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The Bee Charmer  by Pipkin Sweetgrass 5 Review(s)
Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/31/2005
You are weaving such a wonderful story, Pipkin. I'm loving it so. VWD (ask Lin ;) )

storyfishReviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/14/2005
Oh, wow! What an amazing story! I clicked on your name when you reviewed my challenge story over at Marigold's, and somehow I ended up here. What a treat!

It's so satisfying to see a healed Boromir, and I especially love this last chapter. I'd never thought about what might have happened if Boromir hadn't been tempted to take the ring--Sam's description of the events that might have come to pass is so chilling! And there's so many other beautiful moments in this story...Boromir and Pippin looking to the West together, the wise sayings of Boromir's "teacher" (sorry, forgot his name!), and your descriptions of the Light are lovely.

What I love most about Tolkien's books is how well they show the character of God's love for us, and give us insight into the sacrifice of his Son. You've accomplished that in this story, as well. Bravo!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind review. These things feed our muses, do they not?

I have to give Lindelea a great deal of credit for the fantastic editing she does. She seems to have a natural gift for it and is a great storyteller in her own right. I also owe credit to my husband, to Pearl Took and to Pippinfan. They have been supportive of this effort from the beginning.

Boromir is actually on the greatest journey, the Journey of Life, the path of which must, by nature, eventually lead to that undiscovered country of which he was graced with a glimpse of true and eternal beauty. This is very much a story of heart and spirit. I very strongly believe in the story as it reflects my personal beliefs. In his weakness, Boromir finds strength, in his wounds, both physical and spiritual, he finds healing. And he has some fine times on that journey. I hope you will keep him company as I'm sure you will find him a capital fellow and a good companion. (grin)

So many people feel Sam and Frodo would not forgive Boromir, when in fact I think they would have done so with dizzying speed. Unlike some, Frodo and Sam know that forgiveness is one of the ultimate forms of love, for others and for themselves as well. We in the real world would do well to be more hobbit-like in spirit, for they are representative of the grace and nobility found in the humble. In their compassion, they are elevated; in their understanding, sanctified.

Again, I thank you for your encouragement. It means so much to me! Keep writing...I'll keep reading.

hugs,

Pipkin S.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/12/2005
Pain's ease indeed, bless the gardener. And bless Boromir for knowing that in spite of the good that came of it, nevertheless he still needed to speak his need for forgiveness, his sorrow for what he'd done.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for the review! I really wanted to showcase Sam's simple wisdom and empathy, which is actually very canonical, as well as Boromir's desire to do the best at whatever he puts his hand to, which in this AU, happens to be spiritual enlightenment. Main text and subtext shows us a man who desired to do the best he could at everything he did...so I figured that, desiring to do his best on his spiritual quest, he would certainly have rooted out his wrong-doings and sought to set them to rights.

Thank you again for reviewing! I can't tell you how much it means to me. This is a story with a spiritual message I strongly believe in, and it's good to know you're enjoying it.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/12/2005
This is such a sweet story. I'm sure I've missed bits, and will have to go back and fill them in - but Sam is a star. I love him to bits. Such sense.

Author Reply: Sam is so hard for me to write because he's almost iconic! He's such a sterling character that my palms sweat just trying to capture this wise, wonderful and heroic hobbit. I'm so happy---and relieved---that you liked him. Thank you so much for the review, it means so much to me!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/12/2005
Ah, yes, this chapter turned out very well. I love the depth you bring to Sam's understanding, filtered through the lenses of love and loss.

Author Reply: Thank you so much, and don't forget to take some credit for yourself! I could never do this without you, as I've said before. Your love for the source material just shines like a bright star, my dear!

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