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| Second Mum by Larner | 166 Review(s) |
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| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/24/2007 |
| I have loved this series showing the loving relationship between Frodo and his 'second mum' that continued throughout his life. She must have taken Arwen's advice to heart - loving him in the cherishing and in the letting go, just as Sam and Merry and Pippin had to learn to do. Merry words about Frodo needing Sam were very true. I agree also that it must have grieved Frodo sorely to see Saruman die unrepentant, scorning the possibility even. He would have recognized another tormented soul, as his was and by the same person, and would have wanted healing for him. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: There must have been such a relationship between Frodo and someone in Brandy Hall, and as he and Merry became so very close it was most likely that it was due to Saradoc and Esmeralda being his custodial guardians, so that he was there from the time Merry was born for that special bond to grow between them. And what Arwen has told her is what she already has experienced is necessary when dealing with Frodo--to love with an open hand, for in holding too closely before they almost destroyed him. Esme received from the Queen only the knowledge she already possessed, and an affirmation that the same sacrifice would be needed a second time if Frodo was not to perish untimely. You are certainly right about Frodo recognizing in Saruman the need for the same forgiveness and spiritual healing he'd been offered and that he was given more fully in the Queen's gift. To die unrepentant, still caught in the fullness of his own conceit, kept Saruman from being able to return to the Source. What a terrible waste of the Maia's potential. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/24/2007 |
| Merry's letter was very nice, so responsible, and loving of his Frodo. I do hope it did happen this way - that he was able to warn his parents and the four of them didn't just disappear. Love most though that Esme was aware of Frodo on the Quest and at the Fire and the sight and dialogue of the Western Shapes - Valar or Maia I assume? - was very interesting. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I've always thought that some means of advising their parents that those accompanying Frodo out of the Shire would have been tried, and such delayed letters so no one was likely to ride out to Bree after them seemed the most likely means of notification; and Merry is the one of the three with the most forethought as far as thinking beyond the quest itself. So it appeared to me that his letter would try to tell the most without actually giving things away. Baylor once wrote a story in which Merry speaks to Saradoc about the probability that he will be leaving with Frodo, impressing his father with the concern and forethought he displays, and so I added in the hint of the talk that the two of them had in the barn that morning, just before the four of them disappeared into the Old Forest. Had one been able to See Frodo just after he and the Ring claimed one another, what would they have perceived? Frodo had a great deal of willpower, we know that; would the Ring perhaps have considered him as Its new Master? How would it have remade him? So I found this image of Frodo as the Lord of the Ring, with the Ring Itself seeking to crown him with power unmentionable, utterly corrupting him once It was done--only It was interrupted before It could complete the process. Yes, the greater Western Shape is Manwe; I'm still undecided myself as to who the other Shape might have been, whether Eonwe or another of the Valar--perhaps even Este. But at that point the Ring needed to be removed from Frodo immediately--there was certainly no time for subtlety in its removal. A most terrible but necessary of amputations. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/21/2007 |
| Now we see more up close and personal the grip the Ring was getting on him even then and how he fought it and was frightened and confused and thinking it was all coming from him. How terrible that must have been. But it's good that he's comfortable enough to speak of it to Esme at least in some fashion. The poor dear. But love that he went all out for Sam's coming of age and Esme's words to Lobebelia in the beginning of this chapter. Go, Esme, go! :) And that Frodo paid for the healer to go to Otho - Oh, darling, you think you are growing into a monster, but you're not! Sometime I think it's too bad Gandalf didn't find out about the Ring sooner and never had Frodo handle it but then we don't choose our crosses as much as we accept them from God's loving hand. It was all meant to be, I know. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I felt that to have changed as much as she did after her imprisonment and Lotho's death Lobelia probably started to appreciate that Frodo was a far more worthy individual than she'd dreamed probably before the purchase of Bag End; and I enjoyed sort of bookending this chapter with her at each end--being the most obnoxious Lobelia at the beginning, and starting to reevaluate at the end. Most of the children I've dealt with who lost beloved parents young as Frodo did chose to start families as soon as they could; I suspect that the effects of the Ring stopped Frodo from following this typical path. How he'd have reacted to the Ring's effects on him is, of course, questionable; but it must have had some effects; and now and then Frodo must have felt the need to speak to someone about it. But being the type of person he was as well as Baggins family head, I suspect that Frodo would have done his best even to see Otho's needs met as he approached death. And he would have done anything for Sam, I suspect. As for Gandalf interfering earlier--perhaps it might have averted some problems, but it would have made the final story perhaps a good deal less interesting, and as you indicate, this was Frodo's burden, and one he did manage to bring where it needed to go. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/20/2007 |
| Back to this at last! Our lad is not just older cousin but brother in all the love he gives. Cute that he's not at first aware of all the appreciative, shall we say, gazes the lasses give him but Bilbo teases him about. Love little Pippin. Most interesting is Bilbo's talk with Esme before he leaves and that he doesn't want Frodo affected but heartbreakingly leaves the one thing to him that will affect him, but again, it was all meant to be. Poor Narcissa, who has this brief joy that is not to come again. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Yes, Frodo's found his place in the family at last and is reveling in it, even if he's not yet aware of how the lasses are seeing him, save poor Pearl. I really suspect that Bilbo wouldn't wish for Frodo to be affected by whatever has been affecting him; that it's the Ring Itself is something I suspect he's convinced himself couldn't be true. Glad you like Pippin--I always have loved the lad. As for Narcissa--she finds her own joy one day, at least. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/17/2007 |
| My dear Larner, Once again you made me speechless! Well, nearly :) What a beautiful ending! I especially liked Esme's last letter to Frodo. It was very touching. And then the signature - "Your second mum"! Wonderful! I loved it that Esme when she was finally united with her husband was able to see Frodo among the Elven children, and that he recognised them and greeted them, too. It was a pleasure to read this story! Thank you very much, Larner! Author Reply: Thank you so, Andrea. Esme must have perceived not all was well with her beloved first lad, and after receiving Arwen's letter and considering how Frodo was the last two times she saw him must have realized that for him to find healing meant he must away. I suspect things were less prosaic there in the Undying Lands, and some things possible there fairly easily that would be impossible or extremely rare here. Freed of his own pain, Frodo would, I think, treasure those glimpses he was given of those he loved, much as they would treasure this greeting in passing; now that they are passing out of Time, it will be soon enough they will be reunited once more to the joy of all. And thank you so for following the story and giving such wonderful feedback. Thank you so very much. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/15/2007 |
| Can't keep up, it seems. Ever. *sighs* But I'm trying, and I did finally read all the way through this one, in fits and starts. Sorry for not stopping to comment on everything, but I haven't always even been able to finish entire chapters, between a new member of the family introducing herself and requiring care (a stray beagle mix found by Dad and my brothers while on a mountain retreat--and a perfect darling), sickness, somewhat pressing things involving original work, and other matters that would mean very long stories. (I thought summer vacation was supposed to be *relaxed*! But then when is life ever not at least a little busy?) Oh, wow, I have no words to truly describe this. Esme comes alive in this story; I doubt I'll ever see her in quite the same way again. Her letter in the last chapter gave me that wrenching feeling of wanting, almost needing to cry and being beyond tears. "Your second Mum" Yes, she was certainly that, and that she signed the letter that way made it all the more poignant, I think. I am so glad Gomez did well in the end! Wonderful that not all bullies turn out to be sad cases. It makes me wonder about my own Gomez and how he is turning out...or if I really want to know. I just love the way this is written, in these short but very rich vignettes. The detail is amazing. I find myself taking such things for granted sometimes, but when I really think about it, it's astounding. (When I make attempts, I always feel they turn out unnatural, and at times I've wondered if some of my writing isn't very empty of description indeed.) But the most impressive thing, as ever, is the characterization. Everyone is so wonderfully normal, even the main characters--just ordinary people living their lives--and yet each is extraordinary in a very subtle way. (Well, there are a few--four or five...or six or so--that do stand out markedly, but I mean in general...) That's the mark of a really good writer, in my opinion. Thank you for yet another true jewel of a story. I'd say this is one of my favorites...but if I'm going to be really honest, I'd end up listing a whole lot more in your unvierse right up there with it. :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: I am honored, my lady. Haven't time for a full response, for my schedule's been changed and I must get to work. To make a character real is important, and for you, if you focus on characterization and dialogue, giving just enough details others can fill the rest of the setting from their own imaginations, you will do superbly. I need to get to your independent story, but haven't had the time on an untroubled I S P as yet. Hughes continues in fits and starts--at least, contrary to what it was two months back, I seem to be able to spend at least half my time properly online. And I am grateful you appreciated Esme's letter and her character. I feel she's grown over the length of the story, which is every individual ought to do--and Gomez--his brush with death helped his potential to begin to shine. Some do give over meanness, you know. Good luck with the dog! Sounds wonderful. | |
| Lily | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/11/2007 |
| This is a wonderful story, Larner, and I'm honoured to be among those who influenced you a little :) Author Reply: And I'm honored to know you accept the tribute and that you liked this one. We do inspire one another as much as we're inspired by the Master's own works and our own life experiences, as I'm certain you're aware. Thanks so much for all the feedback. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/9/2007 |
| As always, it was interesting to know more about what your motivation for this story was. And your explanations prove very well how much our own experiences are influencing us in what we do or write. I found it rather obvious that you know how it is to raise foster children. And I always thought of all the parents and other family the four left behind, it had to be hardest for Esmeralda when they vanished from the Shire, for she probably saw Frodo as much as her son as Merry. Not to mention that Pippin was her nephew ... so I thought this story a nice tribute not only to the mothers in our days, but to the one who raised not only one, but at least partly a second of the Travellers as well. Now I feel tempted to say I’m curious which Nuzgul will be next to get you sidetracked from the two other unfinished fics ;-) Author Reply: You have the right of it with Esme worrying the more because she helped in the raising of three of the Travelers, I think; plus she must have realized how close Frodo and Sam had become by that time. And our own lives to tend to affect what we write. And the Nuzguls are circling me again, I must say. Which will decide to affect a disguise this time I couldn't begin to be certain at this point. Heh! | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/9/2007 |
| "Mother-in-love" sounds much nicer than "mother-in-law"! I like the box and the wreath of violets. A lovely and tender tale. ~~~{~@ Author Reply: I admit I borrowed the term from someone else, and am glad to perpetuate its use. And the box and wreath of violets were intended for this from the moment they entered my mind much earlier in the tale. Thank you indeed for the comments, Armariel. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/9/2007 |
| A lovely letter from Esme, very touching. I bet he kept it to read all his life. Always good to have a spare Mum or two, isn't it! And THANKS for the nomination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@ Author Reply: Yes, such would indeed help to support his hopes, and I suspect it was in his pocket as he found himself rising up to dance with the stars. And I'll always find some poem of yours to nominate, I think. Thank YOU, Armariel, for all the reviews. I so appreciate them! | |