An unexpected pleasure

Have you ever been so inspired by a movie that you seek out the book it was based on? This doesn't always happen to me. But then I saw The Hobbit, and that great desire just came over me. Luckily, my dad's a Tolkien addict with two copies of the book, so he could finish his re-read while I began my first read. (Note to self: when a parent, have multiple copies of Harry Potter paperbacks in the house.)

Smaller than dwarfs, quicker than elves, and hungrier than trolls, hobbits love good company and finely-furnished houses built into the earth. Bilbo Baggins is typical of his race in that he loves being a good neighbor and a good host - as long as he's had plenty of time to prepare for guests. But when Gandalf the wizard happens along, inviting Bilbo to "share in an adventure," Bilbo is not keen on the idea. It takes a large company of dwarfs invading his hobbit-hole and more nudging on Gandalf's part to spur him on. Suddenly, Bilbo finds himself going on a journey to a far-off mountain to help the princely dwarf Thorin reclaim his throne and defeat the dragon that has taken possession of his family fortune. A host of goblins, trolls, elves, shape-shifting half-giants, and eagles both help and hinder them on their journey, and Bilbo learns how to take charge when the dwarfs' destinies rest in his hands.

Published in 1937, The Hobbit is a curiously charming old-fashioned adventure story with heart and wit. It's stuffed with plot, but takes its time in the telling. It has an ordinary protagonist thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and the way he rises to meet his fate is so enthralling and a large part of what makes this book so special. The story is at its best when Bilbo is at the forefront, especially when he makes good use of his wit and ingenuity. The characters of the dwarfs are ... well, they're there. A few - Balin, Bombur, and definitely Thorin - have more detailed personalities, and this is often played for laughs (not always, though). Smaug the dragon should get a mention because he is so devious and gets some of the best lines in the book. I wish some characters who arrive later in the book, especially the noble Bard, had more page time. 

That said, Tolkien shows a good grasp of story-telling, if the pacing falls a little flat every now and then. There are quite a few surprises in store, and the growth of Bilbo's character evolves naturally even when he thinks longingly of home. But that growth definitely feels earned, leaving the reader satisfied and even a little wistful at the end. A great big battle near the end really ramps up the energy, displaying the scope of the book's universe in a satisfyingly epic way. It's obvious that Tolkien had a lot of fun writing it, and I think that must be key to why the story has endured well enough to be considered a classic.

I am lucky that I'm part of a fandom that has an enthusiastic fanboy at the helm of its film franchise, allowing me to indulge in The Hobbit's tale for another two movies. The story might be pushed around, broadened, and stretched to fit the adaptation's expectations, but it's still a great adventure, filled with weird characters and a good-hearted (if slightly panicky) little hero. While I wait for Bilbo, Thorin, Gandalf, and Smaug to reappear in December, I have Corey Olsen's guide to The Hobbit to console me.