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| All Work and No Play by Lindelea | 53 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 5/31/2026 |
| "...laddie mine..." I am glad to see that I am not the only one who thinks that there is something rather Irish about the Tooks. Part of the Shire, but at the same time apart on their own; just as Ireland and the rest of Britain have always seemed to me. And the mystical "gift" handed down from his Fathers; very "Irish". Author Reply: You're not the only one! (But am I, perhaps, the only one to see them as something of a blend between Welsh, Irish, and Scottish...? I don't know. The Welsh part crept in after my first visit to Wales in 2005. That soft, lilting accent... "O aye" fell so naturally into the conversation. I had, from the beginning of my fanfic adventure, incorporated Irish and Scottish traditions into my Shire and especially into my version of the Tooks. But the landscape (talk about high green hills!) and the history and the people of Wales opened a whole new door in my imagination.) I love hearing similar impressions from others. The Tooks and their ponies and their music and storytelling and fierce independence... I agree, they feel quite "Irish" to me, at least in terms of the family stories handed down from my family's Irish roots. Thanks for this lovely food for thought! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/11/2026 |
| So, this is a gift handed down through the Tooks? An excellent one to have in such circumstances. Now what could have felled the horse's rider? Am glad all are ready for any danger ahead on the road. Author Reply: I have to say, I wish I had some of the gifts I've written about. Ferdi and Rosemary's truth-sifting capacity would have come in quite handy in my earlier years. Ferdinand's, "Old" Ferdibrand's and "Young" Ferdibrand's ability to communicate with equines sounds wonderful, compared to the effort and concentration and endless practice involved in coming to understand and work with my difficult mare (whose previous owner, my trainer surmised, had been careless and neglectful at best and, quite possibly, abusive). The next chapter is angsty and has been difficult (for that reason) to finalize, but I'm almost ready to post it. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 4/11/2026 |
| A good sign, this new willingness to learn more of and from Hobbits, such as Ferdi and the lads. Author Reply: A friendship is being forged just as Pippin and Elessar anticipated, considering each one's knowledge of and appreciation for their respective cousins. Everyone is learning, even me. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/11/2026 |
| Some deep thoughts here from Ferdi, who's far older than he was when he brought Estella from hiding in the Woody End to the Tooklands. A good reason to find him thoughtful. Holdoron is definitely learning from Farry's uncle. Author Reply: Ferdi is older, as well as wiser. (The two don't always coincide, I find... but in Ferdi's case, they do.) Both Man and Hobbit are learning about each other's peoples and customs and preferences, and both are wise enough to set aside long-held prejudices and presumptions as a result. If only more people IRL were inclined to do the same... (Thanks!) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 4/11/2026 |
| And now they are truly following in Frodo's experiences, feeling the horrors.... Love the atmosphere of this chapter. Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad it works! I guess Faramir's insistence on "authenticity" is paying off, at least in this instance. (Thanks!) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/11/2026 |
| Humor is relative, after all. And Faramir Took is proving his heritage from his father. As I remember it, this "short cut" was anything but quicker than going by the road. Author Reply: I remember being struck by commonalities and differences in humor between cultures some time ago. It was interesting to try and work out how Men and Hobbits would differ in the area of humor, and why. Thank you for your raft of lovely reviews! I will hope to come back another day and answer more of them, but I've run out of energy for this particular day, so I'm going to close the laptop and spend the rest of the evening listening to the cooking show on TV that Eldest is watching. Cheers! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 4/11/2026 |
| A shocking thing, to be so high above rushing water, and especially for Ferdi. At least Pip-lad hasn't his father's more common Harfort fears. As I remember, Pippin was the quickest and surest crossing the rope bridge in Lorien, so I can understand how Farry would wish to be lifted up to see. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 4/11/2026 |
| A difficult concept to appreciate. One that obviously struck a deep chord in Haldoran's memory. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 4/11/2026 |
| No, this is not the same journey at all, is it? But then, each journey is its own adventure, with its own joys and dangers. Farry is having to grow up on this one, much like his father did on the Quest. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/11/2026 |
| A painful lesson for more than just Pippin-lad. Faramir is learning useful lessons in what leadership should mean. Excellent chapter! | |