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| Sons of Gondor by Itarille | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Mirkwoodmaiden | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/20/2025 |
| Itraille! Again I love the deft touch in the conversation at dinner and the formal traditions that Denethor imposed upon their lives. Fascinating. "Was that how his sons saw their lives? That they were born and raised so that their father might have stout captains? Had he ever given them reasons to think otherwise?" Wonderful introspection for Denethor. Though he would never say it. "His duty had enabled him to continue serving Gondor, even when placed second to that dubious sellsword in his father’s esteem and in the men’s hearts. His duty had kept him in Minas Tirith during Finduilas’ last years, though his heart yearned to take her hand and start a new life at Dol Amroth, far from the Shadow." Ouch! I have always felt for Denethor. This really hits home. Damn! I had hoped that Denethor might choose something for himself...just this once. Thank you for this! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Mirkwood Maiden! Thank you for reading and leaving a review! I, also, have always felt for Denethor. I wish he had chosen hope. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/2/2025 |
| The way you sketch the relationships between the three Men is skillfully done. And this: “Not yet,” Denethor and Faramir said, almost in unison. echoes Gandalf's description (I think it was Gandalf, anyhow) of Faramir and Denethor being more alike than Boromir and Denethor. Hmmm. Faramir is understanding and accepting, but Boromir is surprised and pensive. Boromir would not find it easy to welcome his father’s wife, let alone a half-brother—so accustomed was he to being the one his father loved best. (Whose insight is this? I can't tell who thinks this thought.) What a fine lore master he would have made, Denethor mused, expounding wisdom through speech and written word. This is a little different from how I remember Denethor. This scene must take place before he became so embittered. Or maybe his growing understanding with Adanel kept him better balanced and relatable. I seem to remember that when Pippin met him, he slept in his armour, a detail that seems to highlight his complete focus on ceaseless vigilance and impending attack? Perhaps at this point in his life, he doesn't feel the need to do so. (I am too tired to go back and re-read, though, to look for clues, so I'll just leave the question there.) Anyhow, here he seems to appreciate Faramir's intellect, though "the foolish boy" a few lines down adds a jarring note. I'm not sure yet what I think of his conclusion. I'll have to ponder it a bit, I suppose. Perhaps the next chapter (which I look forward to reading another day) will help. Author Reply: Lindelea, Chapter 4 is from Denethor's pov, so all reflections/ insight are his. Chapter 5 is from Faramir's and Boromir's pov. This story is set when Faramir was 20, about 16 years before the War of the Ring. I imagine Denethor as not-so-bitter at that time. Over the years, Denethor hardened, Faramir matured, and their differences grew. About Faramir's intellect & his love of lore, I don't think Denethor despised it. Denethor himself loved and mastered lore. But as Denethor hardened and grew more embittered, perhaps he saw everything (including lore and 'wisdom') as means/ tools to be utilized for Gondor's survival. Thus he disapproved Faramir's insistence on graciousness and generosity. "Gentleness may be repaid by death,"Denethor chided Faramir in the book. Faramir's stubbornness did not help matter. The remark "the foolish boy" in this chapter does not reflect dislike. Instead, Denethor marveled at Faramir's childlike devotion to him, that Faramir gave his loyalty, demanding nothing in return. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts! | |