J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings Review

Overall Rating

Exciting

Too long

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.

Members' Comments onGenny.'s Review

• Fantasy Lit guru. on 15th Dec 2002

  Too long??? too long????? omg *sigh*

• Velaineil. on 19th Feb 2003

  Okay, if you think LotR is too long, mabye you've been reading it too long. Take a break. ~Velaineil

• TOUCHMYDOG. on 18th Mar 2003

  the book of the century: too long and confusing????
  "go and see the films first??? no, just read the books, incomparable

• nickpark. on 22nd Apr 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.
  

• Bob. on 2nd May 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'!

• Nick. on 19th Jun 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!).
  
  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.
  
  Well done anyone who reads LOTR and loves it - it's not an easy book for anyone.