Publication Info
The Children of Húrin was written by J.R.R. Tolkien in the 1910's. Well, kind of. It was then that Tolkien began working on this story along with many others that are found in the Quenta Silmarillion. Over the next several decades Tolkien would revisit this story but unfortunately would not finish it before his death in 1973. In 1977, fours years after Tolkien's death, his son Christopher would use his fathers manuscripts and notes to write and publish the Silmarillion. While the The Children (I will refer to the book this way for the rest of the blog) was featured in the Silmarillion, it was not completely fleshed out. 30 years later Christopher would finish the story that his father began all those years ago. The Children was published as a stand alone story by HarperCollins (UK) and Houghton Mifflin (US) on April 16, 2007.
Brief Summary
This story takes place in the same magical world as the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Once again the reader is transported to the fantastical world of Middle Earth. However, unlike the two previous books that take place in the third age, The Children takes place in the first age thousands of years before. The Children follows the story and life of Túrin Turambar. Turin is the son of Húrin who is captured and taken prisoner by the dark lord Morgoth. When Húrin is captured by Morgoth, he is tortured and has a curse placed upon him and his family that will bring evil upon them throughout their lives.
After Húrin is captured, Morwen (Húrin's wife) sends Túrin to the Elvish city of Doriath where King Thingol takes him in as a foster son. As Túrin continues to grow into a young man he begins to have a desire to take on the forces of Morgoth to avenge his father.
As the story unfolds we see that the curse that Morgoth has placed upon this family is a constant threat. Time and again death and despair fall upon Túrin and all those who he comes in contact with.
Review
Those who know me already know my thoughts on this book. I love this book. It is a Tolkien book, how could I not? Truthfully, I think this an amazing book. I am writing this post after having finished this book for the second time, and I was not disappointed. While all of Tolkien's works have an element of magic and wonder to them, this book has a much different feeling and spirit to it. While many of the themes that Tolkien uses in his other works are present, this book is perhaps the darkest. There are many times, especially upon finishing the book that I was reminded of Greek Tragedies such as The Odyssey, or the story of Achilles. This is not a hindrance, rather a welcome addition.
It is interesting to see how Tolkien built an entire history, quite literally thousands of years worth, in this world that he built. I love this book, and think that it is an amazing addition to the much larger story the Tolkien built.
Recommendations
I believe that if you are a fan of fantasy you will like this book. Many traditional fantasy themes and ideas are present within it. Also, if you are a fan of Greek tragedy this book will surprise you and you should give this a try. I think this last one is a given, but if you like Tolkien's other works and are looking to continue to dive into this amazing world, then look no further.
Rating - 5/5
Currently Reading:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien
The History of the Hobbit (part 1) by John D. Rateliff
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