In the last few chapters of this book, Tolkien has a way of bringing tears to my eyes like no other author, capturing the sadness at the end of an era (relatable not because I helped save the world, but for things like leaving university, or a much loved job with beloved colleagues, etc). Consider this quote from Gimli in the chapter Many Partings, when he laments the final parting of the Fellowship.

“We will send word when we may, and some of us may yet meet at times; but I fear that we shall not all be gathered together ever again.”