Thursday, September 24, 2009

Smith of Wootton Major

Yet another book review! I know, I need to stop reading and do more writing of my own books. ;-)

Smith of Wootton Major
(which I read last night for the second time) is one of J. R. R. Tolkien's lesser-known little stories. It's about several cooks, an apprentice named Alf, a blacksmith's son (who grows up to be the Smith of the title), Faery, a silver star, and the Great Cake. But it's actually quite serious, and there is much to ponder here regarding worlds beyond our every day, and imagination and creativity and vision, and criticism, and beauty and sadness.

But, it's also just a great little fairy tale. The most important person in the town of Wooton Major is the Cook, so of course it has to be interesting. ;-) No dragons are fought, and no one dies except for natural deaths, but there is somehow more peril here than in Farmer Giles of Ham, of a different (and not necessarily bad) sort. It is a fairly slow and quiet story, fairly short, and a good one to read, ponder, savor, and then sigh fondly about after you're finished.

If you feel in need of a thoughtful little story, you might consider giving this one a try. Then let me know what you thought!


(This is not the edition I own, but I wanted to mention that the Pauline Baynes illustrations, which are in mine, are delightful. She adds such a wonderful touch to books.)

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:32 PM

    I thought the book was cute!
    And the farmer of Giles Ham was hilarious, too! =D

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  2. Ëarwen, I agree. Farmer Giles of Ham is an altogether different mood, and quite hilarious, indeed! :-)

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  3. Very nice... looks and sounds like a fun read!

    Love~ Miss Jen

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  4. I also enjoyed "Smith of Wooton Major." It has a haunting quality to it, like the echoe of a flute in the hills. A very gentle yet thoughtful read.

    I found your blog via Inklings and Rachel's post about your note that you sent her. And I find I am astonished to see how much we have in common. I also have five brothers, live at home, am likely to be found reading or writing, and work with Awana. I never would have imagined there was someone out there so very similar in general lifestyle to myself!

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  5. Thanks for the comment, BrittLass! That is funny that we have so much in common.

    "...like the echo of a flute in the hills." Wonderfully put. :-)

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