JULES6
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 4: Master of Buckland (Saradoc Brandybuck)
I can really connect with Merry in this chapter - his father's death mirrors the loss of my own dad. Was told to make a dash of 1 000 kilometres overnight for he wouldn't make it through the night - ten minutes after setting out - he passed away - I was 8.5 months pregnant - travelled the distance in about 10 hours by car but never got to say goodbye and though it will be 6 years this year - the pain is still hard to bear. I was the only sibling who didn't get the chance to say goodbye.
This chapter will remain my favourite of your story for this reason - that I was able to connect very well with Merry.
The emotion and setting of this was well done, going from happy occasions to sad ones. Keep up the great writing. Liking this very much.
Going to go and have a tearful cry with Merry now over our dads.
JULES
Author's reply
I certainly hope that this chapter didn't stir up any of that pain. I'm quite fortunate in that the last person close to me that I lost was my uncle, and I was barely three at the time, so remember little. On that note, I was a little worried that I wouldn't quite be able to capture the emotion very well. Thank you for letting me know that I seem to have managed at that. And thank you for your feedback (this chapter was my favourite too).
Leah Beth
· 27 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
Oh my goodness, these are *so* beautiful. And heartbreaking. I had tears in my eyes the whole time I was reading. I can't really put into words how beautiful these three vignettes were. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely review! I usually prefer to write more light-hearted and humourous stories, but the plot-bunnies for this one just wouldn't leave me alone! Good to see that they're being enjoyed. Thank you once again for your review!
Tathar
· 27 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
Oh, waaaaaah! I *love* the Gaffer! How very, very sad. Poor Sam... but at least he had Rosie and the rest of his family to comfort him. *sigh*
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
The Gaffer has also been one of my favourites! He seems to be so wise, and a little sly, too. I can't say that I enjoyed killing him off - nor any of the parents in these stories. But I am trying to make sure that everyone had someone to be there for them in their time of sadness. I suppose that's what these stories are really all about! Thanks for the reviews, and I'm glad you're enjoying my work.
Tathar
· 27 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Waters of the Brandywine (Drogo and Primula Baggins)
*sniffle* Poor Frodo. It wasn't really until I started reading and writing fanfiction that I really considered how terrible it must have been for him to lose both his parents so suddenly, and at such a young age. I can't imagine anything worse! I did like your characterization of Frodo though, even considering the circumstances.
And that last bit brought tears to my eyes: **Frodo snuggled into Bilbo’s embrace. He was surprised when he realised how much it felt like he was in his father’s arms.**
Beautifully done!
Hai
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
I like how Sam tried to put on a brave face when he spoke to his Dad. I also liked that he told him he was proud of him. Good for Frodo to make sure he knew all that Sam had done on their Journey! The last line was great! Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to Merry and Pippin!
Author's reply
Thank you for your reviews! I'm very glad you're enjoying my little stories! I've started on Merry's and have some idea of Pippin's (having just gotten though a huge block about what to do for them!).
Hai
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Waters of the Brandywine (Drogo and Primula Baggins)
That was sweet and touching! Poor, Frodo! I would hate to be the one to have to tell him that his parents were dead! At least we know eventually he ends up with Bilbo!
Hai
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
I loved how you added the Gamgee's in there to some sort! There aren't that many stories about Bilbo out there and you did a wonderful job catching the Baggines' traits!
Pearl Took
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
These are sad, and yet not. They have all been full of love and compassion. Tender tales of a moment we all must face. Wonderful! These shine, little sister.
Pearl Took
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl, for your feedback! I was worried when I started writing them that I wouldn't capture the grief very well (having not lost anyone dear to me, aside from my uncle when I was only very young). I'm so happy that you're enjoying my stories! (Uncle Saradoc and our own dear Dad were posing quite a problem, though I seem to be through it now!)
Pearl Took
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Waters of the Brandywine (Drogo and Primula Baggins)
Poor young Frodo! At least you give him loving relatives to take him in and care for him.
"Primula placed a soft kiss on Frodo’s forehead. He never dreamed that it would be the last time he would feel her gentle touch or hear her voice."
'Tis the saddest part.
Pearl Took
Pearl Took
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
Well done, little sis! A good and touching Bilbo story. And I like bringing that Gamgees in, a nice touch. This is an interesting idea for a series of stories. I'm looking forward to all of them.
Pearl Took
calenore
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
Aw, that's sweet. I loved Hamfast. He seemed like such a great dad.
Author's reply
I always thought that Sam seemed to have a good relationship with his father. He mentions his ol' Gaffer more than Bilbo quotes his dad! Glad you enjoyed!
shirebound
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 3: Record Breaking (Hamfast Gamgee)
I really appreciate the little details you come up with! Such as...
"You know as well as I, that a Gamgee never breaks a promise."
"Well, Mister Bilbo managed to beat the Old Took in age, and Mister Merry and Mister Pippin have beaten the Bullroarer in height. I have to break some record!"
And such a sweeeet ending.
Author's reply
Thank you! The ending was actually an after thought! And I even changed the title because of it. This chapter was the original idea from which the "series" was born. Thanks again :)
calenore
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Waters of the Brandywine (Drogo and Primula Baggins)
Poor, sweet Frodo. Everything happens to him. Good thing he's got his good old Uncle Bilbo there to take care of him.
Author's reply
I suppose poor Frodo does have a bit of a hard lot in life...but that doesn't mean I like him! :) Glad you liked the chapter. Though this one was easier because Drogo and Primula already had a stated cause of death, my dislike for Frodo made it somewhat difficult to feel sorry for him. I hope I pulled it off!
shirebound
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Waters of the Brandywine (Drogo and Primula Baggins)
This story *should* be breaking my heart, but somehow you're writing it with such sweetness and love, it isn't. I really appreciate all the details and research you've put into this.
Author's reply
And I really appreciate your lovely reviews! ^-^ It means a lot to receive such great feedback from an author I admire. I am glad this chapter went well, because I really don't like Frodo all that much, but I tried to be sympathetic towards the poor little fella.
calenore
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
This is very sweet and sad. I love the Bilbo you've fashioned for this story. Can't wait for the rest!
Author's reply
It is very sad - and to be honest, I don't know what inspired me to write it. But at the same time, it's enjoyable to write stories for simple things like dates (however, it has become somewhat difficult to decide on the manner in which the characters die!). Frodo and Sam are already written and should be up soon. Merry and Pippin shouldn't be too far behind.
Lyta Padfoot
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
Your depiction of Bungo is wonderful. He has many of Bilbo's qualities without being an exact copy. The interaction between Holman and Biblo wonderfully foreshadows that between Frodo and Sam.
Author's reply
Thank you for that. I was beginning to worry that Bungo was *exactly* like Bilbo, which I was trying to avoid. Tolkien gave us so many named hobbits to give characters to, it can sometimes be quite difficult to make a different, yet believable depiction of a name!
Tathar
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
Ohh, what a beautifully written story! I do enjoy reading stories about Bilbo's younger years, and I especially loved his friendship with Holman -- what a wonderful foreshadowing. This part here I really loved:
“There’s no need to thank me! For starters, I suppose it’s a part of me job, helpin’ out like this. And for seconds, there’s naught I wouldn’t do for you, Mister Bilbo.”
I enjoyed "meeting" Bilbo's parents, as well, even though it was all so sad. I hadn't thought about it before, but Bilbo did use his father's sayings several times in "The Hobbit," didn't he?
I can't wait for the rest! :)
Author's reply
It wasn't until I was halfway through the story that I realised I could use Bungo's sayings. Actually, I was re-reading "The Hobbit" while I was writing this, and noticed how many times "as my father used to say" appeared! This is what happens when I play the video game of "The Hobbit" far too much! I thought it made sense to have Bilbo and Holman being friends, since they're quite close in age, and the Gaffer seems to suggest that he and Bilbo are also friends. Glad you liked the story, and I will try to get the rest out soon!
shirebound
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
What a treat to read something about young Bilbo and his parents, Pervinca! This is beautifully written.
Author's reply
I'm glad Bilbo's chapter went down well. I originally wasn't going to include him, but then I started reading "The Hobbit" again, I knew I'd have to! I definitely enjoyed writing young Bilbo, so I am glad you enjoyed reading it.
JULES6
· 23 January 2004
· Chapter 1: While There's Life (Bungo Baggins)
Well, I must say I have learned a lot from this story. I have no knowledge on Bilbo's background or his family - thank you for writing this first giving me some insight to what happened before the RING and other things.
Looking forward to the next Chapter with Frodo. I have no doubt that will be just as good.
JULES
Author's reply
I'll be honest and tell you that a large percentage of this story was completely made up. The parts that existed originally were the names of Bilbo's parents, the year Bungo died, Bungo's love for proverbs, and Holman being the gardener at Bag-End. Everything else came out of my twisted little imagination! But I am glad you enjoyed it! (Frodo's chapter will be the easiest to write, since I won't have to make up a cause of death for his parents!).