Reviews of Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Fimbrethil · 10 August 2025 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

But never fear, your brother’s quality will shine forth before too long and he will be able to serve the Ringbearer in his own fashion when Frodo most needs his aid.” Snort heehee, and you know who will come before Aragorn? Faramir. (Also his father.) All this explains to him makes so much sense! And yes he was the first to call him king, though Ecthelion might have guessed, and Gandalf and Elrond and his children (and the rest of their Elves presumably, not to mention Galadriel, Celeborn, and their Elves) and the North Dúnedain knew of course. And Legolas and now Gimli and the four hobbits.

Eruherdiriel · 15 July 2014 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I had never really thought about it, but Namo was right, without Boromir's actions, then things would have been far, far worse. ~Eruherdiriel

Author's reply

A lot of people only see that Boromir failed and label him a bad guy because of his betrayal, but I wanted to show that God (or Eru) can take even something like that and turn it into good, not better, but different. It doesn't negate the person's actions, simply place them within a larger cosmic context than most of us can see. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed the story, Eruherdiriel. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.

Tegi · 28 February 2012 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I know it has been almost three years since you last received a review for this story, but I couldn't resist dropping a line to tell you how amazed I am by this story. It's one of the best pieces of fanfiction I have read, and I loved that it stayed completely in accordance with Tolkien. I was a bit fearful in the beginning that it was going to be too preachy, but I need not have worried, for the writing was sublime. It was an honor to get to read this story. Thank you.

Author's reply

I am indeed surprised, but very pleased that you found this story and felt moved enough to leave a review. Thank you for your kind words, Tegi. I appreciate them very much. Receiving this review really made my day!

6336 · 27 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Or another way of putting it, Iluvator does things 'Back arsewards' :<) Lynda

Author's reply

I auppose.

Ces · 6 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Great view of why things happened as they did on Amon Hen. Boromir's actions did indeed give Frodo the time he needed to escape. I like that while Namo shows compassion to Boromir, there will also be judgment, as all, including Finrod, Glorfindel, Sador, etc. had to go through.

Author's reply

Of course, the judgment that Boromir goes through here is different from what the elves experience, and I suspect his true judgment awaits for when he (or any other mortal) goes beyond the Circles of Arda and stands before Eru. Still, Námo gives him the wherewithal to see what his actions were and why they were necessary so he can leave with a clearer conscious.

Haleth · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

This is a truly beautiful story. Namo's compassion for Boromir is what truly stands out. How often in fiction, which holds a mirror to real events, is a character forever condemned for one bad deed? He can live a life of sacrifice and valour but our perception of him will always be tainted by that one instant, even if the misdeed led to good end. You have given me something to think about. Thank-you for the story.

Author's reply

Thanks, Haleth. I appreciate your comments and what you say is true, we often condemn people for one single bad deed, ignoring all the good the person has done. I think many people feel that way towards Boromir, quite forgetting that he is a courageous warrior who cares deeply for his people and has ever striven against the Enemy. This one "bad" deed is not an occasion for condemnation but an occasion for humilty on the part of ourselves, hoping that our own "bad" deeds will be treated as favorably by the One in our own time.

Rhyselle · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I've been a member of the "Boromir is NOT Evil" club since I first read LOTR when I was ten years old, thirty-five years ago. I couldn't have put it into words why I felt that way then, but over the years, I never changed my mind about that. I loved how Lord Namo helped Boromir understand the outcomes of his actions, and how even though the individual actions and choices were Boromir's to make, that Eru Iluvatar would make good come out of them. Like other reviewers here, I admit that I had not thought about the fact that by putting on the Ring, Frodo (in the book) was protected from their enemies and given the opportunity to escape across the River. The same with the other members of the Fellowship in being scattered. Thank you for allowing me to see something new in the books that I have read on pretty much an annual basis for so many years. I'm very glad that Boromir chose to wait for Aragorn, and that he would also get to meet with his other loved ones and friends as they make their final journeys. It just seems right that he would do that. :) Thanks again for sharing your visions of the Valar and the path to the afterlife. I have truly enjoyed visiting your Arda.

Author's reply

Until I wrote this story and had people review it I never knew there was an Evil!Boromir club. I don't know if I ever considered Boromir as irredeemable, though I probably thought of him as fallen (not the same thing). I do know that I spent years contemplating this one scene and Boromir's role in it before I ever came to write about it. I'm glad you've enjoyed this story so much. I know that in writing it I was given a vision of hope that with my own bad or indifferent choices Eru will make good come out of them. Thank you for your lovely review. I really appreciate it.

MithLuin · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I must start out by saying that you are amazing, and I am in awe of your work. Because what I am about to say is a *minor* detail and complaint, and in no way reflects what I thought while reading this story. I only thought of it the next day, after the effect of the story had worn off ;). It was...unsettling...to hear Namo nearly excuse Boromir. He is, as you portray him, very loving and merciful, and I can accept that. But the one thing he can *never* do (from my point of view) is call something bad, good. Good may come of it, surely...but the action remains evil (in itself). That was his answer to Fëanor, and also Manwë. I realize you haven't really equivocated on that, it's just...in trying to convince Boromir that he *had* to fall, to fail, it seems to excuse it, in a way. Of course, I am perfectly willing to excuse Frodo for his 'failure' at the Sammath Naur, so it's not like I'm even consistent in my criticism. ;) I just can't help but feeling that an un-fallen Boromir could have acheived the same end, somehow, in helping Frodo to make up his mind. The story would have been different, surely, but maybe the Fellowship would have split earlier, and Gandalf the White would have had to stir up the Ents. I mean, there could have been another way.... So I must end by saying that your story is very thought-provoking, and certainly offers a different point of view. Namo is nothing if not the spokesman of fate. And I agree that Boromir should have died with a clear conscience, but probably did not.

Author's reply

The point, I think, is not that Námo excuses Boromir's actions so much as he helps put them into perspective. He never actually comes out and says that Boromir's actions were bad or good, only that these are the consequences which follow from the actions that Boromir chose to take. Free will enters into everything and Eru will take even our bad choices and turn them towards something good. Boromir must have indeed felt guilty about what he had done. Námo simply lets him see that guilt is a useless exercise in self-indulgence and self-pity. What many people don't seem to realize is that Boromir resisted the Ring from Rivendell all the way to Parth Galen. Look at a map of Middle-earth and that's a good distance. It is only when he crosses the ancient northern border of Gondor (the Argonath) that he succumbs. I think Eru used Boromir's 'failure' to set into motion the events that followed, hence the title of the story.

nautika · 21 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I'd been missing Boromir stories! The writer I normally get my "Boromir fix" from has sidelined him during her last 2 or 3 stories so I was really glad to fine this. Wonderfully done. Thank you for sharing.

Author's reply

Glad you were able to find this story and that you enjoyed it. Thank you.

Eilenach · 5 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

A hauntingly beautiful piece, full of great truth. That Boromir saved Merry and Pippin so that they could save others, I knew. But you made two points that I had not thought about. One was that Boromir's actions caused Frodo to be invisible when the orcs came -- the movie images tend to replace the truth of the book, where Frodo is wearing the Ring all the way down to the water. The other is that the scattering of the Fellowship when the orcs came saved most of the members of the Fellowship. "Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines" is a wonderful title. Is it your own, or is it from some other piece of literature or poetry that I am not familiar with?

Author's reply

Thanks for your review. The title comes from a favorite saying of a character from the pen of Andrew Greeley. His character, Bishop Blackie, is fond of saying that "God draws straight with crooked lines". I don't think that's actually original with him. I think it actually comes from Julian of Norwich, but I'm not entirely sure. Anyway, I've always liked the saying and merely adapted it to Middle-earth. And actually, if I recall the movie correctly, Frodo does not wear the ring all the way down to the water since Merry and Pippin see him and distract the uruk-hai so that Frodo can escape. In the book, of course, no one sees Frodo before Sam finds him, but that's a minor point.

Katharine Moores · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

That was truly lovely. Edifying, well-crafted, and enjoyable. Your tale was in full accord with Tolkien's style; never preachy, yet utterly Judeo-Christian in approach. This was the best Boromir story I have yet read, outside Tolkien. Bravo!

Author's reply

Thanks, Katherine. I hadn't expected to see another review of this story after so much time. I'm glad you found it and found it to be enjoyable. I think Boromir gets a bad rap from a lot of fanfic writers and such and felt the need to write something that showed him to be simply a human who found himself in incredible circumstances. I doubt most of us could have done half as well as he under similar circumstances. One has to remember that Boromir resisted the lure of the Ring all the way from Imladris to Parth Galen; that's an very long distance. It was only when he crossed the ancient northern border of his homeland that the Ring was finally able to take it's hold on him, but even in the end he rejected it and was saved. This story was my way of showing the reader (and Boromir) that not everything is what it seems and certainly not as clear-cut and black-and-white as we like to think. Thanks again for your review.

Cerberus Dis · 12 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I... wow. That was extremely well written. I am very impressed at your skill with words. It's so hard to find really good fanfiction out there, especially ones concerning Boromir, and this definitely falls under 'good'. Kudos to you. *bows* You are truly a talented writer.

Author's reply

Thank you. I'm very flattered and I'm glad you enjoyed the story. This particular story has been in the back of my mind for a long time, perhaps even years, but only now has it surfaced enough for me to see the details and be able to write it.

grumpy · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Great one, I very much enjoyed this tale, on Boramir's life after his death. Lots of good stuff in this one. Wonder who Boramir got to meet while waiting for Aragorn to put in a apearance.

Author's reply

I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. I certainly enjoyed writing it. As to who Boromir might have met while waiting for Aragorn: that would be an interesting tale to read, now wouldn't it? Who knows? Perhaps someday we'll hear it told....

Ainu Laire · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Wow... that was brilliant. I really loved how you portrayed Boromir's character, and I liked how you portrayed Namo as well. He's usually portrayed in a depressing manner, but here is was... right. I really liked it a lot. But yes, this was a great piece. Excellent, excellent job.

Author's reply

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you liked how Námo was portrayed. I, too, think that portraying him in a depressing manner is contrary to this Vala's true nature. No one who has stood before Eru can ever be depressing if that person has not fallen, and Náno clearly hasn't.

The Failed Poet · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Oh, that is beautiful. Boromir's characterization is wonderfully correct. You showed him as he should be, not tainted by the movie or by other works, but as Tolkien intended him to be. I feel that in my heart. Thank you for writing this.

Author's reply

Thank you for your review. I am glad that you enjoyed the story. Actually, I found Sean Bean's portrayal of Boromir to be very close to how Tolkien portrayed him: a valiant, faithful Man, who fought against the lure of the Ring for quite a long time before succumbing to it, yet able to wrest himself from its madness at the last moment. Few could have done better and I think Bean showed us Boromir's humanity quite well.

Agape4Gondor · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I wish I could state my joy at reading this as well as the other reviewers - Let it suffice to say that I appreciate anything that shows Tolkien's purpose in having Boromir 'fail.' - I am sure he sat at the table, as he wrote the scene, and beat himself up over it. But it had to be done, and what better person than Boromir - who was strong enough to fall, pick himself up and save M-E, and still be saved himself. Loved it. Now - I want more - how about when Pip comes thru! Personally, I think Denethor would be the first he saw. I would love to 'see' that reunion. For I would love to have Denethor receive forgiveness from his son. For both sons. And know that, though he too 'failed' he did what he could, gave till his last breath, for his sons and for Gondor.

Author's reply

Glad you enjoyed the story. Actually, I'm not sure if Denethor and Boromir would meet in that hall. There are I suspect many entrances into Mandos and Námo I think might want a private word or two with Denethor, assuming Denethor is able to hear them. But certainly, of all the members of the Fellowship, Frodo (and of course, Sam) would be the first to see Boromir, I think. As for Pip — well, who knows. I can only write what I 'see' or what has been given to me to see and another may be called upon to write that scene rather than I. Eru does draw straight with crooked lines you know *grin*.

Boz4PM · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Oh, this is truly wonderful. And thanks go to Nilmandra and Mumstheword for pointing it out to me. Yes, yes, I am a Boromir fangirl, but for all the reasons outlined in this beautifully written piece. You have hit the nail on the head superbly: that's IT, exactly! It HAD to be. Ai, I shall have to save this piece and fling it at the head of every person who writes 'Evil!Boromir' fic, or insists Boromir was an idiot and nasty for trying to take the Ring. It showed his humanity, his fraility - heck he lasted a HUGE amount of time before he broke, and yet even then it had to be. Had it been any other way it would have all gone horribly wrong. The Fellowship had to be broken: Frodo had to leave and try and leave alone. Many more than just him and Sam and there is no way they would have made it to Mordor. Merry and Pippin HAD to be taken so that Fangorn could be awoken and so Isengard would be taken down, Saruman felled and aid brought to Rohan, and so on and so on. It was a finely balanced thread on which they hung and Boromir had his role to play within it. I just love the idea that he received that solace from Mandos on the other side - it's a lovely idea, and you have expressed it very touchingly and movingly. Thank you for writing this. :) ~Boz~

Author's reply

Thanks Boz, I appreciate your words. I'm glad I can contribute to the downfall of the 'Evil!Boromir' party. I would like to think that Tolkien himself wept over this scene as he was writing it. Certainly, neither Frodo nor Aragorn, who knew the truth of what had happened, ever condemned Boromir or denied him their love and friendship, even after death. I think our society has forgotten how to extend such forgiveness to others and so many people are unable to extend such forgiveness even towards themselves. I hope this story helps to teach them how.

elliska · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Wow! Very well done. I love the fact in Tolkien's work that everything that happens is meant to be, as Gandalf says, so I love the ideas in this story. But I particularly love that Boromir waits for Aragorn. I truly believe the Fellowship would have done that.

Author's reply

Thank you for your review. Yes, it would be an interesing thing if, as each member of the Fellowship found it's way to this hall, that they would greet Boromir and decide to remain with him until Aragorn came. And I would like to think that the first to find Boromir there would be Frodo (and wouldn't we all like to be a fly on the wall for that meeting!).

Mum's the Word · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Thank you, thank you for this wonderful story! There's so much to love in this account, but I want to mention this: Námo looked upon this Child of Ilúvatar and smiled more deeply than before and the light in the hall seemed to brighten. He took Boromir’s head in his hands and, gazing into his eyes, whispered, “Be at peace, son of Gondor,” then gently kissed him on the forehead. An echo of the words he'd not heard as he died -- words which helped to impart life. Perfect! I also wonder, did you coin the title phrase yourself? It sounds so familiar, and of course I know it paraphrases Romans 8:28, but I wondered. And I'd like very much to use the quote sometime, and to give credit where credit is due. In any case, kudos, wreaths, ticker-tape, and brownies are your due! Thank you again for this masterful story. Blessings, Mum

Author's reply

Brownies! Yes, my favorite reward! I'm glad someone finally noticed that Námo's finals words to Boromir are the same as Aragorn's. Boromir had already fled his body and so never heard those words nor felt the king's kiss, which I liken to the "kiss of peace" found in Christian liturgies, since Aragorn is in some ways a Priest-King. As to the title: the original quote is "God draws straight with crooked lines" and I first came across it in the novels of Andrew Greeley, whose character Bishop Blackie is especially fond of saying this. As absurd (in the true sense of the word) as this phrase sounds, there is a profoundness to it that has always stayed with me. I think the truth of it can be clearly shown in Tolkien's writings, not only with regards to Boromir but with all those involved in the great struggle against evil. It is a concept we can take into our own lives and find comfort in, I think.

Linaewen · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

This tale was pointed out to me as one that any Boromir lover would appreciate -- and after reading it, I had to say how much I truly did love it. I am still weeping over it! I am a long-time lover of Boromir and a great believer in his worth as a companion and in his redemption as a Man who erred. In my own writing of him I try to bring this out as well, but you have done it more beautifully than I have ever read before. Thank you for writing a tale of the Boromir I love, that so fits what I believe his motives were and why he was so vital a member of the Fellowship. Drawing straight with crooked lines -- what a beautiful, glorious, encouraging thought! Margaret (aka Linaewen)

Author's reply

I'm glad that I was able to give you such a tale. I think it is something that needed to be said. This scene between Boromir and Námo has been in my mind for a long time (years actually) but it was only now that I had any real inclination to put it down on paper (so to speak). Perhaps the Lord of Mandos thought it was time and inspired me to write it down!? Scary thought.

Nilmandra · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

This was wonderful! There are so many wonderful truths caught up in this story! Boromir may have 'failed' yet he succeeded. Events played out exactly as they had to, and Frodo was not there when the Uruk-hai came. And we all know that without Merry and Pippin being captured, the Ents wouldn't have come and Helm's Deep would have turned out much much differently. Other powers are at work said Gandalf, and they were indeed. And I absolutely love the idea that Boromir waited there for Aragorn - that one liegeman would be waiting for him. This is some of the best blending of movieverse - admittedly one of the most powerful scenes PJ did - with the deep concepts of Tolkien, who wove providence and forgiveness and the one true God so clearly into his works.

Author's reply

Thank you Nilmandra. Blending movie-verse with book-verse is rather tricky and normally I wouldn't do it, but this scene is so powerful, as you say, that it couldn't be ignored. I think that this is what has attracted me to Tolkien's writings, that he did weave concepts of providence and forgiveness and the one true God into all his works. His linguo-philosophical writings that were published posthumously by his son Christopher have actually deepened my own understanding of these concepts and how they apply to my own life. And Boromir waiting for Aragorn seemed just right to me. I could not see him doing anything less.

Aglarendis · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Hello Fiondil! I'm sitting here absolutely awe-struck. What a beautiful, poignant, totally in canon story! I had never thought about the idea that Frodo would have been visible when the orcs attacked if Boromir had not done what he did. I hadn't thought that the others would have been together and thus less likely to survive. This now makes perfect sense. God truly does take evil and use it for good. I also had not thought about the idea that Boromir, proud, self-willed Boromir was the first one to call Aragorn king. What a poignant observation. However, my favorite aspect of the story, far and away, was your picture of my friend Namo. All I can say is yes!!! That is what I really believe Namo is like. He is not cold, uncaring, full of doom and gloom. How can he be if he comes from Eru? Thank you for giving him love, understanding, and humor. I hope all who read this story come away with a better understanding of Namo's role as well as Boromir's. What an interesting thought; Eru really does draw straight with crooked lines.

Author's reply

Wow! Someone who can actually call the Lord of Mandos a friend *grin*! I'm glad I was able to portray him in a more sympathetic light. I think the "doom-and-gloom" mode is only one aspect of this Vala's role, and not necessarily the most important one. I have long been thinking of the consequences of Boromir's "betrayal" and this is how I saw it. Many of Tolkien's (and P.J.'s) critics claim that the Professor gave us unrealistic characters that are either all good or all evil but nothing in between, like most real people are. But I think Boromir is a prime example of a "shade of grey" character, and Sean Bean does an excellent job of portraying Boromir's conflicted soul. Thank you for your wonderful review. I'm glad my story was not only entertaining but thought provoking. Author Reply: If you haven't already, you might wish to read my story "Lúthien's Gift", in which Námo is featured along with Manwë and Varda.

Eruanneth_Luin · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

Ai, Fiondil, this is a tale flowing with hope. Yes, PJ did work a wonder with that scene, but your following Boromir into the Halls was done with exquisite brush strokes. Námo came to life for me, his beauty and compassion. But more profound is the realization that, even what we see as random, unrelated event or actions, is all a integral part of the Music of Arda, and the mind of Ilúvatar far above our understanding. It was with tears I read the last lines, and I share his delight; he would await his king, with joy!

Author's reply

Thank you Eruanneth for your review. I'm glad you liked my depiction of Námo. He's very intriguing and I don't think he's portrayed very sympathetically by many writers. While Námo can be grim and unmoving when necessary, I find it hard to believe that one who has stood before the throne of Ilúvatar could be anything but joyful, unless they've fallen into Shadow, which this Vala has not. I imagine that when Aragorn finally comes into the hall and finds Boromir waiting for him, it will be a most joyous reunion, celebrated by Eru and the Valar as much as by these two Men.

Linda Hoyland · 8 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I enjoyed this very much.You clearly show how everything happened as it was meant to and Higher Powers were at work.

Author's reply

Yes, that's the whole point. Everything happens for a reason, whether we know it or, whether we even agree with the reason or not. Boromir had to learn that even "failure" can lead to something better. Glad you enjoyed the story.

Radbooks · 8 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines

I enjoyed this very, very much.

Author's reply

Glad you liked it. Thanks.

Reviews (25)