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| Trials and Tribulation by Larner | 34 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/2/2006 |
| Oh, I somehow overlooked this. Seems it was a bit too much to catch up after my vacation. Tribbals was a sweet little lass, and I am glad Frodo cared for her in this way. But her father ... *shakes head* He has clearly all *too* nimble fingers, and I don't know how he does it, to steal even in front of others and don't think it wrong ... I would *die* if I had done anything like it! Though I had to giggle about the way they always emptied their seemingly self-filling bags. The boys are, if they steal again, to knit stockings? *LOL* You know how funny this idea is for a hobbit! Love the idea! All in all, Frodo was rather soft with them, giving them the animals they'd need to live as long as they don't steal again. Interessant experiment. And it was interesting, too, that Guido recognised how much hardship Frodo had faced. Author Reply: I've seen professional magicians who were expert pickpockets--they're helping you keep steady after "accidently" bumping you, then returning wallets, belts, watches.... That's how I see Greencap and his sons; and I love the image you've evoked of the "self-filling" pockets! Knitting stockings, I thought, would be a very different experience for anyone, sufficiently repetitive to become boring after a while, yet also something constructive that would force the individual to think of others for a time. But one of the most perceptive individuals I ever met was a con-woman who lived by convincing others she was very needy; yet she had a streak of integrity and compassion in her that surprised everyone and that led her to help someone she'd intended to steal from just a few minutes previously. I sort of projected her onto Greencap. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/1/2006 |
| A beautiful tale, not surprisingly! The amount of heart and brains that gets poured into all your stories never ceases to amaze me. You should be writing professionally! ~~~{~@ Author Reply: Et tu, Armariel? The daughter and son-in-law agree with you, and I have left poor Louis sitting in the airport for far too long, I suppose. Am so very glad you enjoyed it, and blush at your praise. Thank you. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/29/2006 |
| Tribals is wiser than many think as she saw the essence of what Frodo was. Author Reply: I've had several students with Downs syndrome, and several clients and even some friends. You can't underestimate anyone, they've taught me. I can think few who are more wonderful to know than Tom, whose appreciation of human nature is marvelous. And I've discovered some have a wicked sense of humor. But most recognized and honor those who love freely, and I wanted to show this with our Frodo. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/29/2006 |
| Frodo is so kind and caring towards those in need.Excellent foreshadowing of his destiny in saving others. Author Reply: In his journey Frodo saved others, and now seeks to help all reach their full potential for fulfillment--even a small girl with Downs Syndrome. So glad you like it, Linda. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/28/2006 |
| Such a sweet - if sad - story. Tribbals has a better grasp on what's important than many others (particularly the male part of her own family!) And little Billi will have a better future than many in his position. Author Reply: A mixed story--true. A reminder even those judged simple can have eyes to see and hearts to understand. Thanks, Bodkin. | |
| Elanor Silmariën | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/27/2006 |
| Tribbals is such a sweetheart! This is very good! Is there more, or is that it? I'd like to hear more of her. God bless, Ellie Author Reply: For this particular story this is all, although Tribbals gets mention in Reunion. But she may appear every once in a while in the future. So glad you like her. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| That was incredibly beautiful, Larner, and left me all weepy - but in a nice way! And so Frodo's lessons go on and love continues to go round the Shire. Frodo's legacy is in good hands. The Broadloam family had me in stitches with their inability to resist helping themselves, even to those things on the Mayor's desk! They reminded me of a lot of magpies. Quince seemed very sensible and I just loved Tribbals - she leaps from the page, utterly real and so sweet, both as a child and when she is old. I hope we shall hear more of her in other stories. Author Reply: Thank you, BB. Having served as a special education teacher for over thirty years and worked with disabled children and adults for longer than that, it is a pleasure to write some of my friends into my stories. Yes, Frodo's legacy is far more lasting than many might realize, promoting acceptance and encouraging all to be the best they can be, both in the Shire and outside it. And a Hobbitess with Downs Syndrome is yet able to realize how much love is needed in this world, and seeks to claim it for her little great nephew from the direct benefactor's of Frodo's own love and caring. Am so very glad you enjoy Tribbals, and hope you recognize her name from "Reunion." How much she might influence further stories I'm not yet aware. | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| A very gentle story, Larner. Well written with deep emotion without becoming maudalin. The Broadloam family was quite amusing to see and Tribbals an obviously loving and lovable child. Well done. Author Reply: Thank you, Fiondil. That you feel I'm able to write in such a way I touch the emotions without being maudlin is very gratifying, and I'm so glad you enjoy the Broadloam family. I admit Tribbals is a tribute to a couple DS women I've known, and if anyone ever has the chance to read this story to them I hope they recognize their gentle natures in her. | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| So someone did end up learning how to knit socks, after all. It only seems realistic that the boys never completely change, but they reform enough that Miss Tribbels is well-cared for to the end of her days. "It's love as makes the Sun rise high".... over and over again people point out that the Shire had no churches or organized religion. But what they did have was loving families who kept the Creator's Light in their children's lives. I, too, sniffled most of the way through this one. And, I, too, would love to see as much of Miss T. as she will let you write. A story full of warmth, love, and light! Author Reply: Oh, yes, at least one learned to knit socks. I tried to think of a labor that would be productive but unusual among Hobbits, and felt this might do for a "punishment" for an incarcerated Hobbit youth. As my grandfather used to say, one doesn't need to go to church to feel the Creator's presence in ones life, and I think that you are right that Hobbit families indeed brought this presence to their children. Am so very glad Tribbals is already as loved as has been shown here. | |
| cookiefleck | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/24/2006 |
| Ah, this was so nice. And, of course, I especially liked the way Sam carried on after Frodo had left... and then the outcome for the baby. Thank you! Author Reply: I'd started this story long before I wrote "Reunion," and so Tribbals and little Billi are mentioned there. But as Frodo decreed Sam was to be heir to all he'd had or might have had, been or might have been, I'm certain he'd have followed through on his Master's own benevolences. So glad you appreciated it. | |