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Pearl of Great Price  by Lindelea 2 Review(s)
FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/4/2003
I love the comparison of Lalia the Fat to the old, bad-tempered sow. Hopefully Pearl's common-sense upbringing will stand her well dealing with this new class of Tooks. Probably nothing could prepare her, however, for the Talk and for a degree of mean-spiritedness she's never been exposed to. Starting off by insulting her best dress, after Merry complemented her (and Frodo too) had to leave her feeling a little vulnerable, which was I am sure the intention. But Pearl has some spunk and her own brand of Tookish stubbornness, softened as it is with a smile. Looking forward to the first challenge: I am sure one is to come.

Author Reply: I think Pearl is equal to Lalia and the Tooks... she has, after all, been dealing with the old sow and the cow with the crooked horn and silly ducks and stubborn ponies and temperamental chickens--roosters can be quite unpleasant! She has learned to manage people pleasantly but firmly, without appearing to manage most of the time (for Pip, if he thought he was being managed, would never cooperate!)

All is not nice, neat and cosy, however. (See upcoming chapters for more)

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/4/2003
Poor Pearl - Lalia reminds me of those old Southern Dowagers who loved keeping their family members under their thumbs and were slightly mad.

Author Reply: Actually, I was thinking of a combination of people I've known and that I've read about. A grandmother, a couple of neighbours; the Captain's widow in Anne of Green Gables, a few other fictional characters... names not mentioned, of course, to protect this writer...

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