Good Evening Bookish Folk!
Today I will be posting my review of Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’. Firstly, I would like to say this book has been one of my favourite books for a long time and will continue to be so. It probably, to many, doesn’t stand up to the modern day but this book will forever have a place in my bookish soul.
A few facts about .:
- Title: The Hobbit
- Author: J. R. R Tolkien
- Series: Standalone
- Published by Harper Collins
- Pages: 322
- Audiobook Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins
Synopsis:
The Hobbit is the unforgettable story of Bilbo, a peace-loving hobbit, who embarks on a strange and magical adventure.
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag End by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Although quite reluctant to take part in this quest, Bilbo surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and his skill as a burglar!
Review:
Here are a few things you can expect from :
- A classical fantasy tale;
- Reluctant hero;
- Dragons;
- Middle Earth;
- A charming adventure; and
- A fun read.
On to the full review…
As I have said before I have always loved The Hobbit, it is one of my favourite books!It is captivating, fun and an epic tale of adventure and friendship. There is little I can say that has not already been said my the masses so i’m expecting this review tone quite short.
First off, as I reread this by way of the Audiobook I am going to say a few things about that…
ANDY SERKIS IS FREAKING AMAZING!
I haven’t listened to the other narration and never will, many I know have said it is beyond drab and utterly boring. Which is not what this book deserves, this book deserves to be told by a super talented narrator. Thankfully, Andy Serkis is just that!
Serkis does not disappoint he is an utterly engaging narrator, each voice and character is unique and he brought a new and fresh breath of life to this old gem for me!
In terms of the book itself it is set in a breathtaking world and filled with loveable characters. I always remember the birds of old in this book, the listening thrush and the old truthful bird who gathers the other Dwarves for Thorin. All these little details fill the world and add to the lore and history of these stunning lands.
Bilbo is an utter joy to read, his dry sense of humour mixed with his longing for home is pure gold. I love how Bilbo develops in this tale and creates lifelong relationships. The dwarves are also a great bunch to journey with and obviously Gandalf is brilliant. I love the old wizard as it is because I LOVE Lord of the Rings but seeing him in this book and what seemed like a little grumpier was great!
I feel like this is quite a well paced book, I didn’t feel overwhelmed much by heaving descriptions and found that the story was continuously moving, I probably couldn’t describe this a fast paced book but it didn’t feel like a slog to me.
I will say reading this book again makes me truly dislike the movies. I wasn’t overly impressed with them in the first case but now remembering how much they missed and changed…just urghhh. There was no need.
As you are now aware I rate on a buy the hardback, buy the paperback, buy eBook or library rental/wait for a sale scale.
I personally would buy The Hobbit in hardback, I love this book along with Lord of the Rings. I have the stunning leather-bound editions and have every intention of buying the newest illustrated edition too!!
- This book has and forever will hold special place in my heart, I loved it when I first read it and I adore Middle Earth.
- I’m well aware someone who hasn’t read it before may feel it to be childish and not modern, but it isn’t a modern book so its not going to be.
_ The Book in Hand _ 
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