The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring Part 1 of The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
Yes, I finally did it, I started reading The Lord of the Rings. Mostly because I finished the 2 books I brought on our vacation and still had a whole day left and my husband just finished the first part so offered to share it with me. What would I do without you? Anyway, I read the first part and am now anxiously awaiting him to finish the second part because I feel guilty getting ahead of him in his own book.
I am one of those that watched the movies many times before daring to pick up the books. I was nervous it would be a bit too much fantasy for me, or gasp, that the books actually made a better movie. I should know better, I admit it, however I’m still scarred from the fact every Jane Austen book I read is like nails on a chalkboard when all the movies that come from her novels are wonderful. I am off track I know, but I need to remind myself that Jane Austen seems to be my exception to the age old rule that the book is ALWAYS better than the movie. So yes, I loved every bit of J.R.R Tolkien’s writing and his beautifully crafted fantasy world.
One of the things I loved most reading this book was the sections of poetry or ballads that Tolkien added. I am not usually into poetry, but Tolkien’s flowed so effortlessly and added a soft, lyrical element to this harsh world and journey depicted. This, of course, is not captured as wonderfully in the movies.
Honestly, I don’t think it makes sense to try to review this well-known fantasy. There could be a lot to say but it may just be repetitive after how much we all know about the movies and how many people also love Tolkien’s writing. I will say that those of you worried to read these books shouldn’t be. It’s worth it to read the books because his writing is not too complicated and it adds enough with the descriptions that it is indeed different from the movies. It is an epic journey of a burden that shouldn’t befall on anyone, loyal companions there to assist while also finding themselves, about the good trying to triumph and rise above evil. What’s not to like?
This anniversary boxed set my husband purchased includes a foreword with a history of Tolkien’s plight to get these books published correctly. So many editors and publishing companies thought he’d made mistakes when he carefully chose each way of spelling his creatures species or language. It was interesting to find out that although The Lord of the Rings was well-received, people still didn’t quite understand at first the importance of keeping the original work. It took much longer than it should have to get all the original words printed as Tolkien meant them to be read.
Synopsis: Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power - the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring - the ring that rules them all - which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. 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.