The Hobbit by Tolkein

The Hobbit is a fantasy novel about the heroic tale of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a simple, home-loving, hobbit who lived all of his life in the Shire, a community of peaceful hobbits. Bilbo embarks on a quest with a wizard named Gandalf and a band of dwarfs. The quest takes up almost the entire novel. It is a sort of right of passage for Bilbo, as he becomes more mature and wiser. He journeys away from the comfort of his home to the dark unknown territories of the Wilderland. After all his encounters with danger, he succeeds in doing something grand and heroic by facing the Dragon. In the end Bilbo lives to share his tale and returns home to the Shire. Bilbo's journey is a great example of the hero cycle. He explores his identity and confidence with the world beyond the Shire. Bilbo was first introduced as a timid and easily frightened hobbit. But he later proves to prove himself multiple times. He never lets himself be engulfed by greed. Stones and precious jewels do not corrupt him. He learns to become selfless and put the needs of others before his own. Indeed Bilbo transforms himself from a common hobbit into a purely heroic figure.

What I appreciate most about the novel is Tolkein's way of describing his fantasy world. He describes it in full detail so that we can immerse ourselves into his world and creation. His descriptions of the extraordinary are approached in a casual manner, so that the reader does not feel that he is trying to be convinced. It is fascinating to enter Tolkein's world and get to know his imaginative characters. The different races (elves, dwarfs, trolls, goblins) are different physically and morally.

We can also detect a sense of humor in Tolkein's tone. Even in Bilbo's most dangerous moments, Tolkein is able to sooth the tension with his wit.