Art of the Genre: Remember folks, The Hobbit is a Children’s Novel!
Ok, so I’m reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, probably for the 4th time in my life. I mean, at this point, who isn’t reading it? With the new Peter Jackson film coming to theaters near you, anyone who loves the book is probably going back for another helping to refresh themselves as to why it made such an impact on their lives in the first place.
I’ve been following the Jackson blogs on the subject, seen the video footage and trailers, and am anxiously anticipating the release, but I can’t help wonder where the true ‘wonder’ went? You see, The Hobbit, for all intents and purpose is a YA novel, and no I’m not talking about stuff like Twilight or the last 5 Harry Potter books, but something more whimsical and genuinely fun.
Tolkien narrates The Hobbit, and that in itself creates a children’s magic in the tale as it distances you from the reality of it all and keeps everyone listening to it safe by an imagined fire and at the knee of a loving parent. He keeps the bulk of the tale light, and combat is reserved for times best suited to drive a point home while not featuring the violence of the scene.