Classic Book Review: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
This past fall marked the 80th anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit.” Ever since it was first released in 1937, it has received critical acclaim and has never gone out of print. This modern-day classic serves as the gateway to Tolkien’s expansive fantasy world of Middle-earth, which has since spawned epic sequels and detailed mythologies. The stories have inspired and entertained generations, becoming a global phenomenon.
When a Hobbit Leaves His Hole
“The Hobbit, or There and Back Again,” tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who delights in the comforts of his home in The Shire. Bilbo loves his routines, smoking his pipe, and enjoying his well-stocked pantry. Hobbits typically don’t stray far from The Shire, but when the wizard Gandalf unexpectedly knocks on his door, adventure follows.
Bilbo finds himself caught up in a quest with a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their mission is to reclaim their ancestral home, the Lonely Mountain, and its vast treasures from a dragon. Although Bilbo is not the skilled burglar Gandalf promised, he learns a lot on his journey. By the time he returns home, he is a changed hobbit.
An Epic Journey
On their journey to the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, goblins, elves, giant spiders, wolves, and even a shape-shifter. They find a magic ring, decipher mysterious moon runes, face a deadly dragon, and witness a war. The adventure is filled with near misses, narrow escapes, and even some losses. It’s a mix of profound moments, humor, and nonstop excitement.
The story is purely adventure without romance, highlighting the bonds of friendship and brotherhood. It’s about learning to trust, rely on, and love one another. It’s also a tale of redemption.
The Gateway to Middle-Earth
As an introduction to Middle-earth, “The Hobbit” is a tightly woven story that doesn’t delve deep into mythic backstories or genealogies, unlike “The Lord of the Rings.” Each chapter presents a new adventure, from encounters with creatures to dangerous situations, making it an excellent read-aloud book for children.
Bilbo Baggins is an endearing character whose growth from a hesitant, nervous hobbit to a confident adventurer is a delight. He’s relatable and easy to root for. The dwarves, particularly Thorin and Balin, add depth to the story. Thorin, the proud and sometimes harsh leader, contrasts with Balin’s kindness and wisdom.
Memorable Characters and Writing
“The Hobbit” also introduces Gollum, a memorable character whose riddling contest with Bilbo is a standout moment in the book. Tolkien’s writing is sharp, witty, and accessible, making Middle-earth a world worth exploring over and over. The straightforward and fast-paced plot, combined with lovable characters, solidifies “The Hobbit” as a timeless classic.
Adaptation Recommendation
“The Hobbit” has been adapted twice. The first adaptation in 1977 was an animated musical by Rankin/Bass, known for its quality animation. More recently, Peter Jackson’s film trilogy expanded the focused narrative of the book, adding backstories and even a bit of romance. Martin Freeman’s portrayal of Bilbo and Richard Armitage’s Thorin have been particularly praised.
Overall Rating
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
