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Oh Father  by Etharei 4 Review(s)
LilanReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/9/2007
A friend of mine has recently recommended this story at the Brothers of Gondor discussion board, and I loved it instantly! I've come to the conclusion that I don't really like reading fanfic in general; too much of it is only very vaguely related to the original and contains things that make me raise my eyebrows at their best and gag at their worst.

However, there are certain stories I treasure and keep coming back to again and again, and this one is definitely among them. It's got such powerful emotions and such a, um, proper message that it simply can't leave me indifferent. I absolutely loved the point you're making about truth; and the way you show the father-and-son interaction made me choke up a little. I'll always think of your story as one of the most moving ones, and in the right way, too. Thank you for giving me such a good read!

Lilan

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/16/2007
This is a remarkable conversation.

It makes me wonder: perhaps that little lie, from one as usually honest and honorable as Isildur, was the tiny seed from which his ultimate vulnerability to the Ring eventually sprang?

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/2/2005
The grief of the loss of one so honorable and beloved as Amandil.

A morgul wound in Oesternesse--a grievous occurance.

Author Reply: You've summarised the main emotion in this story :-) And the morgul wound was something I thought to toss in at the last minute; it seemed appropriate, with the serious nature of Isildur's wound, yet only up to the point that the White Tree came into being. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

Mum's the WordReviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2005
What a good story! Well done!

This is a fascinating glimpse into a part of Middle-earth history that I have seldom seen explored.

Your word pictures are very effective, and I love the family nicknames. The foreshadowing is heartbreaking, but you brought out the love and determination of the Faithful very well.

Your story shows several aspects of "Oh, Father" in various expressions, from affection to exasperation:
Isildur toward Elendil
Elendil toward Amandil
Amandil, Elendil, and Isildur toward those who had chosen to follow Annatar
All Faithful Numenoreans crying out to Iluvatar
Even foreshadowing the descendants of the White Tree

The sins of the fathers do affect their children, but Iluvatar's blessings on the Faithful continue through many generations.

Good job!
(Hope you won a prize.)

Blessings,
Mum

Author Reply: *blushes* Thank you very much, Mum! Yes, I have a great interest in Isildur and his family, which I hope to explore at some point, and I love tales related to Numenor. I had initially intended the 'Father' to be just Elendil towards Amandil, then Isildur appeared on the doorway, and the story jumped out from there. And I didn't even think about the White Tree! Hmmm, maybe I should expand on that point. You've just made me realise how spiritual such a title could be. I think I hear a plotbunny hatching...

And yes, I actually got a prize! Well, in a manner of speaking... 50 Plaza points, useful only in the Plaza but helped towards pushing my total past the 4000 point mark.

Sorry, I can happily babble for hours if no one stops me *blushes*

Blessed be,
Etharei

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