a hobbit's type of character.
As far as characters go, Bilbo is the main focus; we see him shift and become a fantastic hobbit by the end. The dwarves, however, don’t change much, but this is justified in the type of character they are. Gandalf stands mysteriously on the side, but his side quest (which we only learn about at the very end) is a small glimpse into what I suppose will be going on in LOTR. Other characters enrich the story, like Bard and Beorn. And the most interesting to me: Gollum, as I know, plays a role in LOTR.