Question about the LOTR books?

soblessed53 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 05:08 PM

Hi all. I am just getting ready to start reading The Hobbit,which was highly recommended by my daughter,as a fun fantasy read. However she said she has not even been able to finish the first LOTR as she finds it incredibly boring and sooo different from the film.
So my question is how did you feel about the LOTR books?

Cuchullain · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 05:35 PM

The book is better than the film, but you have to be prepared for Tolkien's long-windedness. It helps if you just ignore the songs, too. Being a book, things build up more slowly, and there are some good bits left out of the film. I like the book, though I wouldn't put it on quite the same pedestal that the rabid fanboys have. It's good, and it pretty much defines the genre, but it's not the best, most perfect book in the world ever.

It's aimed at a more mature audience than The Hobbit, though, which might account for the some of the problem.

soblessed53 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 05:50 PM

Thanks for that info. As someone who loves the movies,can you believe I just re- watched all 3 again,in one day/night!

I'm just wondering if I will hate the differences? My daughter who is a big LOTR fan who is in her 30's, prefers the the first film by far. She hasn't tried reading any of the rest of the trilogy,since she can't bear to finish the first book.

Tenor · #4 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 05:58 PM

I tried to read the books, and have the still collecting dust on my book shelf.

I really liked the movies, but I to could not get into tolikn's dragging things out. (short attention...hey somehting shiny :woot: )

userX · #5 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 05:59 PM

I so agree with the Really Useful Engine (well, except for the ignoring the songs part). It was the LOTR that first got me interested in reading and opened reading up to me as an avenue of enjoyment. I first read the LOTR at the age of 11, racing with a friend to fininish the book(s), and then went back and read The Hobbit after.

As a person of a very creative mind in a very pragmatic Reformed tradition, I was fascinated to find a Christian writer who so incorporated his faith, his art, and his intellect in such an encoraging and popular witness without compromising any of the above.

Cuchullain · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 06:13 PM

Well, if you're expecting a novelisation of the film, you'll be disappointed, I'd imagine. It's really quite different. I read the books before I saw the film, which works well, but I can see there'd be difficulties going the other way round. If you're used to the pace of the films, it'll probably seem rather slow-moving, but if you're into reading adult fantasy fiction in general, it'll probably be a good read.

Things tend to be explained better in the books. For example, in the film, Aragorn just happens to be carrying a few hobbit-sized swords to conventiently give out when the ringwraiths attack, whereas in the book there's a much better story behind how the hobbits arm themselves.

userX · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 06:20 PM

And I was soooo disappointed Tom Bombadil was left out of the film. I thought what the book revealed about him and the Ring of Power was essential to understanding much of the theological subtext. But then, in 'Hollywood' fashion, the theological subtext was purposefully downplayed even more in the films than Tolkien also purposefully did in the books.

soblessed53 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuchullain

Well, if you're expecting a novelisation of the film, you'll be disappointed, I'd imagine. It's really quite different. I read the books before I saw the film, which works well, but I can see there'd be difficulties going the other way round. If you're used to the pace of the films, it'll probably seem rather slow-moving, but if you're into reading adult fantasy fiction in general, it'll probably be a good read.

Things tend to be explained better in the books. For example, in the film, Aragorn just happens to be carrying a few hobbit-sized swords to conventiently give out when the ringwraiths attack, whereas in the book there's a much better story behind how the hobbits arm themselves.

Hmm,I don't think I've ever read any "adult fantasy fiction" just childrens, C.S. Lewis' Chronicles Of Narnia(all 7), George MacDonald, Madeleine L'Engle,but you have peaked my curiousity,so I believe I will reserve the trilogy from my library after I read The Hobbit and a few other books,I have now.

Annie · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 07:38 PM

the hobbit is an excellent book

the only LOTR book i never could get into is The Silmarillion. i think thats because it reads more like a fantasy history book than an actual story like the Hobbit or the LOTR trilogy. i know people who love that book because it does provide more detail to the overall story but i just never could get into it

RestoreTheRiver · #10 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007, 08:19 PM

Interesting point about those who've seen the movies first. I read the LOTR several times, years before the movies. I love it, and could easily pick it up again. It was written in a different time, and culture, than ours. Therefore, there are differences in language, cultural assumptions, style, and pace. But to me, they're good differences.

The LOTR trilogy appeals, on so many levels, because of its universal themes. For those who haven't read it, whether you've seen the movies or not, it is well worth reading.

Michael