The literary blog hop is sponsored by the good folks at The Blue Bookcase, and this week's question (from Mel U) is: If you were going off to war (or some other similarly horrific situation) and could only take one book with you, which literary book would you take and why?
My first instinct for this question is to go with The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, which ties with Pride and Prejudice as the book I've read most often. It's got several things going for it, not least of which is length, and when you can only bring one book, it might as well be a big 'un. It offers history, philosophy, fellowship, songs, and laughter. Meditations on war and meditations on peace, and how war isn't really over even when the final battle is. It also doesn't neglect to mention how hard war is on the people left behind by those at front. Moreover, the characters have become my friends through the years, and in the darkness of war, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by comrades?
Some might object to this answer on grounds of its lack of literary merit, this being the literary blog hop after all. And if we're talking strictly the beauty of the prose, I might be inclined to agree. But I'm not sure there's a more monumental work of literature from the 20th century (certainly not in the English language, and I think it could go toe-to-toe with any work from any other language), considering its scope, its staying power, and the sheer amount of scholarship that went into creating multiple languages and mythologies and histories for Middle Earth. Frankly, I find it all a bit staggering. Plus it's thick enough to probably stop a bullet and thus save my life. So there.
Nice pic-I read the Rings Long ago and loved it-thanks for answering my question
ReplyDeleteDamn straight. Though I think, at times, Tolkein's prose does attain a majestic sort of beauty--stately and dated as a C.V. Stanford anthem for double choir and pipe organ.
ReplyDeleteAs my first voice teacher used to say: It may be shit, but it's great shit.
Mel U, great question this week.
ReplyDeleteRobert, was that someone at 'Saps or from before?
I like the bullet stopping quality. Now, why is Tolkien not literary? Because his writing? There are some books with beautiful, beautiful language, but they're still crap because I don't care about the story or characters. Can't all the other stuff make up for okay prose?
ReplyDeleteI think his prose qualifies, too - don't discount Tolkien's writing style, it's top-notch. I'll argue with you on this one. =)
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to drum up interest in LOTR, but I'd never say he isn't literary. Good job defending your choice regardless!
ReplyDeleteTolkien-as-literary defenders, represent! Thanks for all of the comments, y'all. I don't think of his prose as un-literary, per se, but I also think that many works of such commercial popularity immediately become disqualfied as literary to some people.
ReplyDeleteI love your choice if only for the reason that I also chose a read that would surround me with old friends. Who wouldn't want my old friends at this horrific time? I'm going to follow your blog now. Thanks for following mine!
ReplyDeleteFirst time I read this, i was about 12, & didn't get out of bed except for the essentials, till i'd finished it, so great choice. I went with an anthology of poetry myself, but it's a good size so could probably stop most munition.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the films, enjoyed the first book, but got stuck in the 2nd book :( Maybe I should indeed bring it with me to war and give it another try.
ReplyDeleteGreat pick!
ReplyDeleteHere is my Literary Blog Hop post!
I LOVE LOTR!!! ;) Nice choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm following from the hop.
ecwrites.blogspot.com
My teacher keeps bringing up Lord of the Rings to demonstrate her point. I haven't read the series, I've always been king of intimidated by it, but I would love to read it eventually. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLotR is a fantastic choice. I've always loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by eclectic / eccentric!
Ah Ha! another LOTR lover! that was my answer also, for many of the same reasons. I hadn't thought of the bullet proof qualities!
ReplyDeleteah ha! another LOTR lover! i agree with your reasoning which is why i also picked this book! I hadn't thought about it stopping a bullet though!
ReplyDeleteClearly you are women of taste and refinement if you like LotR or chose it, too, for this hop! :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice. A book to stop a bullet? Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI would also choose something lengthy and escapist. No war books or anything depressing.