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| The man in the woods by Dot | 17 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/28/2007 |
| Wow! That was incredibly powerful, Dot! I was happily reading along enjoying Falathren's thoughts about Aragorn and thinking how true it must be that children would wonder why they did not really like the person everyone thought they should, for very personal reasons...and enjoying their imaginary games...and then bam! That is definitely not what I expected them to find. I loved Falathren's reaction and her refusal to go through his stuff or leave him alone. What a drastic reality to have thrust upon you when you are enjoying games. I felt for the children, of course. But for some reason, the part in this that completely broke me up was the man's lovingly embroidered tunic. That was just sooo sad. Really well written, Dot! I loved it! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Elliska! I'm glad you felt the intrusion of reality worked. It was such a short piece but I was afraid if it was any longer it would have lessened the impact I was going for. I really appreciate you stopping by to review - and such a lovely review too! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/28/2007 |
| Such a wonderful, appropriate, and all too likely a tale of growing up as the Dunedain of Eriador. I can see it all too well, and appreciate all the details. Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. And thank you so much for the comment about the details because that's something I'm trying to work on :-) | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/28/2007 |
| Aragorn gave Falathren the Rohan horse when she was three so she probably did have a pretty good relationship with him Oh, I don't know. Falathren is too smart a kid to be bought for a little wooden horse. Now, if he'd brought her a real Rohan horse she might have warmed up to him a bit faster... I looked away from the reflection of my future in the knowing gazes of the women and leaned into him, grasping at the scent of him, that scent of smoke and sweat and self-assurance, of the achingly familiar in a strange new world. I forgot to say that this sentence just knocked me flat. In a good way. And I'm sorry you're in the freezing shed. Author Reply: Oh good. Let's pretend I considered it and came to that conclusion too so ;-) Now, if he'd brought her a real Rohan horse she might have warmed up to him a bit faster Yeah, but would her mother still be talking to him? Thank you for your kind words about that line! People are going to start wondering why I'm grinning away here instead looking my usual depressed self... And I'm sorry you're in the freezing shed. LOL. Me too. But we get a long weekend next weekend :-) | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/28/2007 |
| Oh, Dot! That's amazing! I love the point of view - the girl on the cusp of innocence, at the point where she learns some of the harsh reality of Dunedain life. And Dunedain female life in particular. The end - the reflection of my future in the knowing gazes of the women - is haunting. As is the clutching for comfort in the temporary presence of her father ... and Aragorn. I love that she - unlike everyone else - doesn't like Aragorn, because he is always there to take her father away. That it just such a perfect childish reaction. And the echoes of Dunedain society - the constant echo of a glorious past in a threadbare present - come over so clearly. I love Alagos as much as Falathren. And although Eirien is asleep, her character comes over pretty clearly, too! The woods, and their games - and the suggestion that, when the day comes, all elves will let children ride on their horses - are just gorgeous. With a remarkable counterpoint of horror in the blue-tinged corpse. A cared-for blue-tinged corpse with an embroidered tunic and a broken bow. Poor kids. Whatever they knew about the world in the backs of their minds, they've taken a step into the adult world here. It's a gorgeous story, Dot. And happy birthday, Meckinock. Author Reply: Thank you, Bodkin! I’m so glad you liked the characters. I was too chicken to try and write Halbarad :-) And that you felt that Dunedain life – past and present – came across is a relief to me too. It was daw who gave me the nudge about including something to suggest Falathren’s future so I have her to thank for the line you liked :-) You’ve made my day with this wonderful review. Thank you so much. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/27/2007 |
| Oh, Dot, thank you! I was so excited just to see this, and then even more excited to see it was from the POV of Halbarad's daughter, and then when I realized you had actually used Falathren and Alagos I was squealing. What a wonderful surprise! (And I must admit I feel like such a heel because I haven't managed to finish your story, not to mention I wasn't nice enough to try to use your characters.) But anyhow...not to mar the occasion with a load of my well-deserved guilt - I just loved all the little details you sprinkled into this - Falathren's opinion of Aragorn as someone who just takes her father away LOL - oh, and her father's weary, stubble-encrusted face! And her mother, tired from foaling again. I love Falathren's personality here - she so obviously worships her brother, and he's so protective and responsible for such a young lad, but still wants his little sister to have fun. I love the part where they play King and Queen of Gondor - and all elves must let children ride their horses LOL. Oh, but even in the beginning we knew this story would have a darker side, didn't we? The hoofbeats in the dark, the whispered conversation, Falathren's Ada throwing on his pack and going out into the dim morning. You really bring home the everyday reality of the Dunedain, and it's so heartbreaking that this really is Falathren's life coming to get her. I loved her courage in sitting by the dead man, and her compassion in putting her own cloak over him to keep him warm. Your description of Aragorn's strong arms encircling her and her father's haunted stare were both warming and chilling. And the image of the women watching from their doorways really got me right here. Wow. Thanks, Dot. Author Reply: I’m so thrilled you liked it! Yay! I was really petrified about using your characters, you know – not just because I didn’t ask but incase I didn’t do them justice. And there are little bits that don’t quite fit in (like the fact that Aragorn gave Falathren the Rohan horse when she was three so she probably did have a pretty good relationship with him) but I sort of hoped you’d forgive me… I’m sitting here in the freezing shed smiling away because you’ve picked out so many parts that you liked. Thank you for such a lovely review. And happy birthday! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/27/2007 |
| A moving story.I'm glad the young heroine saw Aragorn's caring side. A Unique look at what life must have been like. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda! I'm so pleased you liked that moment between Aragorn and Falathren - I wanted her to be able to see him as someone other than the man who takes ada away. Thank you for the review :-) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/27/2007 |
| Truly, truly lovely, Dot. I was struck by the details of the bug on the man's face, the loving embroidery, the game they play. And Falathren's secure world is changed in a few hours, poor thing. Author Reply: Thanks, daw. It makes me feel so good that some of the details stood out for you :-) And that you're not tearing your hair out after having to read it again! Thanks for the review. | |