The Children of Húrin - J.R.R. Tolkien

[Serresrelic]

This book isn't released yet, but I figured I start a thread preemptively.

http://www.amazon.com/Children-Hurin-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0618894640/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-7093938-2327018?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175538663&sr=1-2


The first complete book by J.R.R. Tolkien in three decades—since the publication of The Silmarillion in 1977—The Children of Húrin reunites fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves and Men, dragons and Dwarves, Eagles and Orcs. Presented for the first time as a complete, standalone story, this stirring narrative will appeal to casual fans and expert readers alike, returning them to the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.

[Zarithar]

Interesting... but what is it exactly? Is it a novel, or more of a "history book" like the Silmarillion (which I found difficult to get through).

[Serresrelic]

Good question. I haven't had much luck finding any details, but it sounds like it's going to be an actual story rather than a history.

[Twyll Oathtaker]

I noticed this and thought I would share.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070416/en_nm/arts_tolkien_novel_dc

*boy I feel stupid I didn't notice his thread earlier. Kinda exciting news isn't it?

[junior]

The book is out.

It's the story of Turin Turambar, which anyone who's read the Silmarillion is already familiar with (even if they don't remember his exact name, they probably remember the most tragic events of his story). Hurin and his brother Huor are men who go off to fight Morgoth with the Noldor. When the Noldor are defeated, Hurin is captured by Morgoth and his family consisting of his wife Morwen, his son Turin, and his unborn daughter are left to fend for themselves.

Great deeds are done, but Turin's doom is unavoidable, and it all ends in one of the greatest tragedies of Tolkien's histories.

Chronologically, the story is set at some point after the story of Beren and Luthien (Morwen is Beren's kinswoman), and before the story of Tuor (Huor's son). There are small references to both within the book.

[Da_Dude]

I was reading about this in my local newspaper, and it has me intrigued. I am going to try and pick it up when I go to a book store next.

[Zarithar]

Any reviews yet by members? I'm curious what others here thought before I go out and pick up a copy!

[junior]

It's a Tolkien novel (i.e. not a history like the Silmarillion), hence I wouldn't expect that a review would really be needed. I've read it, and it's the same sort of style as his other novels (albeit with fewer poems). If you like Tolkien, then you'll like the novel.

I will note, however, that this is not a "feel good" book. As I mentioned, it's a tragedy. If you've read The Silmarillion, then you've already read the plot of the novel. There isn't any new information about Turin or his family. The difference is in the way that the story is presented (novel vs. a history), and while it's been a while since I read The Silmarillion, I think Turin's pride is more evident in the novel.

The stories of Turin, Glaurung, and the women in Turin's life (including his sister) play out to the same tragic ends.

i.e. buy the novel if you want a good Tolkien read. Don't buy the novel if you're looking for new stories that have never been published before now.