written by Genny. on 30/01/2002
Good Points
Exciting
Bad Points
Too long
General Comments
I made three attempts at reading this trilogy of books before I finally succeeded when I was about 19 or 20. But I still found some of the action hard to follow, and the characters and their motivation confusing. I was not enough of a fan to read and re-read until I had it straight, so I was never too enthusiastic, although I loved Gollum, Tom Bombadil, the Ents and of course the Hobbits and Gandalf. My recommendation to anyone who hasn't read these books is to go and see the fantastic film first, then tackle the books. I'm going to have another go at the books now I've seen the film. A word of warning though - the film isn't for the faint-hearted.
As rated by our community of reviewers
58048_Fantasy Lit Guru.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 15/12/2002
Too long??? too long????? omg *sigh*
108753_Nick.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 19/06/2003
I think this reviewer has a point when she says that the films can help people into the book. (Note: Book, not books. It's not a trilogy, it's a three-volume novel. Common error!).
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<br>I totally don't get those people who say that, in all cases, you must read the book before seeing the film. Uhh... why, exactly? If a film is any good it can stand up on its own. If it can't, it's a bad film. Peter Jackson's version does stand up on its own, magnificently. I knew the book like an old friend for years before seeing the films, but that didn't stop me enjoying them and appreciating why he had to make some changes.
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<br>Well done anyone who reads LOTR and loves it - it's not an easy book for anyone.
94312_Bob.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 02/05/2003
Well it just goes to show we are all different! The book is no way too long, you should always read the BOOK first before the film if you have a chance, and as for Tom Bombadil, the story only really starts once you get past him and his silly 'Hey doll merry doll's'!
91309_Nickpark.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 22/04/2003
I agree with Mr reviewer, some can find them boring. I tried to read them while young - they put me to sleep. I read them recently before watching the films and they were fine - not a masterpiece of fiction, though; maybe a masterpiece of creation. Then 3rd book was pretty boring too - tolkien had obviously not heard of a climax.
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Touchmydog.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 18/03/2003
the book of the century: too long and confusing????
<br>"go and see the films first??? no, just read the books, incomparable
74165_Velaineil.'s Response to 11077_Genny.'s Review
Written on: 19/02/2003
Okay, if you think LotR is too long, mabye you've been reading it too long. Take a break.
~Velaineil