My Unexpected Journey: A Memoir of Fandom. After loss and trauma I found hope and community in Tolkien's world by Peter Kenny. Self published, 2025. Paper, 6x9" (15.1x22.9 cm), vinyl covers, 224 pp. ISBN 978-1-7638753-0-2. Colour photos. Cover:back view of Gandalf and Kenny, in grey cloaks, walking toward sunset mountains.
Peter Kenny, aka Uncle Fortinbras Proudfoot, is perhaps Australia's biggest Tolkien fan and collector. In this memoir, he traces his love for Tolkien, his many trips and meetings with Tolkien fans, and what Tolkien has meant to him, illustrated with colour photos. In 1971, at the age of 21, Kenny was in a horrible automobile accident with both legs shattered, followed by months in the hospital; and has suffered medical problems ever since. He eventually discovered The Hobbit, and later The Lord of the Rings. A visit to New Zealand (long before Peter Jackson's films) made him think of Middle-earth. Then there was a failed marriage. As an elementary school teacher Kenny read The Hobbit to his students and encouraged them to create poetry. (Some of his poems are included in this book.) Travels, especially after retirement, enabled him to visit Europe, meet Tolkien fans (many of whom will be familiar to readers of "Beyond Bree"), and to speak about New Zealand and Peter Jackson's films and the film sites which he has visited. Kenny organized the Evenings in Middle-earth dance and banquet events, with profits going to the Pyjama Foundation for mentoring children in foster care, and the Brisbane Tolkien Fellowship. Throughout pain and trauma, Tolkien has given him Estel, hope. This memoir is his response.
To learn more about Peter Kenny and this book, contact [email protected]
To contribute to The Pyjama Foundation go to Paypal.me/@Peter274
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