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Go Out in Joy  by Larner 16 Review(s)
SoledadReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/13/2008
Wow! That's an interesting idea... and it makes excellent sense from the POV you present it.

I must also say that Rosie is, aside from Éowyn, perhaps the most impressive female character of Middle-earth. What she was willing to accept out of love is greater than any Elven magic or divine intervention, IMO.

Author Reply: Am so glad you find it interesting, Soledad. As for Rosie--I've always loved the idea of someone Sam loved so it kept him grounded and willing to stay within Middle Earth. She must have indeed been exceptional.

This was the first AU story I wrote--basically took it through the storyline I've established before and changed only one aspect--and this is what came of it. Thanks so for the feedback.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/10/2007
This time is not going to be easy to either of them, is it? But I take some comfort in the title of the story. I love that Frodo cannot bear to part with Sam even if it will hasten his own death. I hate to think that he parted with Sam in reality because his torment was greater than Sam's love and what could be greater than that? This time he's decided he cannot live without that love being right in front of him until the very end, though I'm surprised it's coming so soon. Sam's anger at Iluvatar for giving Frodo a burden greater than he could bear is understandable. I've wondered that myself but no one could have borne the same burden any better and everyone else worse. The most powerful part of Elanor's recent story based on Enya's song was Elrond telling Frodo he was emptied for a purpose, so he could be filled with God. But still why, I ask, couldn't be filled in the Shire, without being emptied by his burden and then the loss of it? But God's ways are not our ways. I know Frodo had to do what he did and no one else could have, but still the pain is there that he suffered so grievously. I love the part also that Frodo's sleeping head naturally rested on Sam's shoulder. This is going to be an interesting tale. But again, sleep calls!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Indeed, in this version Frodo has determined to remain a Hobbit of the Shire to the end, even if that must come shortly. Although he will learn that the typical response of Shirefolk to impending death by gathering to be with the dying one as much as possible before the end applies as much to him as to any other, a fact he'll find both stressful and reassuring.

God is big enough to handle our anger, and can help us weather it and get beyond it to the gifts that are there as well as the loss.

For those in whom PTSD is deepest, finding a true connection to the world again is difficult; and if Frodo's health issues followed real-world patterns for the extraordinarily deep physical injuries he suffered, it's likely he would indeed have suffered failing health as a result of his experiences.

As I say, I've only changed on aspect of the original story as reflected in my storyline for Frodo's physical decline; and that, of course, leads to other changes as well.

Rest well. I'll be heading for bed myself shortly.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/4/2007
What an interesting idea for an AU!Sam is so unselfish,

Author Reply: Sam was always unselfish, which is why, I think, so many of us love him so.

Thanks for the comments,

KittyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2007
Well, at least this time Frodo didn’t keep everything secret, but told Sam a bit about what he planned. I’m glad he got to see Bilbo once more, though I hate the thought of Frodo going back only to die some days later. If he is staying behind in his beloved Shire, I want him to survive and be happy *sniff*

It was obvious from the beginning that it is fruitless to argue with him about his decision – Galadriel is right, he is a stubborn Baggins after all.

But now I fear I should keep some hankies ready for the next updates and *not* read at work, knowing how much I tend to cry ...

Author Reply: I do need to invest in stock with Scott Paper products and Kleenex tissues, don't I? (Heh!) But I think that even this way it won't be as bad as everyone expects. And there may be a few revelations along the way.

Yes, I think that Baggins stubbornness has been both his greatest strength and in some ways his greatest weakness at the same time. Too bad for the Ring it didn't realize how to use it against him, but good for Middle Earth.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/27/2007
Yeah, I've already reviewed, and I tend to get on people's nerves with not-so-subtle "indirect begging" (but if I said I was ashamed of that right now I'd be telling a fib *grins*), but I had to let you know this has been in the back of my mind constantly for the last two days tantalizing me! And I also forgot to tell you my favourite part:

Frodo stirred against him, looking up into his eyes. “Nothing is certain, Sam, not even there in the Undying Lands. And my heart is here.” He
turned his head on Sam’s shoulder. “My heart is here, here in the Shire,” he murmured as his eyes closed once more.

Oh, it just makes me want to cry, but I love it.

Okay, I'll leave you alone. :)
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: No getting on my nerves. Now, Hughes.net is getting on my nerves, the connection from home has become so blamed iffy! I am about to scream and yell about getting my money back for the new satellite modem, as this is becoming such a great problem!

And I do think the question of whether or not Frodo would accept the offer to go to Tol Eressea would not have been answered until late in the game. Now you know why I believe he would have decided not to go if that was his end decision.

elanor winterflowersReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/27/2007
Beautifully written—so quiet and delicate and sturdy all at once. Every word is perfectly chosen! I love the sound of it, and as for the suspense: well! I'll be back for more. :)

Author Reply: Thank you so very much, Elanor Winterflowers! I am so flattered. Thank you indeed.

Elanor SilmariënReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/27/2007
I wonder where this will end up? Interesting AU, I like it! I can't wait for more!
God bless,
Ellie

Author Reply: I hope you continue to like it in spite of the realization all have that Frodo is choosing to die sooner rather than later. But I do feel he needs an understanding of what he's just given up.

Thanks for the review.

cookiefleckReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/27/2007
Looking forward to future chapters. You're off to a wonderful start.

Author Reply: So glad you like it, and especially since this one is told primarily from Sam's point of view. Thanks for the review.

AltheaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/26/2007
I love the tenderness and sadness of this.

Author Reply: Thank you, Althea. There is sadness, but such sadness is a good part of life, and the other side of our joys, for it shows we did know them and appreciated them while they lasted.

lotrgirl1415Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/26/2007
OMG! I love this kind of AU.........its absolutly amazing! I'm soooooooooo excited!
Can't wait till ur next update! *squee*


Lots of love
No galu govad gen

---Katie
xoxoxoxo


Author Reply: Thank you indeed, Katie. Hope it continues to please.

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