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| When Winter Fell by Lindelea | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 4/9/2026 |
| Hmm. The farm at Whitfurrow, perhaps? I'd never imagined that Gerontius would be so controlling, not as Gandalf's friend. I hope he can track them quickly on such a cold day. I am as affronted as is Bilbo! Author Reply: People can have so many different facets; thus, Gerontius can be controlling with his offspring, especially since he's lived such a long life and accumulated so much experience that he obviously knows what's best for them, even better than they might know themselves. (Sorry, was that too sarcastic?) In real life, I've known quite a few parents who had a great reputation outside the immediate family circle, yet not so much with their own children. I suppose you might say that Gerontius reflects that kind of curious situation. Actually, I've written the Tooks as typically exerting a form of authoritarian parenting, for the most part, in contrast to Bungo's branch of the Baggins family, in particular, and the Brandybucks, in general terms, wherein parents tend to exercise a more authoritative style (balanced boundaries and warmth), as described in modern terms. Thus, Bungo's chosen and applied style of parenting deeply influenced Bilbo's outcome, just as Bilbo's parenting of Frodo (with some early influence from Drogo and Primula) helped shape Frodo into "the best hobbit in the Shire" in Gandalf's and Bilbo's eyes, according to JRRT. As I've heard it said, "That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it." Thanks for stopping to share your thoughts and impressions. I do appreciate it. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 2/20/2026 |
| I'm tougher than they think! It behoved him to be cleverer, as well. He certainly is growing into a thoughtful and clever lad, with deeper thoughts than his peers. What a lot to a absorb from Isen's tale! Author Reply: It's no wonder that Gandalf had his eye on Bilbo from his youth! I just re-read some of Unfinished Tales, specifically the parts that talk about Gandalf becoming interested in Bilbo in his early years and maintaining contact with the hobbit until just before he came of age. In fact, according to those accounts, Gandalf had formed such a positive impression that he recommended Bilbo to the Dwarves sight-unseen, only to find that Bilbo had grown rather fussy and complacent over the years the wizard had been away, such that he double-guessed himself but ended up forging ahead because of a feeling that the Dwarves' quest would only succeed if Bilbo was a part of it. He is thoughtful and clever, and I seem to remember that Gandalf was especially impressed with his kindness as a youth. (It's late, and I'm tired, so take that observation with a grain of salt.) Anyhow, wouldn't it be interesting if Bilbo's actions in defense of his uncle are part of what Gandalf remembered so favorably about him? Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. | |