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A review by adventuresinfantasy
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This is a re-read for me (having read it around the time the first movie came out). It still holds up to the memory I have of it.
I find it incredibly interesting how in the darkest part of the journey (which also happens to be just before the end... which might just be the point), Tolkien chose to focus on the more internal factors going on. The weight of the ring, the weight of Frodo's falling (for Sam(only now realizing how that sounds... I mean Sam carrying the weight of Frodo's degradation)), and so on. As a kid, that wasn't something I really noticed. As an adult, I appreciate paying that kind of attention to the emotional toll.
I will admit that some of the important action does seem glossed over in favor of the emotional. Obviously, this sort of thing comes down to personal preferences.
The end still makes me cry, not because it is sad. It is more so that the story is done in more than one way.The ringbearers are leaving and the story is going with them. I frankly find it one of those stories I wish didn't end although it is understandable and satisfying.
On that note, I think a lot of people might have a hard time with the language. Tolkien used a lot of Old and Middle English and his love of languages is on stunning display. That, unfortunately, can translate into a difficult-to-read text if you aren't used to the wording or patterns. I still suggest giving it a try but you may need to look some things up in the process.
Overall, it is still a really good story and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it.
I find it incredibly interesting how in the darkest part of the journey (which also happens to be just before the end... which might just be the point), Tolkien chose to focus on the more internal factors going on. The weight of the ring, the weight of Frodo's falling (for Sam(only now realizing how that sounds... I mean Sam carrying the weight of Frodo's degradation)), and so on. As a kid, that wasn't something I really noticed. As an adult, I appreciate paying that kind of attention to the emotional toll.
I will admit that some of the important action does seem glossed over in favor of the emotional. Obviously, this sort of thing comes down to personal preferences.
The end still makes me cry, not because it is sad. It is more so that the story is done in more than one way.
On that note, I think a lot of people might have a hard time with the language. Tolkien used a lot of Old and Middle English and his love of languages is on stunning display. That, unfortunately, can translate into a difficult-to-read text if you aren't used to the wording or patterns. I still suggest giving it a try but you may need to look some things up in the process.
Overall, it is still a really good story and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death