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BOOK REVIEW: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

I first read The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, the first book in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (though originally not a trilogy) last year in the summer, but left it in between and could not complete it. This year I started it again at the same time, summer, and I am glad I completed it. It’s epic in its own way.

Tolkien certainly gets a place among top authors irrespective of the era or the century. The Lord of the Rings is one snippet. If you go on exploring his whole middle earth, that’s one big proof. After reading it, I am quite impressed by the depth of the book especially the part of Tom Bombadil, which was not in the movies, and the reason to leave is totally understandable. The poetry/prose and the lyrical statements are again the most charming part of reading this book. Tolkien does it so well, that this book which looks so heavy from the outside is simple to read. There are many fascinating poems/prose in this book which now are used in the common dialect among us. Like, “All that glitter is not gold” is a poem written by him. By writing The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien certainly has set a benchmark for fantasy writers and 80-90% of the fantasy books are compared to it. more

The adventure starts in shire, the land of Hobbits with some the flawless characters of Frodo, Biblo, Gandalf, Sam, Merry & Pippin. These characters are created with patience and Tolkien with his words shows each and every aspect of human nature. The Hobbits are almost like humans in many ways, though only with shorter feet. The loyalty of Sam for Frodo is one example. The friendship of Merry, Pippin ad Frodo is another. Frodo knows the Ringwraiths are searching for him – and the Ring of Power he bear that will enable Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful servant Sam to carry the Ring to where it can be destroyed – in the very center of Sauron’s dark kingdom. The adventure is all about to reach there and destroy the ring.

I admit, it has it own flaws. There are few spots where the story drags, such as the many pages where he describes the characters marching endless miles through forests or swamps or mountains without much happening. Though the characterization is not so perfect either. There are some characters who are not developed enough. But these flaws are acceptable and can be ignored if you are reading The Lord of the Rings.

I still have to read the other two books left in this trilogy, and I am not judging other things before reading them.

I don’t think I have to say this, “it is recommended”, you know that already. 4.5 out of 5!

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thereseastrom says: June 25, 2014 at 3:02 PM I've read the first one and half of the second, and I get that it's epic but still, I find it hard to feel like I'd want to finish the trilogy because there's so much else to read that are not dragging on in parts. I started reading Eleanor and Park yesterday and finished it today and I'm loving it. Not as much as John Green, but still, a lot! Thanks for the tip!
Stuff Jeff Reads says: June 25, 2014 at 5:03 PM It is certainly an epic and there is no disputing the impact that Tolkien's works have had on literature. Stick with it. Once you finish the third book, you will be hooked. Cheers!
Natasha says: June 25, 2014 at 9:38 PM This is one of my favourite books :) good review
mbsaad says: June 25, 2014 at 10:29 PM Reading LOTR is one of the best child hood memories I have. I couldn't believe how detailed and intensely crafted Middle Earth was back then. It was my first dive into fantasy fiction and one of my most favorite books even now. I wish I could go through the process of reading it for the first time again hahaha
J. Alfred Prufrock says: June 26, 2014 at 5:46 AM I think on lines similar to above. There are so many books to read, I'd keep voluminous fantasy books way below in my list, though I wish someone had introduced me to them when I was in school. :( On the other hand I feel like reading the remaining books of Song of Fire and Ice which haven't aired yet. Don't have the patience to wait for the next season. :D
Ron Giesecke (M.O.N) says: June 26, 2014 at 9:36 PM "Tolkien does it so well, that this book which looks so heavy from the outside is simple to read." Just like that brilliant observation. Nicely summed, sir.
Vivian Copeland says: October 5, 2014 at 10:25 PM I love your blog. It's designed so beautifully and contains such great content. I'm just starting my blog. It's great to explore blogs like yours to see what a good one should look like. Happy reading.

I've read the first one and half of the second, and I get that it's epic but still, I find it hard to feel like I'd want to finish the trilogy because there's so much else to read that are not dragging on in parts.
I started reading Eleanor and Park yesterday and finished it today and I'm loving it. Not as much as John Green, but still, a lot! Thanks for the tip!

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 25, 2014 at 5:13 PM Yeah, some parts I also felt that take too much space in this book rather which makes it a bit dull, but I have no intention to finish it in hurry. I'll take my time :) Oh, I like Elanor and Park, and consider it better than John Green's books!

Yeah, some parts I also felt that take too much space in this book rather which makes it a bit dull, but I have no intention to finish it in hurry. I'll take my time :)
Oh, I like Elanor and Park, and consider it better than John Green's books!

It is certainly an epic and there is no disputing the impact that Tolkien's works have had on literature. Stick with it. Once you finish the third book, you will be hooked. Cheers!

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 25, 2014 at 5:14 PM Thanks Jeff! Sure. I'll take my time to read it :)

Thanks Jeff! Sure. I'll take my time to read it :)

This is one of my favourite books :) good review

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 25, 2014 at 9:42 PM Thanks :)

Thanks :)

Reading LOTR is one of the best child hood memories I have. I couldn't believe how detailed and intensely crafted Middle Earth was back then. It was my first dive into fantasy fiction and one of my most favorite books even now. I wish I could go through the process of reading it for the first time again hahaha

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 25, 2014 at 10:34 PM I agree with you, the level of detail is extraordinarily pleasant. I always feel refreshed when I finish reading one chapter. :)

I agree with you, the level of detail is extraordinarily pleasant. I always feel refreshed when I finish reading one chapter. :)

I think on lines similar to above. There are so many books to read, I'd keep voluminous fantasy books way below in my list, though I wish someone had introduced me to them when I was in school. :(
On the other hand I feel like reading the remaining books of Song of Fire and Ice which haven't aired yet. Don't have the patience to wait for the next season. :D

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 26, 2014 at 9:03 PM You should read Song of Fire & Ice. There's lot more in the book than what they show on tv! And yes, you'll get to know the rest of the story too :D Yes, there are so many books that I wish we could time travel and read them all! :)

You should read Song of Fire & Ice. There's lot more in the book than what they show on tv! And yes, you'll get to know the rest of the story too :D
Yes, there are so many books that I wish we could time travel and read them all! :)

"Tolkien does it so well, that this book which looks so heavy from the outside is simple to read."

Just like that brilliant observation. Nicely summed, sir.

Aman(@amanhimself) says: June 26, 2014 at 9:42 PM Thanks Ron :)

Thanks Ron :)

I love your blog. It's designed so beautifully and contains such great content. I'm just starting my blog. It's great to explore blogs like yours to see what a good one should look like. Happy reading.

Aman(@amanhimself) says: October 6, 2014 at 8:28 AM Welcome to the blogging community. Looking forward to your blog :D

Welcome to the blogging community. Looking forward to your blog :D

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