Book Review: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

  

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (Book 2 in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)

“It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end… because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing… this shadow. Even darkness must pass.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

'Why, Sam,' he said, 'to hear you somehow makes me as merry as if the story was already written. But you've left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the stouthearted. "I want to hear more about Sam, dad. Why didn't they put in more of his talk, dad? That's what I like, it makes me laugh. And Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam, would he, dad?"'
'Now, Mr. Frodo,' said Sam, 'you shouldn't make fun. I was serious.'
'So was I,' said Frodo, 'and so I am.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

What can I even say? There is just something about Lord of the Rings that brings me comfort and pure happiness. I highly recommend the narration by Andy Serkis - top tier. He sounds just like every character from the movie so it makes it much more like listening to a movie from his voice. AMAZING. Maybe that is why I was so engaged. My favorite parts were with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, plus the chapter about Treebeard was AWESOME.

I like that we got to see the splits between what was going on with Merry and Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, plus other characters, and then cutting to Frodo and Sam at the end. 

This book exudes all things friendship, bravery, loyalty and strength. While there are some parts that may drag at times, I was still completely immersed while reading, well listening :) 

Sam has become one of my favorite characters after this book. I mean, he truly is the reason Frodo continues and as the quote says above, Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam. So much truth. We all need a Samwise Gamgee as a friend. Sam sees Gollum for what he has become and is capable of - and we almost see Gollum as an example of what Frodo could become should the ring corrupt him too. So Sam continues the quest, looking out for Frodo and keeping a careful watch on Gollum - for good reason - throughout their quest.

I also really enjoyed the parts of Faramir and their meet up with Sam and Frodo. Very interesting to see the conversations and to discuss Boromir's end. 

We also start to see Aragorn evolve as a character here and really become a leader. I can't wait to see more of him in Return of the King. 

ALSOOOO - Gimli and Legolas' Friendship Bond! MY FAV.

Overall, such a classic tale and I can't wait to continue in the next book. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1816023090
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZPqmbB

YouTube Review to come, but here is my vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0ApnuX2mAw&t

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8