Brand spanking new Tolkien book (honest and true!)
 

Somewhere, a mod is sighing and moving his/her mouse pointer toward the "close topic" button, muttering, "Yes Diamond, we know about Beowulf..."

But no, I'm actually talking about Simon Tolkien. He just published a novel, "Final Witness" in December. The Tolkien family tradition continues!

Apparently it's a courtroom drama, not fantasy, but I found it interesting that the Prof's grandson is following in his footsteps. It was even mentioned in the flap. Talk about pressure, eh? I would personally be terrified of writing a novel if any of my close relatives had written the book of the century.

So, has anyone seen this or read it? Is it any good? Is there any reason I should drop the LeGuin novel I'm reading now ("The Beginning Place"...) to run out and read "Final Witness"? Does grandbaby live up to grandaddy? Well, does he???

Somewhere, a mod is comtemplating saying that this thread isn't Tolkien related. Aha, but it is, it is. Simon is literally related to J.R.R. Tolkien. Ba dum bum.

I read a review of the book in People Magazine, and they actually said that it was a pretty good book. They thought it was a well done first novel. I don't recall which week the review was in, but you could always check if they have reviewed it on Amazon.com.

Hmm...if the critics like it, it can't possibly be that good. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Sounds interesting, but does anyone know what it's about?

Oh, Amazon. Right, what a novel idea. Heh heh. I saw the book at work today but didn't have time to really look at it (c'mon, I was working!)

So anyway, here's what the Editorial Review at Amazon says:

It is a "courtroom drama", according to the book jacket. I was curious, so I picked it up. Haven't started reading it, yet. I'll post again when I've started to give a quick review. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Hm. Sounds.. interesting I don't mean to be mean, but I hope Simon isn't about to ruin the family name... (not that that is even possible)

Iarwain

I just love how often they throw the name "Tolkien" in that Amazon article. That's defenitly a big selling point.

*Shuddering* I can't even imagine being him-- how terrifying, although it is a really creepy feeling seeing the name Tolkien intertwined with all that court stuff.

It sounds interesting enough, I guess, but does anyone else share my opinion that rushing out to read this book is somehow akin to people looking for Prince William lookalikes? *makes a face* well, maybe that's a bad analogy, but I think I'm going to pass on Simon Tolkien for the time being.

Sophia

Well, I like a bit of Agatha Christie now and again, kind of light reading for me. Since I've read them all, I thought I would try something new. I can't say that I am enthralled. Not too far into it, maybe 6 or 7 pages and I don't think I'll finish it. Oh well. Thought I would give him a chance. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Maybe he's read 'Revenge of the Entish Bow', Diamond? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Bethberry

You never know. He may be our biggest fan.

Fanfic fans. Hilarious! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

I suppose we shouldn't judge poor Simon by the works of his grandfather. He is after all just a youngster (sort of).

Iarwain

Hmmm...
I do believe I saw that book a few days ago in the bookstore. I was looking for Tolkien in the wrong section and stumbled upon it. I had no idea they were related. If Simon got any tips from his grandfather, then it should be a good book.

So, how many 50-or-so year old youngsters do you know? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
I just got the book from the library today, but haven't started reading it yet, as I'm supposed to be doing homework now [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

~Menelien

"How many fifty year old youngsters do you know"


Well, I knew one named Charlie once... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Then again, isn't everyone a youngster to you, Iarwain? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Yes, indeed they are. But some are more youthful than others, in both action and existence.

Iarwain