Why is it that <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> continues to inspire and fascinate generations of readers? I think it is because it mirrors elements of a much larger story- the spiritual story of God and his Creation. In this book, we explore different themes found in LotR and see how the virtues of the characters originate (as do all good things) in the virtues of God.

This book is full of absolutely incredible commentary on LotR! It really dives deep into the parallels and origins and themes and connecting threads throughout the story.  There are so many marvelous insights into the characters and their individual journeys and how their personalities change and develop. 

The virtues that are explored are: 
Simplicity
Generosity
Friendship
Hospitality
Faith
Perspective
Community
Sacrifice
Wonder
Temptation
Failure
Atonement
Suffering
Resurrection
Humility
Providence
Trust
Trustworthiness
Wisdom
Hope
Imagination
Submission
Stewardship
Courage
Mirth
Foolishness
Perseverance
Celebration
Justice
Love

Some of these might not seem like virtues on the surface, but when you dive into the hidden meanings and analyze the surrounding context, it becomes clear that even "foolishness" has its place with "wisdom" in a virtuous life. 
It's very inspiring, because the author always brings it around to how we can apply these moral lessons to our own lives, to help us endure and thrive and find meaning in our own story. 

I really like the way this book is organized. It follows the timeline of the story, starting in the Shire with Bilbo's birthday party all the way to Frodo's last journey into the West. In each chapter we see a prime example of that particular virtue, highlighted at that point in the story. Of course there are examples of that virtue elsewhere in the story, which are also mentioned, but the biggest archetype of that particular virtue is found at Bilbo's birthday, or in Moria, or at Helm's Deep. So the chapters lead us along the timeline of the story in a natural way, broken up into sections according to the books in the trilogy.

This book highlights that no one can have virtue in and of themselves. Even the characters in LotR look to higher powers to aid them when they feel helpless to have any courage or virtue by themselves. Multiple times characters in dire situations call out to "Elbereth Gilthoniel" for supernatural help from beyond the world. And in the same way, we are all incapable of any virtuous behavior or thought, unless we rely on the source of all virtue, God.

I love that this book emphasizes that stories can inspire us to achieve great things and be better people. Christ used stories to teach his disciples. Samwise Gamgee, a humble gardener, is inspired to do great deeds because of stories he has heard about elves and grand adventures. He and Frodo imagine that they themselves are in their own glorious story, and they wonder how it will end and whether they will be remembered as great heroes. Similarly, LotR inspires us to look at our own lives as part of the larger story of God's creation, and hope that we will be remembered as virtuous and heroic. Like Boromir, we can try to make it an ending worthy of a song.

Walter Hartright is an art teacher who is hired to give drawing lessons to two sisters at a grand estate. He falls in love with one of them, Laura, but knows that he is too poor and lowly to be considered as a suitor. She is already engaged to Sir Percival, and so Walter tries to hide his love for her. However, a mysterious woman dressed all in white warns them against Sir Percival, claiming that he is a villain. Walter follows the clues to discover the identity of the woman in white and find out what terrible secret she is hiding.

I laughed uproariously, I cried bitterly, I was eaten up with suspense, I cringed in horror, and I cheered for my heroes until the very last page. This is a magnificent lion of a book. It has little sparks of glory all through it, shining out to combat the black ooze of the villains.

This is one of my two favorite books from Wilkie Collins, the other being The Moonstone. Reading it for the second time was just as wonderful as the first time, because there is still the intensity of suspense even when you already know the ending. The writing is just so phenomenal, and every little detail of the story overlaps into a bigger drama.

The plot has a lot of layers, because Walter has to investigate the history of Sir Percival, trying to find out whether or not he is a villain. The woman in white is lurking in the background leaving cryptic messages. Laura is dealing with the social pressure to marry Sir Percival, and Marian is acting as an intermediary between all of them. The plot covers several years as their circumstances change and the characters are forced into difficulties. It's fascinating to see how all the clues come together in the end, and everything is finally explained. It's part adventure, part mystery, and part romance.

I love Walter's character. He is protective of those weaker than himself. He is the soul of honor and generosity. I love that he has a steady personality with a lot of wisdom. He takes the time to consider his actions. He doesn't mind the drudgery of working at the same thing day in and day out. He is just really reliable, but also very passionate. But he keeps his passion in check, and directs all that energy to doing good for others. I adore him so much!

The two sisters, Marian and Laura, are wonderful characters. They are both really complex and multi-layered. Marian is especially resourceful and courageous. Laura is more emotional and sensitive. I really loved the sisterly bond between them, and the strong friendship that carries them through terrible times.

The villain, Sir Percival, doesn't seem that bad at first, but gradually we begin to discover just how evil he really is. And there is another villain, Count Fosco, who has a very unique personality. He has these birds and white mice as pets, and he acts very affectionately towards them. He is very proper and has charming manners, but he is also completely ruthless. It was really interesting to see just how these bad guys develop their plans, and leave the heroes helpless until the woman in white provides the final clue.

Such a masterpiece! This book is a forever favorite!