The Hobbit Review

I read and reviewed The Hobbit on my old blog back in 2020. At the time I wasn’t sure if I was going to read The Lord of the Rings. Well, now I’ve decided that I want to and thought I needed to refresh myself on The Hobbit. I’m glad I did. There was so much that I had forgotten. So, let’s get to my latest review.

Synopsis

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” So, begins one of the most beloved and delightful tales in the English language—Tolkien’s prelude to The Lord of the Rings. Set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, The Hobbit is one of literature’s most enduring and well-loved high fantasy novels.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their epic quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

My Thoughts on The Hobbit

I read my review from the last time and one of the things I mentioned was that I had a hard time familiarizing myself with Tolkien’s writing style. Now that I’m familiar with it this story completely enchanted me. I can relate to Bilbo’s longing for home and comfort mixed with his desire for adventure. I think that is what makes it so charming because don’t we all feel that?

Oh, I also noted that I appreciate a slower pace more now than I did in 2020. At the time, I was reading a ton of fast paced thrillers, and a slower fantasy was a hard adjustment. Since then, I’ve come to love a meandering story with a rich landscape. I want to feel immersed in the world. The Hobbit gave exactly that.

Overall, rereading The Hobbit felt like coming home. I was right there with Bilbo when he returned home from his tiring journey. Thankfully, my family wasn’t trying to sell my belongings though. I’m glad I slowed down to appreciate the classic that this is. Now I can’t wait to pick up The Fellowship of the Ring.

My Rating: 5/5