The Hobbit

A timeless adventure that speaks to all ages

Aug 09, 2024

I believe this was the version I read as a kid.

I just finished listening to JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit, narrated by Andy Serkis. It’s been decades since I last read Tolkien’s classic, long before Peter Jackson’s films transformed Middle-earth into a global phenomenon. Revisiting it now, I’m struck by how fresh and engaging it remains, even 86 years after its initial publication.

The Hobbit is ostensibly a children’s book, and Tolkien’s gentle, conversational narrative style makes this clear. Yet, like the best children’s literature, it doesn’t talk down to its audience. Instead, Tolkien frequently winks at the reader, adding layers of humour and insight that adults can appreciate. This approachability makes the book highly readable, regardless of age.

What struck me most was Tolkien’s innate understanding of what makes a good adventure. The story moves at a brisk pace, presenting Bilbo and his companions with a constant stream of obstacles and discoveries. From trolls to goblins, from riddling in the dark with Gollum to outsmarting Smaug the dragon, there’s never a dull moment. This propulsive energy keeps the pages turning (or in my case, kept me listening).

Interestingly, the deep lore that Tolkien is famous for—his "legendarium"—doesn’t bog down the narrative. Instead, it sits in the background, hinting at a vast, rich world beyond the immediate story. I found myself wanting more of this world-building, but I wonder: would a reader in 1937, encountering Middle-earth for the first time, have been as interested? Or is this desire for more lore a product of our post-Lord of the Rings, fantasy-saturated culture?

The themes running through The Hobbit are as relevant today as they were when Tolkien penned them. Friendship, honour, the transformative power of adventure—these resonate strongly throughout the text. But perhaps the most poignant theme is that of personal growth through leaving one’s comfort zone. Bilbo’s journey from a timid, comfort-loving hobbit to a brave and resourceful adventurer is beautifully rendered. His return home as a changed hobbit, viewing his old life through new eyes, is a powerful metaphor for personal growth that speaks to readers of all ages.

I first read The Hobbit in grade school, before The Lord of the Rings films catapulted Tolkien’s work into the stratosphere of popular culture. Revisiting it now, I’m reminded of the pure joy of discovery I felt then. It’s a testament to Tolkien’s storytelling that the book still holds up, even under the weight of its cultural significance.

In many ways, The Hobbit is the perfect gateway to fantasy literature. It’s accessible enough for young readers, yet rich enough to satisfy adults. It introduces complex themes and a vast mythological world without overwhelming the reader. And at its heart, it’s simply a great adventure story.

Listening to Andy Serkis narrate was a particular treat. His voice work, especially for Gollum (a character he famously portrayed in the films), adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the audio experience. It’s a reminder that great stories can find new life in different mediums.

As I finished the audiobook, I found myself with a renewed appreciation for Tolkien’s craft. The Hobbit may have been written for children, but its appeal is truly timeless. It’s a book that grows with you, revealing new depths with each reading. In a world of sprawling fantasy epics and gritty reboots, there’s something refreshing about returning to this simple tale of a hobbit who goes on an adventure and comes back changed.

Writing

Word counting my novel
- Worldbuilding and Research: 7,365 (+1,151 words)
- Draft: 12,170 (+221 words)
- Discarded: 11,778 (+780 words)

Reading and Listening

I usually like to alternate between fiction and non-fiction, but after The Hobbit I jumped right into The Fellowship of the Ring, also narrated by Serkis.
The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow.