The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

There and back again

The Hobbit

I hadn't read The Hobbit for 30 years. With the film version on its way, I thought it was about time I refamiliarised myself with the plot, so I could tut knowingly and mutter “That doesn't happen in the book!” under my breath throughout the movie.

The Hobbit contains bits which are plain silly: sheep serving lunch; giants throwing boulders; trolls named William, Bert and Tom. Had Tolkien written the book after its sequel, The Lord of the Rings, he would surely have left these out.

But The Hobbit remains a great children's story. More to the point, pretty much every chapter comprises a new set-piece, allowing would-be film-makers plenty of scope to pad out this short book into a Lord-of-the-Rings-esque blockbusting trilogy. Shame on them.

Note: I will receive a small referral fee if you buy this book via one of the above links.
Published

Richard Carter

A fat, bearded chap with a Charles Darwin fixation.

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