Book Review: Beren and Luthien by JRR Tolkien

 


Beren and Luthien - JRR Tolkien - 4 Stars

The story of Beren and Luthien itself would be 5 stars for me, but this book had a lot of excess commentary I was not personally invested in from the editing Christopher Tolkien did. It appears from other reviews the story of Beren and Luthien is from The Silmarillion - but this book would be worth purchasing if you are someone who would love to see the details behind Tolkien's writing from his son's point of view and the artwork throughout the book is worthwhile. The version in The Silmarillion is very straight to the point from what I have seen in another review but this one is closer to "normal prose" where it's the same story told again in a different way in verse. I think since I am not really a poetry or verse person, I prefer the original story. 

The Story of Beren and Luthien is reminiscent of Arwen and Aragorn in that this is the story of a mortal man who fell in love with an immortal elf. Beren has the quest to steal a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth. Also, Aragorn in LOTR is a distant descendant of Beren and Arwen is a distant descendant of Luthien - so interesting to me!

I think the best thing about this book is the love sotry set against the backdrop of the First Age of Middle Earth, during a great time of strife and conflict. Beren is driven by his love for Luthien and takes on what seems like an impossible tasks to win her hand in marriage. Luthien is there to help Beren with her abilities and together they face trials. I also love that this love story is celebrated as one of the greatest love stories in Tolkien's mythology, illustrating themes of sacrifice, courage and the power of love to overcome even the greatest obstacles. You can also see, as someone who has already read The Hobbit and LOTR trilogy, how this plays a significant role in shaping the history and fate of Middle Earth, as their descendants are a critical component to future ages.

Overall, glad I read through it, even if there are some parts I don't fully understand in the verse and notes from Christopher. I would like to go back one day and see what I missed.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6236455472
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42P4FcY

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned from items purchased from these links.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Rec Post: Southern Charm Readathon

Image
  Hey Ya'll! The Southern Charm Readathon was announced this week over on my YouTube channel! Here is the Announcement video in case you haven't seen it:  We are so excited about the readathon this year in May 2024, with some lovely co-hosts helping me this year! Scroll down to see the details for the readathon AND book recommendation links for all the prompts! 📣 Rules: - Readathon happens the entire month of May 2024! - If you read 1 book, you have participated! Don’t feel like you have to fill the entire bingo board, it’s low pressure- just have fun y’all! - You can double up or ”multiple up” prompts if you want! Use 1 book for as many prompts as you want to! - No genre rules, feel free to use Secular or Christian books for your picks! Just fit the prompts the best you can! 💗 COHOSTS : Taylor : YouTube Channel: @talesandtreatswithtay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesandtreatswithtay Skye : YouTube Channel: @Read4theSkye Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read
Read more

Book Review: All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

Image
  All My Secrets - Lynn Austin - 5 Stars All My Secrets by Lynn Austin is a multigenerational story of 3 women that explores first loves, grief, high society lifestyle, history, the Christian faith and the essence of what matters most in life. I highly recommend this book as I was fully immersed in the story and characters.  Set during the Gilded Age in New York, we see the strength of the Stanhope women following the passing of Arthur Stanhope. Left uncertain of their future paths, Junietta, Sylvia, and Adelaide grapple with the ramifications of Arthur's will and the looming uncertainty surrounding their family's estate. As they navigate through the aftermath, family secrets begin to unravel, shedding light on their intertwined history. I absolutely loved this story. I was very invested in the audiobook narration and learning about Sylvia and Junietta's past. We see the beauty of the Gospel in this story several times as our characters grapple with their past decisions, mi
Read more

Book Review: Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

Image
  Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters - 5 BIG Stars! Now, here is the Christmas romance book that truly captured my holiday spirit this season!  I adored it immensely, especially after spending the month reading other Christmas books that didn't quite resonate with me—until I stumbled upon this gem. Natalie Walters, thank you for delivering an exceptional romantic suspense Christmas story filled with the festive cheer I needed! We follow Former NHL defenseman turned protection agent, Andrew Bishop and Frannie Frost. Frannie is in New York for a surprise visit to her boyfriend, but things don't work out as planned when her boyfriend breaks up with her for another woman. Left feeling alone in the middle of New York, Frannie is determined to make this trip one to remember by checking off her bucket list of Christmas activities! Frannie's brother asks his friend (Andrew) to deliver his sister Frannie to the airport. Since her brother saved his life last year, he feels like he c
Read more