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A Small and Passing Thing  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/23/2023
Oh, yes, he does. And she understands what he hasn't as yet--that the Queen's jewel is one of healing, of clarity, of bringing all back in tune with the Song. And she's seeing how she can aid the Shire to heal further....

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 44 on 3/8/2009
Well, wasn't that an interesting little tea and chat, especially with Lobelia feeling the healing properties of Arwen's gift and Frodo's remarks about the Ring, the least of Rings.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 44 on 10/22/2003
This is a very satisfying chapter.

First, you introduce a lovely character. I hope we might see more of Alyssum, since she's a north-Took. For just a couple of paragraphs, until she explains she's married to a Bracegirdle, I thought you might even introduce a comely lass for Frodo to flirt with. What a tease!

Lobelia is as ever. Her bad temper and cantakerous ways are so fun, as is watching Frodo deal with them politely. But the conversation quickly turns to serious matters. I thought Frodo would go to Lobelia's to help her, as he has been helping Freddy and Merry and Pippin. Instead, it seems Lobelia draws him out, and learns more from the bit of the story he tells her than is in the words alone. It's heartwrenching to hear the shattering loss, barely contained under the surface (and a little creepy). He's not ready to deal with telling this part of the story yet. Not only that, he's spent most of the gold he has, and doesn't know where more will come from to help the rest of the hobbits. Despite everything that he's been through, he's still thinking of others. She's sharp in her questions, and doesn't miss a thing.


Perhaps because she was not made a special pet, or because she had more exposure to Saruman from behind the scenes, she retains a clearer view than most of the wizard's methods, though she is affected by them nonetheless. It's good that Arwen's jewel is multi-faceted (I made a pun!) and can drive the darkness away no matter its source. It does feel like a celebration as pain is acknowledged, and the past forgiven. The last part of the conversation is everything I would have wanted to see. Lobelia has always had sharp insights, even though colored by bitterness and greed. It seems the Lockholes have burned away all that, and now she's turned her examination onto her own character. Frodo acts the part of the confessor, listening, offering comfort and absolution in the face of Lobelia's genuine repentance. In the end, in recognition of shared pain, they understand each other, much as Freddy and Frodo in earlier chapters. Very satisfying.

Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 10/21/2003
Oooh, so much update, so little time!!!
The last, resonating effects of Saruman's Voice are horribly fascinating. Firmly convinced you've been eating multi-course meals while literally starving yourself to death?! I am in awe. That one sent me for a loop. The wizard's voice is so often overlooked, but you've used it to create some chilling, devilishly clever plot twists! *shivers in delight*

Before I go ( how I wish I could stay and "talk your ears down to nubs"!)I have to say that Lobelia's toast, "to whatever", was priceless!

Malva Brandybuck

P.S. Sadly, the only place you can find my writing right now is in one very messy loose-leaf binder! But once my dratted schedule allows me to finish and post, I will most likely put it on this very site.

Author Reply: Hmmm, having my ears talked down to nubs would not be a new experience, our little ones do that daily, from the time they arise until well after they retire for the evening. A very pleasant thing; I find what hobbits do best is eat and talk and sing and celebrate life, and our family is no exception, though I probably spend too much time writing and not enough time playing.

It is very pleasant to read a long, thoughtful review, but a short, thoughtful review is the next best thing.

Looking forward to seeing some of your writing one of these days!

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