The Children of Húrin

-- Library Journal, 4/17/2007

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Children of Húrin. Houghton Mifflin. Apr. 2007. ed. by Christopher Tolkien. 313p. illus. map. ISBN 978-0-618-89464-2. $26. Fantasy

There’s been great speculation about this book since its 2006 announcement. Based on a manuscript begun by father J.R.R. in 1918 and reworked throughout his life, son Christopher, who has edited 14 posthumous volumes of his dad’s work, spent decades shaping the story’s many drafts into this final form. Tolkien’s legions of fans—all except those expecting Lord of the Rings Part II—shouldn’t be disappointed; it’s goooood! But far from hobbits frolicking in the Shire, this is a woeful tale laced with suicide, incest, and murder. Set 6500 years before Rings, the old master delivers new depth to Middle-earth lore, which, by its sheer weight, arguably is modern literature’s greatest mythology. Many characters and settings will be familiar to those who’ve delved beyond Rings, and here we encounter Túrin and Niënor, son and daughter to Húrin, a great warrior held captive by Morgoth, the Dark Lord. Once grown, Túrin seeks vengeance against Morgoth, and though mighty in arms and the bane of orcs, Morgoth’s icy fingers touch all Túrin’s deeds, and doom and darkness surround him. The destiny of sister and brother are intertwined, and their ultimate fate is a family tragedy worthy of Shakespeare. Production wise, the book is a beauty, with nine color paintings and 25 pencil sketches by Tolkien artist Alan Lee, plus a glossary of names, family trees, and the obligatory appendix and map. The Children of Húrin is a dark and brooding yet glorious addition to the Tolkien canon. Welcome back, old friend (and bravo Christopher for bringing it to fruition!). Highly recommended.—Mike Rogers, LJ/LJX