Some parts that I wished were longer were short, while the parts I wished were shorter were long.
Also, obvious racist undertones.

I do appreciate though that after the war ended, we saw the problems the characters faced. Somehow, most of them weren’t too affected though. Except Frodo who had a major trauma. The rest acted like they just had fun and no struggles. I don’t dig that illusory romanticised vision of the consequences of war, or the lack thereof.

P. S. Sam is love, Galadriel is life.
Unfortunately though, Galadriel is the only woman with proper power and agency in this story.

I think, the cast is not diverse. Yet the ideologies and the philosophies they represent are varied, which is interesting to pay attention to. 

Even though I loved Sam and others, in the end I was disappointed with racism expressed by hobbits (and overall in the book).

Honestly it’s just a fun ride! Lots of little jokes thrown in, a detailed and engaging story. Even though I can’t always remember who is who, the action and the main characters are strong and interesting. I was shocked and surprised by the last few chapters, really a perfect ending and I’m glad there was one last tricky conflict to fight. Good reflections on how people can be persuaded to do evil or feel like they can’t do anything to fight it. Also good analysis on how the damage to the environment and human rights go hand in hand. Favourite quote (other than all the silly jokes): “Other evils there are that may come; for Sauron himself is but a servant or emissary. Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.” - Gandalf

Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 5 stars