Holly Ordway has written an original biography of the author of The Lord of the Rings. She has succeeded, although it was not easy. The biography Humphrey Carpenter wrote in 1977 is still regarded today as the best. Many Tolkien fans have read his letters, other biographies, or have seen the film Tolkien (2019). This spiritual biography focuses mainly on Tolkien's beliefs and his practice of religion during his life in an environment where Catholicism was a minority.
In Carpenter’s biography, Tolkien's fidelity to the Catholic Church was presented as an emotional matter, a tribute from the writer to the memory of his mother. In this book, Ordway shows that Tolkien’s faith and experience were also intellectual, brave, and that he lived his Catholicism in a very serious way.
Ordway also has a great talent for explaining many Catholic concepts in a brief manner. These are necessary clarifications for readers who may know little about the Catholic Church. It is appreciated, although these digressions are numerous and some may be a little long-winded. I missed more information about religious life in his family and especially how Tolkien experienced the vocation and priesthood of John, his eldest son. This detailed study complements other lives of Tolkien, although its focus is so specific that it may not be the best choice as a first biography of this literary genius.