J. R. R. Tolkien - The Hobbit

J. R. R. Tolkien - The Hobbit

I had two different feelings about reading this book – one the one hand, I was very excited as everyone has raved so much about The Hobbit and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. On the other hand, I feared I may not like it and would struggle to love it when so many others already do.
However, this was not a problem – I ADORED it! It was absolutely brilliant and totally worth all the fuss people make about it.
The plot was so riveting and at some points I physically couldn’t put it down. It definitely does what it says on the tin – it is a fantasy adventure and that’s what you get. I guess if people aren’t really into that kind of genre, they may be put off, but to be honest I would have never said that I particularly like fantasy and yet I loved it.
The way Tolkien describes each event perfectly but doesn’t linger too long makes it really readable and encourages you to keep going, as another adventure is always just around the corner. Considering this is my first ever venture into Tolkien’s work, I found it all very easy to follow and now can’t wait to start The Lord of the Rings (hopefully this summer).
The characterisation is amazing! Bilbo is obviously unforgettable and Gandalf and Gollum are pretty unique too. The real strength in terms of characterisation, I think, is that all the more minor characters are well-crafted and intricate too. Tolkien always explains and describes the elves, dwarves, goblins and the rest, especially their own traditions and ways which makes it very easy to picture them all.
The setting is great too and I love having maps in the book. These definitely help us feel like we’re going on the journey with them all too! All the different places the gang visits jump right out of the page and I know this will continue in The Lord of the Rings too.
This book is definitely a new favourite of mine and I will put it on my re-read list pronto, but I do intend to wait until long after I’ve finished the whole LOTR trilogy before re-reading. I have heard that the film is absolutely amazing and I hope I find time to go and see it soon (if not I will buy the DVD anyway). Lots of bloggers have raved about The Hobbit and this all just leaves me with one question: “does anyone NOT love The Hobbit?!”