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A Birthday, A Cold, A Memory and a Gift  by Zebra Wallpaper 11 Review(s)
pippinsgirlReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/11/2007
question. what does the year 1390 have to do with anything? pippin was born in 2990 trust me on this i do the math on my cacluater at school

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 7 on 6/4/2006
I was on line looking around a bit and found this story again. I hadn't read it in a while. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading through it again. I love Frodo in this one and the tiny paper figures that Pippin made as gifts always make me smile. My favorite part of this entire story is Pippin and Frodo's late night visit from the Elves. I enjoyed this yet again!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 2/22/2005
I was scrolling through a few of Marigold's older recommendations, and was uncertain whether I had read this. I soon realized that I had not, and I am so glad that I found it. Such a beautiful exploration of Frodo's relationship with his youngest cousin, his ambivalence over his leaving, and the consequences of growing up and older.
Some of the parts that struck me: Merry's instant near panic when he realized Pip was sick, Pippin's obstreperous denial. In the flashback, the tender amusement shown towards Pippin by his older and indulgent relations. His reaction to Gandalf--especially wanting to show him off to the nasty Sancho. I was so touched by Sam's recollection of seeing the wood for the casket at the carpenter's. And the whole conversation between Frodo and Pippin, as Frodo learns that he can let go. The image of Gandalf freeing the paper eagle, and what it meant that Pippin could now recall it...

This was so beautiful and tender and bittersweet. I'm so glad that I finally found it.


pipspebbleReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/15/2004
What a beautiful story! Thank you for such a long, well-thought out tale. I loved seeing how Frodo worked through his doubts and worries and finally came to the realization that his dear ones would be okay. And you did a marvelous job of showing us grown-up Pippin and responsible Merry and, oh, I just loved every single word of it. Bravo!

AloysiusReviewed Chapter: 7 on 4/27/2004
What a lovely story. You portray Frodo's thoughts and feelings brilliantly, I love the flashback to Pip's birthday adventure, and your portrayal of Pip's relationship with Merry is great.

There are some really wonderful moments in this story:

I love Pippin's birthday speech, and Merry and Frodo's whispered asides about it. Very funny!

I love the way Bilbo deals with Pippin's lack of hair by suggesting he might try to make it grow back green - very sweet!

"Merry nearly fainted at the sound of the great and famous wizard asking forgiveness of his silly little cousin." - I love this view of Gandalf and Merry's sense of propriety.

"And so, as the saying goes, the small company was soon off like a herd of turtles." - Cool! I haven't heard this saying before, but I shall certainly be using it in future! :o)

"They arrived at their destination precisely in time for dinner, as hobbits often do." - LOL!

" 'It must be nice to be dreamin' about elves, Mister Frodo," [Sam] said wistfully, 'I often try to dream of them myself, but I don't seem to be much good at decidin' what I want to dream and then doin' it.' " - Awwwww!

"Merry could take care of himself, he had always known, but now he knew without a doubt that Merry would and could take care of Pippin for as long as the Took needed him to..." - Lovely characterisation.

" 'Well, Pippin has never been content to share you with anybody.' " - Spot on - very nicely expressed.

I really enjoyed this story - can you tell? :o)

Alo

Jeodo BrandybuckReviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/6/2004
What a beautiful, touching story! Actually, I read it some while ago and not long since tried to find it again. I think I spent about three days trying every combination I could to call up your wonderful story and only just now found it by sheer luck. I loved the line about "a dandelion that's lost its fluff" -- it's one of the favorites I've run across in fanfiction. I also love the absolutely charming idea of Pippin getting excited over the possibility of growing green hair. Congratulations on a delightful story!

PervincaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/27/2003
Another fabulous story! A clever idea to explore the relationship between Frodo and Pippin, as it is often an overlooked one. Despite my dislike for Frodo, I enjoyed your story immensely! The ending was particularly good, with Gandalf headed towards Buckland. Quite clever.

Ailsa JoyReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/22/2003
*bawls and cries* Oh that was just so beautiful! What a breathtaking, glorious story. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!
A.J x

ArielReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/29/2003
I know I started this ages ago, but never finished it. Today I found a moment and was delighted to find it as I searched the archive. A lovely tale with a very IN character Frodo - something I often despair of seeing. Thank you for writing it.

MirielReviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/11/2003
Very nice story. Quite pleasant ending. Frodo was a bit grump though. :)

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