15 June 2021 | Tolkien Experience Project | Lisa
My father introduced me to Tolkien. He worked multiple jobs to support our large family and when he was home there was always a book near the loo. (I guess that was the only time he could relax and read in peace for 5 minutes haha.) I asked him about his book one day and that was when I learnt about LotR.…
❧
This is one in a series of posts where the content is provided by a guest who has graciously answered five questions about their experience as a Tolkien fan.
To see the idea behind this project, or if you are interested in sharing your own, visit the project homepage. If you enjoy this series, please consider helping us fund the project using the support page.
I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his artwork for this project. Prints are available on his website!
Now, on to Lisa’s responses:
My father introduced me to Tolkien. He worked multiple jobs to support our large family and when he was home there was always a book near the loo. (I guess that was the only time he could relax and read in peace for 5 minutes haha.) I asked him about his book one day and that was when I learnt about LOTR.
I love the magic interweaved throughout Tolkien’s work. Elves, men, hobbits, dwarves, wizards and mythical beasts all working together. It brought me into a new world when I started reading.
My fondest experiences (I have 2 sorry!) First was reading the LOTR trilogy at age 12 whilst on school holidays, I read them in ten days because I could not put down the books. It’s still to this day the most beautiful, immersive story I’ve ever read and I re-read every once in a while now I’m older. Second was reading the books with my son. Seeing a child find the amazement I was lucky enough to experience at a young age is so special.
When the first movie was screening Dad and Mum found the time in-between their crazy work schedules to take me to watch it together at the cinema. I cherish every moment I have with my Dad and LOTR really brought us together, it’s been a special bond ever since.
Time has changed my appreciation for Tolkien’s work in the sense that I can see the next generation enjoying the magic of his storytelling that I enjoy so much. My dad probably felt the same when I was young.
I always recommend Tolkien’s work to anyone willing to listen, unfortunately people don’t seem to buy/read books much now but the movies are a great start for beginners and hopefully he will keep having an impact on those that choose to read.
[Full text is provided here in the event that the original blog post is no longer available. If possible, please read the original post at Tolkien Experience Project – Luke Shelton PhD.]
Authoritative information may be found here.
