Online fantasy lovers book club discussion
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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
The Hobbit Discussion
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I looooved this book. I can't believe it took me so long to read it. From a writer's POV, I really fell back in love with narrator-style storytelling - which I think is something I have been avoiding in my own writing for a while (maybe I worry it comes across as childish which could still be true, or I just thought that being solely focused on one person's POV is optimal). It was a little jarring at times especially when events were 'recapped' rather than told, but I think this is just because trends have changed. And actually, in some instances, it was refreshing when just the powerful images and a summary of a scene were given, rather than risking repetition or slowing down the pace.
Obviously it's a children's book and at face value I just thought it was an easy read with fun characters on an interesting and varied adventure. I never really liked the Hobbit films and I barely remember them so I was lucky in that sense - as I didn't feel 'tainted' by the films haha.
I did find it a little strange when all of a sudden Bard became this major character and he was the one to kill the dragon. I suppose I was rooting for Thorin and Co to finish what they started so when it didn't happen, I was a little disappointed. BUT when I read on and realised what Tolkien was intending (uniting the races) it made more sense that the wood elves and men from Lake-town got involved. Bringing the goblins and wargs back in had a wonderful, rounded feel to it too.
What are your thoughts? I know you read this in the past - was there anything you forgot about or things you don't like re-reading it?
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I've been reading a lot about Norse myths recently and it's really interesting to see how much they informed Tolkien's writing, for example the riddle contest with Golem is pretty much lifted from them.
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It does not disappoint. Loving it so far. It's playful, easy and so fun. I didn't actually realise it was a children's book until I got my boyfriend to dig out his hardback copy from the loft. My boyfriend never got around to reading it either (even though he's a huge LOTR fan), so we've been listening to a free audiobook on Spotify and reading along with it. We try to do a chapter a night - not the fastest way to read it but still haha! It's so nice with all the atmospheric sounds and whatnot. We also light 'The Shire' candle - I'll find a pic haha.