The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien > Reviews (54)

Am enigmatic old wizard named Gandalf arranges a meeting at an unsuspecting Hobbit’s home. (A hobbit is a small human like creature with large furry feet and the appetite of four humans). Well Bilbo, the unsuspecting Hobbit, is very surprised when a dozen dwarves and his old friend Gandalf start appearing at his humble home in the Shire.

It transpires that the Dwarves have lost their ancestral home to a vicious dragon called Smaug and they require the services of a ‘thief’ to help them regain their rightful home. Gandalf, perhaps the mastermind behind the whole quest suggests Bilbo as the ideal thief, and despite the misgivings the dwarves have about such an insignificant character, they agree to allow Bilbo join the party.

And so the adventure begins, as the group begins to travel towards the ancestral home and regain their riches and home. Unfortunately, life is never simple and they encounter many dangers along the way including fearsome Trolls, conniving Goblins and many other fascinating and dangerous creatures.

Throughout the course of the book, Bilbo gains a magical ring from a sniveling creature called Gollum after a dual of riddles. Although this ring turns Bilbo invisible, and aids the quest, the importance of the ring does not become fully clear until The Lord of the Rings, the follow up to The Hobbit. As the quest moves to a climatic ending, we clearly see the value of teamwork, and although we see stubbornness, jealousy and other character flaws, we realize that everyone in the group has something to give.

J R R Tolkien has created a land called Middle Earth for all the adventure and action to take place in. Rolling hills and valleys combine with dark and sinister forests and horrifying mountains holed with sinister caves. Many wonderful and frightening creatures inhabit the world ranging from dragons, trolls, orcs (similar to a sentient gorilla), to the beautiful Elves, and the avaricious and grumpy dwarves.

The book tells a wonderful tale of adventure and excitement that is funny as well as engrossing. The characters all are very well written and you soon find yourself forming favorites. The story is well written and describes the land wonderfully making you feel as if you are part of the adventure.

The book is suitable for all ages even though there are scenes of war. My 8 year old children loved this book as a bed time story and were not frightened at all, and actually couldn’t wait to read a chapter each night.

This book is a must for all fantasy fans, but also will go well in any home library.