Fantasy · Classics
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Narrated by Andy Serkis
- About 10 hours
- First published 1937
Story
Narration
“Andy Serkis plays every dwarf, troll and dragon as if he were on stage, and somehow never loses the warmth of a bedtime story.”
The story, without spoilers
Bilbo Baggins likes his armchair and his second breakfast. Then a wizard and thirteen dwarves arrive at his door and talk him into a long walk to a mountain guarded by a dragon.
It is the gentlest way into Middle earth: funny, quick, and full of songs and riddles that work beautifully read aloud.
The narration
Serkis, the actor behind Gollum in the films, gives each character a distinct voice and the riddle scene with Gollum is the highlight. The songs are sung, not read, which some listeners love and some skip.
It holds up well at 1.2x speed for adults, and at normal speed it is a wonderful family listen on a car journey.
You will love it if
Families, fantasy newcomers, and anyone who wants a comfort listen
Maybe skip it if
Listeners who dislike sung passages or very theatrical voices
Where to listen
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Reviewed by Ilyas Jan · Updated October 24, 2026 · Cover via Open Library Covers API, shown unedited
Ilyas Jan
Founder and lead reviewer
I listen to audiobooks on walks, on long drives and at bedtime, and I started HumPage Listen to compare the apps with the same tests every time. More about me
