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A review by isabellarobinson7
The Story of Kullervo by J.R.R. Tolkien
3.5
Rating: 3.5 stars
A great story (depressing it may be) but far from a recommended entry point into Tolkien. Perhaps not even something to dive into immediately post Lord of the Rings. It may seem appealing, with its minuscule page count and lack of deep confusing Tolkien-style lore, but don't be fooled - this short story is as hard to read as some of Shakespeare's works. Just take a look at the first line of dialogue (which one would expect to be in a more conversational tone): "Husband, lo, an ill reek ariseth yonder: come hither to me." I made confused spluttering noises reading this the first time.
But anyway, The Story of Kullervo was another amazing Tolkien story, (even though I had to reread much to keep track of what was happening) whose ending remains largely unfinished due to its author's death.
A great story (depressing it may be) but far from a recommended entry point into Tolkien. Perhaps not even something to dive into immediately post Lord of the Rings. It may seem appealing, with its minuscule page count and lack of deep confusing Tolkien-style lore, but don't be fooled - this short story is as hard to read as some of Shakespeare's works. Just take a look at the first line of dialogue (which one would expect to be in a more conversational tone): "Husband, lo, an ill reek ariseth yonder: come hither to me." I made confused spluttering noises reading this the first time.
But anyway, The Story of Kullervo was another amazing Tolkien story, (even though I had to reread much to keep track of what was happening) whose ending remains largely unfinished due to its author's death.