Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Edited by: Christopher Tolkien
Edited by: Christopher Tolkien
Originally published : 2007
Length: 320 pages
Personal Enjoyment Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4/5 (288 Customer Reviews)
Goodreads: 2,480 ratings, 3.78 average rating
Length: 320 pages
Personal Enjoyment Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4/5 (288 Customer Reviews)
Goodreads: 2,480 ratings, 3.78 average rating
In the past I've experimented with four-word reviews and seven-word reviews. Well, a two-word review kept popping into my head while I read this one:
Fate sucks.
Just ask Turin and Nienor, the children of the the stalwart Hurin, who refuses to submit when captured by the evil Morgoth. Morgoth answers Hurin's mockery with a curse upon his offspring: "The shadow of my thought shall lie upon them wherever they go, and my hate shall pursue them to the ends of the world." Wherever they go, evil will arise. . .
And that's what the story is about--the dark fate that Turin cannot escape, no matter how many times he changes his name (which is, like, six times.) His inability to avoid hurting those he loves the most. His efforts to avenge his missing father, only to play right into the hands of Morgoth. A tragedy worthy of the Greeks, The Children of Hurin is the antithesis of the "feel-good" novel.
The big question concerning this posthumous work of Tolkien's is of course whether or not you need to be a fan of The Lord of the Rings to appreciate it. As a fan of both the series and movies, I would say yes. The experience of getting another glimpse of Middle Earth, aided by the stunning illustrations of Stan Lee, carried me through sometimes stiff writing, and the excess of names, place-names and foreboding adages. I can't imagine finding much satisfaction without having been a part of Tolkien's world before, and having a desire to "escape" there if only for a brief time. I do get the impression from the introductory commentary that I would have appreciated it even more if I had read The Silmarillion. Another one to add to my TBR list.
My notes, mostly just chapter summaries, can be found here.
Other thoughts:
Book Nook Club
The Wertzone
Stainless Steel Droppings
Jule's Book Reviews
If you've reviewed this, let me know and I'll add the link!
And that's what the story is about--the dark fate that Turin cannot escape, no matter how many times he changes his name (which is, like, six times.) His inability to avoid hurting those he loves the most. His efforts to avenge his missing father, only to play right into the hands of Morgoth. A tragedy worthy of the Greeks, The Children of Hurin is the antithesis of the "feel-good" novel.
The big question concerning this posthumous work of Tolkien's is of course whether or not you need to be a fan of The Lord of the Rings to appreciate it. As a fan of both the series and movies, I would say yes. The experience of getting another glimpse of Middle Earth, aided by the stunning illustrations of Stan Lee, carried me through sometimes stiff writing, and the excess of names, place-names and foreboding adages. I can't imagine finding much satisfaction without having been a part of Tolkien's world before, and having a desire to "escape" there if only for a brief time. I do get the impression from the introductory commentary that I would have appreciated it even more if I had read The Silmarillion. Another one to add to my TBR list.
My notes, mostly just chapter summaries, can be found here.
Other thoughts:
Book Nook Club
The Wertzone
Stainless Steel Droppings
Jule's Book Reviews
If you've reviewed this, let me know and I'll add the link!
I am a fan of The Lord of the Rings, but I haven't read this one yet. Thanks for adding another book to my TBR list! :>
ReplyDeleteThis sounds (from your chapter notes) like it's an expanded version of some chapters from Silmarillion. I did enjoy the chapters on Hurin (about 50-75 pages of Silmarillion) though my only previous experience had been the LotR movies.
ReplyDeleteHow is the language in this? Did it feel flowing and beautiful? Or was it more about the story and dialog of the story? I'm very curious how the Tolkein estate put this together.
I'm a huge LORT and Hobbit fan. I own this but haven't yet read it. I'm always a bit hesitant to read posthumously published works.
ReplyDeletePenny,
ReplyDeleteI you sure you want to thank me for an addition to your TBR list?
Rebecca,
The language in this is not flowing and beautiful. I had to read the first chapter a few times to get the genealogies clear in my head. The rest reads a bit like the Old Testament.
Wikipedia has an article explaining a bit about the writing/publishing.
Beth,
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely not as enjoyable as the series, but it's short enough that it's worth giving a try.
Hey
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your reviews.Please come claim an award at link below
http://truecrimebookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/premio-dardos-award-for-me-yippee.html
You no doubt know that I absolutely loved this. Yes indeed, it is dark and could be depressing (your two word review is fantastic!), but it is such a rich part of the history of Middle-earth. I would highly recommend reading the Silmarillion. You will certainly have the same issue with places and names, but it is such a satisfying account of the ages of Middle-earth. Oh, I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Silmarillion does read like the Old Testament at times, but I must say that I find the language beautiful.
I read and reviewed the book earlier this month. I really enjoyed it, different then what you expect from Toklkien. If you like you can add my review to the links
ReplyDeletehttp://juliebooks.blogspot.com/2009/04/book-review-children-of-hurin.html.
Carl,
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to read The Silmarillion soon. I'm not even sure why I've never read it!
Jules,
Thanks for the link--I've added it to the post. It's definitely different. I was surprised when I realized all the lands in this book are covered by water in LOTR.
I love The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, but I've struggled a lot to read any of his other works- I've tried the Silmarillion several times and failed. The writing style is just not as accessible to me. I'm sure an edition with great illustrations would help.
ReplyDeleteI love The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, but I've struggled a lot to read any of his other works- I've tried the Silmarillion several times and failed. The writing style is just not as accessible to me. I'm sure an edition with great illustrations would help.
ReplyDeleteYou no doubt know that I absolutely loved this. Yes indeed, it is dark and could be depressing (your two word review is fantastic!), but it is such a rich part of the history of Middle-earth. I would highly recommend reading the Silmarillion. You will certainly have the same issue with places and names, but it is such a satisfying account of the ages of Middle-earth. Oh, I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Silmarillion does read like the Old Testament at times, but I must say that I find the language beautiful.