Letter 214b

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 214b
Recipient	Michael Tolkien
Date	4 March 1959
Subject(s)	Recovering in hospital from appendicitis

Letter 214b is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition.

Summary

In this letter, Tolkien responds to his son Michael from the hospital following surgery for appendicitis. He describes that he feels exhausted and is also facing significant financial difficulties. He mentions the necessity of leaving his current expensive accommodation, partly due to Edith's incapacity from an arm injury, and considers moving to a hotel in Bournemouth, which would be more affordable.

Tolkien plans to leave the hospital shortly but acknowledges his weakened state due to the surgery and related complications. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his recovery and sends his love and prayers to Michael.