135. Title & Author: The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien (275 pages)Genre: Fiction--Fantasy & Adventure
Completed: 14 February 2010
Summary & Review:
As he is about to enjoy his tea, Bilbo Baggins is unknowingly swept up into joining an adventure that will forever change his life. He accompanies Thorin, the heir to the fortune of Thrain, King Under the Mountain, to return to his ancestral home in the Lonely Mountain to slay the dragon guardian and reclaim his riches. Their journey is perilous as they escape from the deep caves of the goblins, the webs of giant spiders, and the greed of men and elves alike. Luckily for Bilbo, he stumbles upon a mysterious ring that aides him in their quest.
Obviously, there is a reason this book has been a classic for nearly a century, largely Tolkien's knack for fanciful, magical adventures. Here, he crafted a journey that constantly kept the reader guessing, unsure of how Bilbo and his companions would escape and accomplish their goal. One of the high points of the climactic action within the book, however, the slaying of the dragon Smaug, was almost breezed over and I was disappointed at that. But, since Peter Jackson is set to make a movie adaptation of The Hobbit, I'm sure I'll get the dragon-killing satisfaction I felt was lacking in the book. Additionally, Tolkien's prose was surprisingly casual for such an epic story with its astounding scope. Yet, reading this novel with the understanding that it is, in fact, a children's book makes the prose seem more fitting and appropriate.
Also, thank you to CBO for loaning me his copy of this to read.
Rating: 7.5
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