The Children of Húrin (2007) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“like it so far”

• Rated 0 stars

“Very enjoyable!”

• Rated 1 stars

“Very confusing.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Quite different from other j.r.r. tolkien story's...”

• Rated 5 stars

“"The Children of Hurin" is not for recently-converted Tolkien fans hoping to recapture the excitement of Peter Jackson's Saturday-morning serial version of The Lord of the Rings. As good as Jackson's movies were -- and they were very good -- they did not capture the essential melancholy of Tolkien's work; a world of faded wonders and broken relics, dashed against the shoals of human envy and crippling pride. "The Children of Hurin" captures that feel all too well, and is a tragedy mercilesly executed.

Which isn't to say the book is without its fantastical charms -- there are evil dragons, magical swords, hidden kingdoms, and impossible quests in every chapter. The charm of Tolkien's writing here lies in its epic quality - simple skirmishes become struggles between universal forces, as told by some robed sage revealing the world's secret history to a few eager acolytes. Nonetheless, the fantasy elements ultimately assume the same role as, say, Sophocles' Sphinx in 'Oedipus Rex' -- a dramatic tool to drive the characters toward thier own, self-imposed exile or doom.

As a fan of tragedy, both classical and modern, I thought "The Children of Hurin" was a great read. Just don't be surprised if, after turning the last page, you are in serious need of a hug. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“The only thing I can say against this story is just a personal preference for stories of Elves, not Men. Otherwise, it's one of the highlights of the Silmarillion. Alan Lee's illustrations are a brilliant enhancement.”

• Rated 5 stars

“sad”

• Rated 3 stars

“It's an interesting book, filled with adventure, tragedy, and action, a must read for young adults and adults of all ages”

• Rated 0 stars

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