Book Review: The Fellowship of The Ring by J.R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of The Rings is a classic for a reason.
What can I say about Fellowship that hasn’t already been said? It's tough to review something that has been analyzed up, down, and sideways since it's original publication. It is a foundational piece of fantasy that has inspired so many other pieces of work. So I'm just going to share some thoughts on it!
This wasn't a fast read for me, not that it should have been. I liked how the writing forced me to slow down; I tend to absorb a book too quickly and it doesn't stick in my brain after I finish it. This though - I read it slowly, savoring each word and description.
The journey is so beautifully told. I really enjoyed Tolkien describe the scenery. I felt as though I needed my map close at hand so I could understand the route taken or described. Especially toward the end, when the Company was trying to decide where to go next.
"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."
I was surprised by how witty some of the dialogue was? I don't know why I would think it wouldn't be funny at times, but I found myself laughing out loud at scenes with Tom Bombadil, Gandalf's grumpy exasperation with people, and the bickering between Gimli + Legolas.
Yes, it took me some time to read - but I think I have a better appreciation for the films and the television series knowing the origin story. I feel like I have a (slightly) better understanding of the realm, the characters, their motivations, and the overall history, though I know that Tolkien was prolific and has many, many other books in this world.
"Don't adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story."
I have met so many of you who are avid Tolkien fans!! It's been so much fun chatting about this book and having you all following along. It's no wonder there are so many fans of his work - this is beautiful, well-crafted, expansive pieces of literature.
I'm really looking forward to reading Two Towers in June and am hoping to complete the series this summer.
Rating: ★★★★★
Book Summary
- Title: The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1)
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Classics
- Who Should Read It? If you enjoyed the films and are looking for more in-depth writing on the characters, I'd highly recommend giving this a shot. The Lord of the Rings is worth at least one read-through.
Synopsis: One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.
