Rebecca D. (FireElfShimmer) reviewed Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues : Exploring the Spiritual Themes of the Lord of the Rings on
Helpful Score: 1
My feeling is that this book was a great book. It really was right on with the spiritual meaning to every thing and everyone involved in the most amazing story ever told in my opinion. I loved it emencely
Osvaldo R. reviewed Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues : Exploring the Spiritual Themes of the Lord of the Rings on
My impression of the book was a hopeful one. I don't normally write reviews, but this was a rare exception and felt the need to share my opinion.
Clearly, the author has not made his points clear in this book.
I first noticed that I found the arguments for virtues to be very weak and not strong enough to be self-supporting on their own. The virtues are evident to any reader of Tolkien. But this volume does not use good examples and often confuses with weak arguments.
Another thing: Examples from Tolkien's work were scattered and loosely described leaving even the thoughtful reader very confused with imagery.
And lastly, biblical commentary and examples further confused me, as the reader, to find a strong link between supporting arguments. Don't get me wrong, the book has immense potential for "exploring spiritual themes", it was just poorly composed, executed, and wide of the mark. The authors writing style was not my cup of tea either...
Conclusion:
Granted, this is my opinion, there's just not enough literary sustenance to hold my attention for more than four chapters. For casual Tolkien readers, its a great book. For the serious Tolkien readers looking for more "within the lines" of a great fantasy literary master, I STRONGLY advise against this book. Save your credits. Half a star rating...that half attributed to the great book cover artwork.
Clearly, the author has not made his points clear in this book.
I first noticed that I found the arguments for virtues to be very weak and not strong enough to be self-supporting on their own. The virtues are evident to any reader of Tolkien. But this volume does not use good examples and often confuses with weak arguments.
Another thing: Examples from Tolkien's work were scattered and loosely described leaving even the thoughtful reader very confused with imagery.
And lastly, biblical commentary and examples further confused me, as the reader, to find a strong link between supporting arguments. Don't get me wrong, the book has immense potential for "exploring spiritual themes", it was just poorly composed, executed, and wide of the mark. The authors writing style was not my cup of tea either...
Conclusion:
Granted, this is my opinion, there's just not enough literary sustenance to hold my attention for more than four chapters. For casual Tolkien readers, its a great book. For the serious Tolkien readers looking for more "within the lines" of a great fantasy literary master, I STRONGLY advise against this book. Save your credits. Half a star rating...that half attributed to the great book cover artwork.
