How to Lose a Goblin in 10 Days by Jesse Sylva

Book Rating: 4 / 5

I really enjoyed this fun book to the point where I finished it within three days. I can’t even tell you how long it’s been since I’ve read a book that fast. Now this book is not meant to be the next Shakespeare; it’s a “fun” book like the ones I’ve reviewed before. Featuring a halfling named Pansy and a goblin named Ren, who end up at the same cottage, both feeling they’re entitled to it. A deal is struck, and what ensues is a competition of who can chase the other out. And then they were roommates… But throughout this ongoing deal, feelings begin to quietly develop between the two of them. As I previously mentioned in another post, I adore The Lord of the Rings, both in book form and in film. When I was at a local book shop, I stumbled upon this book and was enticed by the notion that it was a “halfling” story. Which pleasantly surprised me when the author snuck in some Lord of the Rings references within the text, bringing a smile to my face while reading. Yet, the story itself does not completely rob its lore from Tolkien. Ren’s life as a goblin is really fascinating from a fantasy reader’s standpoint. As typically, we are not granted the opportunity to see the domestic elements of goblins in media. The uses of different greenery, their cultures with markets and clan camaraderie were really sweet to see, as well as serving as a main stressor for Ren. Speaking of Ren and Pansy, it’s funny to say, but I really enjoyed their banter back and forth, as well as their deconstruction of their own speciesism against one another in the beginning stages. It was just weighted enough to give the story some grounded plot as well as a basis for the two characters to interact and grow with one another. I know that the story does not take from LOTR; however, I was intrigued by the organization of this halfling community in Haverow. Where it seems these halflings care a lot about perfection, despite not wearing shoes, or smithing, or anything I’d argue is considered advanced. Halflings, at their core, prioritize relaxation and ease, so for the author to write their version of halflings as perfectionists about baking (?), I felt served just to make Pansy isolated for being more curious than others. I believe that may be my only curious detail I question, as both Ren and Pansy bond over being “othered” by their groups, sometimes to an extent I felt was just to serve the characters. However, let that not be a reason for you not to read this book. Another curious choice by the author, one I actually really enjoyed, was how there is criticism of the local Wizard that “recruits” halflings in Haverrow. He becomes a big part of the story towards the end, and I was intrigued by how, instead of being beloved by the heroine, she actually was resentful towards the wizard. As she felt he uses halflings for his own purposes, obviously recalling Gandalf’s usage of Bilbo and Frodo. Only to return the halflings home forever changed, sometimes devastatingly so, such as Pansy’s grandmother. Which I felt was an interesting way to spin the lore within your own fantasy world, compared to the other halfling story that is widely revered. Which there was certainly some logic to the criticism of the Wizards’ use of halflings within this book. If you like fantasy, if you like The Lord of the Rings, and want more halfling stories (while not directly connecting to Tolkien), this is a really fun book to scratch that itch of wanting cozy, whimsical stories.