The Silmarillion

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Series: The Lord of the Rings

Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

Format: Audio narrated by Andy Serkis

Publish Date: September 1977

Read: September & October 2024

Favorite Quote: Among the tales of sorrow and of ruin that came down to us from the darkness of those days there are yet some in which amid weeping there is joy and under the shadow of death light that endures. And of these histories most fair still in the ears of the Elves is the tale of Beren and Lúthien.

Story Synopsis: The Silmarillion is a history of Middle Earth, and the stories within take place long before the events of The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings. There is not a cohesive beginning, middle, and end like a traditional novel, but many histories woven together throughout the pages.

Why does this book beguile? I feel like I deserve a big pat on the back for finishing this beast! The Silmarillion is considered to be a challenging book to read because of the names, mythologies, characters, and histories of Middle Earth. I can confirm: it is challenging. However, it’s less challenging and much more enjoyable listening to this narrated by Andy Serkis. Famous for his MoCap role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films by Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis’ narration and voices made the stories come alive. I am so happy I finally got to dig into the rich history of Middle Earth.

Rating: 5/5

Link*: The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Andy Serkis