Galadriel Gardner
· 15 March 2023
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
Hello, Henna, I have no idea if, after all this time, this review will find you, but I want you to know how very, very much I enjoyed this story and its prequel. I recall reading several chapters of "Anchored" very early on, maybe in 2004, when I was a young teenager myself, newly come to LOTR and thrilled to find fanfiction stories that let me spend even more time with these beloved characters, especially the Hobbits I loved most. I've recently returned and am making an effort to clean up the mess of my own early writing, and in searching for something to read, I was surprised and delighted to rediscover your work. I still remembered losing myself in those chapters for hours at a time, and I was so excited to see that both "Adrift" and "Anchored" are now complete. I happily dove in and have been engrossed for two days.
Your writing voice has a lovely cadence and charm that reminds me of some of my own favorite classic novels and literary works outside of Tolkien and fanfiction. Your characterizations of our five best-known Hobbits are endearing as well as, I feel, canonically accurate. I particularly admire those of Bilbo and Frodo as especially well done, but they all shine. The shaping of young Frodo as you present it here is very believable to me. Although there are many authors who have tackled this and many versions I love for different reasons and elements, yours has become a fast favorite.
I admire your deft, tactful but compassionate handling of the dynamic of gentry vs working class in the Shire. Some choose to ignore this entirely, while others make it a huge obstacle to any friendly interactions between characters, particularly the Bagginses and the Gamgees. I feel that this story very neatly walks the middle ground and is quite believable.
At the beginning of this story, I found Otho, Lotho, and Lobelia very shallow. I wasn't unduly bothered by this. They are small people in every sense of the word. But as the story went on, their deeper layers and macanations were revealed in subtle ways which grew as Frodo did, culmanating in that wonderful, powerful exchange between Frodo and Lotho when Lotho finally admitted that he simply wanted to be liked and did not know how it could be accomplished. The foreshadowing of what Lotho would later take part in was brilliant, and I was left pitying him instead of disliking him.
The way you explored Frodo's relationship with Bilbo and with the fragmented, buried memories of his parents impressed me deeply and shook me also — and that's intended as praise. I have some deep personal experience of complicated relationships (who can go through life without gaining some of that?) and with burying memories and then fearing their ghosts too much to lay them, only to discover that facing them head on is the only way to life on the other side. You captured this experience so very well.
I laughed through so much of this story, at the antics of the young Hobbits and their funny misadventures and sweet innocence. I also shed tears, especially during the final chapters. The floodgates really opened at the discovery of the spool of thread and more or less didn't close again until the very end. I'm sad that I've finished reading, but so happy that I could finally finish this story, which I never forgot. Thank you for a true gem and for sharing your talent for warm, witty, and wise taletelling with the wider world.
~GG
PSW
· 5 January 2016
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
This was just fantastic! I so enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks so much for all the time you've out into this ... :-)
whisperer
· 30 March 2013
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
why dear.. it's such an honor to love your stories. i've completed this without leaving my phone. really like it. wishing for update soon on aweigh series.
Imladris
· 25 December 2012
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
All good things take time - don't be embarrassed that this story took as long as it did; you wrote it with great care and attention, and that can't be hurried. You may have finished it in 2008, but in 2012 it's still bringing joy to readers.
I really love this series. Your take on the parts of Frodo's life we didn't see in LotR is both a delight to read, and very well-thought out. All of it is plausible, which is a great strength for the story - it flows along as if it's Tolkien's own notes. I love your exploration of the relationship between Bilbo and Frodo, and his growing connections with those around him - all of the Gamgee's especially. You've set him on a totally believable path to grow into the character we all know and love, by giving him - and those around him - a rich history that's been considered with real care and attention.
Just fantastic.
Bakoneko
· 2 May 2009
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
Well, I finally came and caught up on the last several chapters of this story. Actually, I started back again at the beginning and reread Adrift and then Anchored. Such a beautiful saga! I love the rich history you've given Frodo and Bilbo, and Frodo with Sam and Frodo with Merry and Pippin. I love the whole Gamgee family. I even love the Sackville-Bagginses!--well, love to hate them at any rate. =)
Thank you for sharing these beautiful stories with us! I'll be watching and hoping you do decide to write a third part!
Kara's Aunty
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
Hello Obelia (Medusa),
well, that's it all over, the last chapter read and Frodo and Bilbo's reunion made - only to have him now leave his beloved nephew.
This was a very good exploration of their time together between adoption and Bilbo's departure. They both grew so much emotionally and are the better for having each other.
I see Lobelia did give the Ring back without too much of a fight (shows what I know). How sweet of Bilbo to leave it for Frodo's protection although he could have left a note to warn him to keep it out of the S-B's reach. But, he is old (even if he doesn't look it) and no doubt he thought he was doing the right thing. I'm glad he got it back though - my nerves couldn't have handled Lobelia having the Ring much longer!
I have very much enjoyed this tale of the Baggins boys and look forward to a sequel if you write one.
All the best,
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 55: A Friend In Need
Hello there,
Oh dear! Lobelia with the Ring. It seems odd that Bilbo would leave it behind and makes me uncomfortable to think of her with it. I hope Frodo got it back before he left because I don't see her surrendering it willingly to Bilbo when he comes back.
On to the last 6 chapters.
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 50: Passing the Time
Hello again,
this was a fine set of chapters! Quibbles & Dwarves & adventures. The image of Frodo dangling out the back window and then being caught in the holly bushes (despite his best efforts to slip away unnoticed) by the Gaffer was very funny.
I do hope Bilbo comes home soon - I've a feeling that Lotho started the fire to destroy Bilbo's will and try to usurp his home while he's gone - which would be typical S-B behaviour. No wonder Lobelia was all sweetness and light to Frodo in public, trying to divert suspicion before it's even cast...
On to the next 5 chapters.
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
Hello again,
I'm glad that Frodo has seen some sense and finally talked with Bilbo. What a darling lad he is to bring together Poppy and her sweetheart. But then, he seems to be showing a real matchmaking streak of late, what with assisting Halfred Gamgee out too.
I felt sorry for him him being accosted by Lobelia and kissed (yeuch) by her. A traumatic experience indeed.
Now I'm off to find out what her disgraceful spawn said to upset wee Merry...
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 40: Mushrooms
Hello Obelia (Medusa),
These chapters were very good and quite sad. It was nice to see Frodo reunited with Merry & Pippin - and very sweet that he remembered Poppy - but how sad that Branddy Hall is otherwise filled with narrow-minded hobbits who like nothing better than to gossip at the expense of civility and common decency.
Poor Frodo having to deal with such unpleasant people and painful reminders of his parents' demise. I hope he finds something to cheer himself up soon!
On to the next 5 chapters.
Maaureen :)
Hello again,
Oh how wonderful to have several chapters of Gandalf. What a lovely way for Frodo to get to know him, travelling on his very first 'adventure.' A pity Sam couldn't go too.
Faramond was a great OC and what an unexpected surprise to see Strider pop up!
This is a hugely enjoyable fic. I'm hoping Sam will appear again soon (but that's doubtful if Frodo and Bilbo are at Brandy Hall).
Still, at least there's Merry and Pippin to look forward to!
A few more chapters and then off to bed for me.
Goodnight!
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 30: A Rampaging Oliphaunt
Hello Obelia (Medusa),
Gandalf is here! I know I should comment on the other 4 chapters first, but I'm so thrilled to see Gandalf!! And my wee Sam introducing himself to a Wizard by falling on his cart! An old Man trying to steal him...so funny! Well done to Frodo for taming what must surely have felt like a great wild beast. What a brave lad - but then, we knew that about him already.
I could have cheerfully throttled that old codger Largo Bracegirdle for swindling the Gaffer. What a nasty piece of work he is. It was quite sad to see Hamson depart Hobbiton, but at least Sam got to learn his letters out of it - although the mere thought of that blustering conman Largo makes me want to screech (which means you portrayed him exceedingly well...)
On to the next 5...
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 25: Lessons in Loyalty
Hello Obelia Medusa,
I'm glad to see that Frodo has now recovered. The dream scene with his mother was very touching, poor wee thing!
Building a grand Mannish Fort was a good bonding experience for all the Hobbit children - and a clever way to unite the different 'stations' of hobbits. Pity Fatty was so narrow-minded. Still, it's difficult to react differently when one has been taught to behave in a certain manner. He's like the opposite of Sam: gentile yet ignorant.
Ah, Lotho, Lotho, Lotho. Tut, tut, tut. You just can't keep a bad boy down for long. I hope he gets his just rewards soon - although, knowing his future it probably won't do too much good.
You've got to love every last one of those Gamgees!
Good story. On to the next set of chapters (You're probably wondering why I read 5 at a time. I would review each chapter, but I didn't realise there would be so many, so I'll read 5, then review).
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 20: Dr. Hornblower
Hello there,
So all the cousins have departed and Bag End is recovering from the Slime Monster of Tuckborough. It will no doubt be a cleaner place without the wee scamp. Just wait 'til he's old enough to do some real damage...
What a touching way to seek forgiveness, giving Frodo wild flowers. And a very imaginative custom to have Frodo hang them in the highest place of honour to show he granted it. A very sweet custom!
Poor Frodo, being so ill with fever! I'm glad Bilbo and Bell will tend him. I thought the idea of the crusty old Gaffer bathing the fevered child was so endearing. He's just a pussycat, really!
I think you originally hail from across the Atlantic - is that an accurate assumption? It's difficult to tell at times because you use Brit spellings and vernacular quite a lot, which is a Herculean effort if you don't hail from the UK, so brilliantly done! It's hard enough sometimes juggling a plot & dialogue without worrying about what words and terms may be used in a different English-speaking country. Of course, maybe you hail from this side of the pond and I've just been imagining things (which wouldn't be the first time).
But if I may just say that 'trash' and 'Momma' look a bit odd in a Shire setting? Perhaps 'rubbish' and 'Mummy' (or Mum/Mother - I've no idea how a gentrified child would refer to his Mum, but something along those lines) These are the only really odd things I've seen though. Everything else is terrifically done!
On to the next 5 chapters...
Maureen :)
Kara's Aunty
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 15: Applesauce
Hello again,
how good to see the S-B's get their come-uppance. Bilbo is dangerous hobbit to annoy and if they didn't know that before, they certainly know it now!
I loved the Frodomir/Samomir gmae! And the title of chapter 13 was an extremely clever play on words. So nice to see the beginnings of the Famous Four - and how very Pippin to think with his stomach even at such an early age!
What a delighful way to ge his 'pet' name!
On to the next 5 chapters...
M :)
Kara's Aunty
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 10: Second Day of Yule
Hello Obelia Medusa,
Oh that nast Lotho and Ted! I'd like to get my hands on them. Just like bullies to corner their prey unguarded and set in for the attack. Cowards, both of them.
But thank goodness for the Gamgees and dear Bilbo. I can't wait to read Bilbo giving all the S-B's a piece of his mind.
And I had to laugh at lovestruck Daisy managing to wiggle her way into Bag End, despite Frodo's wishes...
M :)
Hello Obelia Medusa,
what a lovely story so far. I've just finished reading 'Nothing o9f Note' by Primsong and was in the mood for more newly-adopted Frodo stories when I caught sight of this.
Frodo's introduction to Sam was very sweet and I could imagine his flaming red cheeks after the encounter with Daisy. And those horrible S-B's! Well, they got what they deserved when Bilbo cut them out of his will.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this, so I'll get on with that now.
M :)
nancylea57
· 12 September 2008
· Chapter 3: A Gamgee Interlude
we have been discussing sugar all through the paragraph and last line turns us to flour; me personally both are white poison, others?????
GamgeeFest
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
What a perfect ending to this dear story! I do enjoy the fact that it was Frodo who urged Bilbo to leave and told him how to go about doing it, and that the party was just as much Frodo’s idea as Bilbo’s. Sam’s offer of assistance to Frodo was endearing and just so Sam. You did a marvelous job with this, and if you do write the third part, I’ll be happy to read it, even if it takes another five years. :)
Bakoneko
· 11 May 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
I have really loved this whole story, and the previous one. Thank you for sharing them with us! Your characterizations and relationships ring absolutely true - I feel like I'm seeing what really happened before the books began. I'll be crossing my fingers that you do write a third, but even if you don't, I'll be watching for more of your stories in the future!
Breon Briarwood
· 6 May 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
This was absolutely amazing! *standing-O* I can't tell you how excited I was every time I saw a notice for an update in my inbox.
I just adore young Frodo tales. Seeing how he became the kind of hobbit who would sacrifice everything for his home and family, and how the fierce loyalty between him and Sam evolved... *emotional sigh* You've made me cry so many times along the way.
Your writing is superb, dear! (I know I haven't said that nearly enough.) I do hope you continue with the third part. I will be here to read no matter how long it takes.
Larner
· 6 May 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
At least Frodo has found his peace with Bilbo's love of the outer world.
A nice finish.
shirebound
· 5 May 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
A brilliant chapter. What a seamless blend of canon and Obelia! And I'm so very proud of you for finishing this complex and fascinating tale. What an achievement!
Dreamflower
· 5 May 2008
· Chapter 61: Aweigh
Oh, Obelia! What a perfect ending! You know, I don't believe I've *ever* read an interpretation of things in which Bilbo's leaving was *Frodo's* idea, but the way that you put it makes it seem perfectly plausible!
I'm kind of sorry to come to the end here--I hope maybe you will write more--about the time now between Bilbo's leaving and Frodo's. I'd *love* to see *your* unique take on the Conspiracy!
GamgeeFest
· 4 February 2008
· Chapter 60: Burying the Past
What a lovely montage of scenes showing Bilbo’s and Frodo’s growing closeness and sentiments for each other. I’m glad beyond words that Frodo has finally seen his way to the truth: that they both need each other in their lives and that Bilbo, far from being free to do as he pleases with him gone, has been living in regret since their parting.
Epilogue? So I take it the story is nearly over? It’s been a long ride as you say, but I was glad to be along for the journey.