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A review by grvhppr
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
**The Silmarillion** by J.R.R. Tolkien with J.R.R. Tolkien (Illustrator)
Who knew that the War of the Ring was just a blip in the grander story and perhaps even a minor one in comparison to the sweeping stories that make up The Silmarillion? Told in the style of a narrative “nonfiction”, Middle-earth is grander than I could have imagined and spotlights Tolkien’s prowess with regard to world-building and character development. I have multitudes more appreciation for the characters we see in The Lord of the Rings and both their perils and stakes. Motivations come alive and even the backstory of how Middle-earth came into being—the way is beautiful.
But I think what I learned most of all is how much Tolkien loved this world. I should say Tolkiens because his son dedicated much of his life to providing the world with the work of the father. That in itself is very Tolkien-esque and no less admirable.
If you’ve read The Lord of the Rings and haven’t read The Silmarillion, I feel like you’re missing 90% of the story. My whole view of the series has changed after reading this… and I want more. Fortunately, there are histories available.
Who knew that the War of the Ring was just a blip in the grander story and perhaps even a minor one in comparison to the sweeping stories that make up The Silmarillion? Told in the style of a narrative “nonfiction”, Middle-earth is grander than I could have imagined and spotlights Tolkien’s prowess with regard to world-building and character development. I have multitudes more appreciation for the characters we see in The Lord of the Rings and both their perils and stakes. Motivations come alive and even the backstory of how Middle-earth came into being—the way is beautiful.
But I think what I learned most of all is how much Tolkien loved this world. I should say Tolkiens because his son dedicated much of his life to providing the world with the work of the father. That in itself is very Tolkien-esque and no less admirable.
If you’ve read The Lord of the Rings and haven’t read The Silmarillion, I feel like you’re missing 90% of the story. My whole view of the series has changed after reading this… and I want more. Fortunately, there are histories available.