This is one in a series of posts where the content is provided by a guest who has graciously answered five questions about their experience as a Tolkien reader. I am very humbled that anyone volunteers to spend time in this busy world to answer questions for my blog, and so I give my sincerest thanks to Xavier and the other participants for this.

To see the idea behind this project, check out this page

I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his stunning portrait of J.R.R Tolkien as the featured image for this project. If you would like to purchase print of this painting, they are available on his website!

If you would like to contribute your own experience, you can do so by using the form on the contact page, or by emailing me directly.

Now, on to Xavier Accart’s responses:

1. How were you introduced to Tolkien’s work?

In primary school, in 1981. I was a ten year old boy and our teacher proposed us to read The Hobbit.

2. What is your favorite part of Tolkien’s work?

The Lord of the Rings

3. What is your fondest experience of Tolkien’s work?

The reading of The Lord of the Rings in the years 1983-1984.

4. Has the way you approach Tolkien’s work changed over time?

Yes. I appreciated The Silmarillion at 15 or 16 years old. But now I can no longer read it. Perhaps because I know the real christian metaphysic.

5. Would you ever recommend Tolkien’s work? Why/Why not?

Yes, because it opens your mind and heart to very ancient and permanent truth. There is the invisible lamp of christian faith which shines inside, and also the light of an Universal Truth, and more precisely the Tradition of our European forefathers.

If you want to follow Xavier Accart, you can find him on Twitter!