Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Conor Mahany

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein, is an incredible prelude to the Lord of the Rings (also by Tolkein.) The book tells the tale of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, and his journey, with a group of 13 dwarves, to the Lonely Mountain, far to the east, wherein reigns the great dragon Smaug. In the process of entering the mountain, Smaug killed many innocent dwarves and men, stealing their treasure and collecting it for himself. With this treasure he dwells inside of the mountain.

The story has an excellent beginning, leaving you uncertain about the task ahead, and keeping you reading and interested. Bilbo, the main character, has a very interesting development throughout the book. At the beginning, immediately after leaving, which he wishes he had never done, Bilbo wishes to be bake in his cozy hobbit-hole (house), sitting at his fire and frying bacon. Bilbos sense of adventure, or his Tookish side (as referred to in the book), slowly develops, showing stronger and stronger in him. Eventually, his bravery is marveling, as he slays giant spiders and sneaks upon fatal dragons.

Tolkeins commentary is also very entertaining. His clever use of foreshadowing keeps the reader interested, while his miscellaneous facts about Middle-earth (the setting where the story takes place) provide answers to trivial questions. The showing of dwarf emotions and hobbies is also very amusing. This invented race of creatures show so many different traits and feelings that Tolkein makes you feel as if you are there, in Middle-earth, along with the group of dwarves and Bilbo, headed on their dangerous mission.
I would definitely recommend this excellent book, for it will keep you reading, and leave you with a climactic, inspirational ending.