When I consider the works and life of J.R.R Tolkien, I cannot think of any other writer that has been as creative and extensive in the literary world that they create. (The man single-handedly invented multiple written and spoken languages for the races in his stories.) I have previously read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and they are a few of my favorite books, but I have always been hesitant to approach The Silmarillion. It has a reputation for being a difficult read. Now that I have read it, I can see why many people are of that opinion, and while this book will not appeal to most people I would definitely recommend it to a committed few. Here is why (or why not):
First of all, if you are expecting this novel to be like Tolkien's other stories, wise up. This is not a focused tale that follows a few central characters. The Silmarillion is more like a chronicle of the history of the world that Tolkien has created; It covers from the beginning of time to the end of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien himself may as well be the creator mention at the beginning (Eru), because this entire world of Middle-Earth sprung from his vast imagination. The Silmarillion is much more a mythology and history than dramatic narrative. So, most people who read this book expecting an exciting adventure story are obviously disappointed because it is not that at all. While there are a large number of wonderful tales expressed in this book, there is not a central protagonist as one might expect in a typical adventure novel. However, the scope and depth of the history and mythology that Tolkien has created for Middle-Earth is staggering. I could not help but marvel at his vision as I was reading. There is so much detail in the book that it is obvious that it took him decades to concoct the material for this epic book.
Secondly, if you are daunted by large numbers of names and unfamiliar geography and family histories (for instance the book of genesis), then you will not like the beginning of The Silmarillion. There are a vast number of characters introduced (some of whom you never hear from again) and the ones that are represented are often only in the story for a brief period. But once again, the scope of Tolkien's vision while sometimes confusing, is spectacular. I can't imagine the amount of time it must have taken him to create roles for the literally hundreds of characters in this book, not to mention the detailed geography, or his invented languages which he seamlessly flows into the character's names and lands.
So, in summation, if you are not familiar with Tolkien's other works, don't read this. Go read The Hobbit; it is a great, adventure tale and a good introduction to the world that he has created. But, if you have read and enjoyed his other books and can appreciate great mythology then you will love this book. I did.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars with a caveat that it is definitely not for everyone. :-)
Favorite quote:
"Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried: 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive"
The Silmarillion
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
