Book – The children of Húrin

Book – The children of Húrin 

Author: J.R.R Tolkien, edited and commented by Christopher Tolkien 
Illustrated by Alan Lee (33 illustrations + cover) 

Score: 10/10
Year: 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN 978-0-00-725226-8

Pages : 313 (story pages 31-259)

Language: English (though there are many names of people and places from Tolkien's invented languages).  

The children of of Húrin is yet another epic fantasy tale that JRR Tolkien hadn't finished before his death, and which his son Christopher had to read in many notes, abandoned alterations, and shorted forms already published elsewhere, in order to achieve this largest form of the tale.


Prior to this publication 2007, these tales had appeared in a few other books, mostly developed as a full chapter in the Silmarillion, which I read and enjoyed greatly last year.
I also know that unfinished tales mentions Húrin in both parts 1 & 2 (at this point in time, I read only 1), and elsewhere. 

Christopher's notes at the end of this present book explains on the process of its composition and his editing to offer us this uninterrupted narrative, which appears to flow naturally from chapter to the next. I enjoyed the results of his efforts, and glad that the notes aren't at the end of each chapter as in the History of Middle earth book series, as we avoid their break in the natural flow that is needed in those specific books but here. 

I was familiar with this tale, but there are many new elements that aren't present in the condensed form of the Silmarillion - which is logical, because that chapter cannot at all correspond to the details offered in 18 chapters and 229 pages. 

I enjoyed the flow and alliterative style, offering a fast read comparable to that of the Hobbit, and Alan Lee's illustrations are simply gorgeous. 

I smiled recognizing some events and names, as well as all the new ones. I laughed a shed inner tears at other passages. There are so many beautiful passages in the tragic and epic stories resulting from the curse Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, utters against Húrin's descendants  when he defies his will and powers. 

As often from JRR's tales, this one also depicts tragic elements, and stories involving hatred and avarice, great enmities and friendships, and cycles of life and death. 

I highly recommend reading this even if you are familiar with these tales. Their beauty never wanes and this book was an absolute delight to read!

PS, before the tale, the book starts with a list of Alan Lee's illustrations age page 7, followed by a preface, and introduction and notes on pronunciation. Only this last part is most important to check before starting if you're not familiar of these rules, as it helps one's mind follow better each name, I find. The preface and introduction can be left to another time, and if you already read Unfinished tales and the Silmarillion, you won't get too much new material from those pages - except for a refresher.