Reviews (249)

FantasyFan · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 58: Nearly the Last Pause

"...but listen to the last few chapters before you offer an opinion." Oh, that's hard! I love to speculate and guess what direction you're going in (although I'm wrong probably more than I'm right.) Right now, I'm guessing Fatty finishes the writing, and the fact that the handwriting changes tells a story of Frodo's deterioration, that he could not pen the end of the tale up to the last days before leaving. Also in the realm of speculation, I read an intersting discourse in the Reading Room of TORn today on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as it could have applied to Frodo. Again, pure speculation as to its applicability to Frodo, your interpretation of the 'darkness' the hobbits must fight, or to the direction of this story, but if you're interested, the URL for that post is http://www.theonering.net/rumour_mill/rpg/viewer/readingroom/3FA6554000016F2A.html The current chapter discussion is about 'Many Partings' but I'm sure the subject will come up again when we get to the Havens, and I'll be interested to see if the people there feel the same frustration as you do about Frodo's deterioration seeming too sudden.

Anonymous · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 57: Changes and Plans

LOL! ‘Now remember, cousin, “travelling” has two Ls in it; remember that and you’ll go far.’ and waggons has two Gs, and Shirriffs has a lot of Is and Rs and Fs. There are a lot of varriants in my spell checker now, and I have to be very carefull of those creative spellings not to use them in the wrrong contextses! So Frodo has finished writing of his path, and has come through it fairly well. I had always had the suspicion that reliving his own memories increased the mental torment rather than releasing it, but you're not writing it that way. Although his insistance on not grieving Merry and Pippin by making them remember hints that his own efforts may have been somewhat painful. No more additions to the red book, until he's heard it all again from Merry and Pippin's perspective. I'm sure he's heard the outlines of their stories, but many of the details may be new to him. We've left the theme of writing, or not writing, the details of the story for quite a few chapters. It comes back in a bit in Sam and Freddy's words, ’It has not been easy, Mr Freddy,’ Sam said, ‘but I think it’s been needful. This story oughtn’t be forgotten, you know. It’ll be one of the Great Tales one day, and we who lived it are the only ones to make sure the facts are set down right and proper.’ ’You see, cousin?’ Freddy said meaningfully. ‘Sam here lived through the worst I can imagine, as did you, and yet he thinks it worth writing down, as you must or why would you have put all this work in? Freddy seems to think that the story is worth recording, although he says nothing of who might read it. Frodo had asked him once to tell him if he thought the details were too horrible for the ears of hobbits, and now Freddy's read the worst of what happened to Frodo and Sam. I'll be curious to see how much he tells his father in the coach, if you're showing that scene. The question is bound to come up again when Frodo asks Merry to recount his capture by the Uruk-hai, the horror of the Witch-King and the death and blood of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. I'm sure it's an argument that's not resolved yet.

FantasyFan · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 56: Thoughts of the Future

Freddy really is a smart cookie. He's figured out the anniversary problem, and he gets Frodo to talk about it, which is a real skill. He's also make a very clever plan to test living in Bridgefield. I guess I can understand him wanting to get on with his life the best he can, but I wish he'd stay and look after Frodo. All in all a cheerful chapter, and "the Baggenses of Bag End" has a nice ring to it, but there's only one, more's the pity, and soon there will be none, just 'The Gardeners of the Hill."

Tim the Enchanter · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 58: Nearly the Last Pause

Someone else finished the story - I suspect Freddy or Estella. I love the subtext to the 'reading' scenes, poor Sam is finding himself torn in two again. To go to Frodo means leaving behind his family. And he really ought to take a copy of the completed red book with him, writers love to see their finished products.

Tim the Enchanter · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 57: Changes and Plans

Freddy makes a good beta!

Tim the Enchanter · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 57: Changes and Plans

Freddy makes a good beta!

katakanadian · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 57: Changes and Plans

That was a very nice tribute to betas. You make it so easy for people by writing so well in the first place.

Hai · 31 October 2003 · Chapter 56: Thoughts of the Future

You wrote wonderfully about how Frodo was feeling during his bad spells! I was glad to see that he was able to taste the food and all once the time was over. I don't remember exactly when he gets bad enough to leave th Shire but hopefully that is still a ways off. I hope Freddy will be able to go back to be at least near his family and that he can cope with it! Looking forward to more, thank you!

FantasyFan · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 54: 'A Shadow of Old Troubles'

I forgot - I was going to complain that Freddy asked for a pencil. It seemed anachronistic, but I looked up the origin of pencils and found out they were in use in England since 1564 and mass produced since 1662, essentially in the same form as we have them now. So it isn't too odd to have pencils (along with Umbrellas) in Tolkien's Shire, a sort of 1800's setting. Now 1100s-era Rohan, they might not have had pencils there. It still sounds a little strange (though the crunchy pencil joke is funny) but I guess I can't really complain.

FantasyFan · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 55: Echoes out of the Past

You know, I'm just not patient enough. Now that we see the day from Frodo's point of view, it's quite a different picture. Maybe his shoulder did hurt when he caught Rosie on his lap, and in the concern for Rosie and the excitement over the news, he was able to conceal it so that Freddy and Sam don't remark on it. In this chapter, it sounds like he's been fighting against the darkness for a good while. In Jewels, he tells Merry he's always got to fight it, with light and love and laughter. In what we've seen so far of a normal day at Bag End, Frodo does spend a fair amount of time immersing himself in the ordinary joys of the garden with Sam and the kitchen with Rosie. But he also spends a lot of time alone, in the study or on the roads, and today at least, he spends that time enduring rather than fighting. Is it like that all the time? If that's the case, he's much worse off than we'd been led to believe from all the witty repartee in the previous chapters. How can he give such good advice to Merry, and not take it himself? Yes, he doesn't want to burden those he loves. But to ask for help, when you need it, is also a loving act when the alternative is self-destructive. (do you know how many years it took me to learn that?) Freddy's so sharp, he sees some of it when Frodo's too tired to hide it all, but Freddy may not be strong enough himself yet to see through all Frodo's evasions, or to do anything about it. Somehow, I wish Frodo hadn't been quite so successful in the previous chapter, and I'd had just a hint of how he was really feeling (or even something ambiguous, that I could find after reading this) whether or not any of the others notices it. It is rather an abrupt shift between the two chapters, although perhaps that is exactly what you intended, that we readers be as clueless as Sam.

FantasyFan · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 54: 'A Shadow of Old Troubles'

Ah, scenes of domestic bliss, and Elanor soon to make her presence felt. Freddy is very sharp, and it must be quite a relief to him to hear the truth, that there is medication in the tea which can make him feel better. You know, if it hadn't been for his illness, he might have been elected Mayor instead of Sam. I think people would have remembered his heroism as the Rebel, and his carefully cultivated reputation as a wastrel would not have been held against him. Certainly a gentlehobbit like Mr. Freddy would have been much more suitable than Sam the Gardener. Just a thought that came to me. October the 6th has come, and I thought more might be made of it. Last year, Frodo's shoulder pained him and he was uneasy all day. In March, he was catatonic for 24 hours. I thought he might be sicker this October, instead of just lost in himself in the evening. At the least, catching Rose as she fell should have given him a pang in the bad shoulder: instead he seems very much himself at the noontide meal. However, the secene in the study is properly spooky, and as usual you have woven the words of canon into your story very well. (On the second reading, I caught the 'vague anxiety about his master' phrase.) Of course, I don't know what you've got planned for the winter months, but he's got less than a year now to get to the point where he can't stay in the Shire, and I was expecting more build up toward that in the October illness. Silly of me, that expecting thing, isn't it, since you're writing a story I never could, and your plots haven't disappointed me yet. I imagine it's more anxiety-producing to be writing during the time actually referenced in the books, rather than the spinning of pure speculation you can do 15 years later.

Tim the Enchanter · 29 October 2003 · Chapter 54: 'A Shadow of Old Troubles'

Poor Frodo... and very observant Freddy to guess right away what was the matter with Rose. Males usually are somewhat oblivious to such things unless they are already in the know.

????? · 29 October 2003 · Chapter 54: 'A Shadow of Old Troubles'

Um, you've got two Chapter 53's.

FantasyFan · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 53: Lease on Life

Re: the previous chapter: Raven says she hopes Pippin does put a frog in Merry's bed. Would serve him right. Freddy is really a charismatic character. Despite the fact that he's performing for his parents, he does seem to have settled in to Bag End and is enjoying hosting his guests from the grand Smial. I imagine Bag End is every bit as luxurious as Budge Hall, if not more so, and the service can't be faulted even by the Bolgers, used to many servants. Freddy's wit seems to have lost the sharp edge of his youth: less biting, but ever so gently charming. I like him. And yet, it seems Freddy has nearly talked himself into an early grave. Anyone with a chronic health condition can feel discouraged at a lack of progress, but in this case Freddy has real reason to think he will never improve. There's got to be a balance between physical and mental healing here. Frodo has taught Merry to fight the darkness, and Freddy has the idea, but he's coming up against the same type of thing Frodo has to deal with - a physical wound that does not heal. Fortunately for Freddy, he has a chance with medication, rest and exercise (but nobody's yet found a antidote for the witch king, curse him.) I wonder if Freddy's previous weight has contributed to his heart disease. Hobbits seem to carry a few extra pounds without too much trouble, but I always wondered how much it affected Merry's father, for instance. Odo has nixed the idea of Freddy marrying, at least for now, so Frodo thinks the next best thing to keep him occupied is beta-reading his story. Frodo really needs to get out more. (LOL) Speaking of Frodo, I haven't caught any hints yet of the health condition you mentioned. As is fairly appropriate to this time of the story, at least judging by Jewels, he seems relatively healthy and happy. I'm curious to see what you've cooked up for him. As an aside, I am familiar with Hospice, which is an excellent program. My father-in-law was under hospice care for almost exactly six months before he died, and their help was invaluable to us while we cared for him. Much more often, however, I have heard of a person living only a few days or a week after hospice is finally called in. We have such a fear of death in our culture, and the medical profession is not exempt from it, that it sometimes blinds us to the compassion that is possible and welcome in end-of-life times. And by the way, I do get your second replies as separate e-mails. What is nice about the reply feature is that it always quotes my review so that I am oriented to what you are replying to (very necessary with your frequent chapter updates).

FantasyFan · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 52: 'When the Leaves are Gold'

The first paragraph is a lovely echo of the lines from The Grey Havens chapter, both in the description of early autumn, when Frodo's restless thoughts turn to travel, and in echo of Sam's words to him before their last journey. Right away, I'm looking for Bilbo and the Elves, though I know it's too early, as later Frodo is shown to be doing. Is there something else, at the end, that he can't quite remember? Why is Frodo troubled, and why can't he leave for long? Is Freddy really that poorly, or is Frodo unsure of himself? It's ambiguous, especially with Sam's remark in the previous pause that Pippin refused to see the failing. The mystery of a remark like that is what keeps me interested. You did manage to keep Merry and Estella apart for the wedding. So, Merry's perceptions of her can stay firmly fixed on the farm lass and prankster of the past for a few more years. And Pippin thinks the hobbit that marries Estella will be lucky, while Merry couldn't care less. My how things change. Frodo ought to hang out with his cousins more often, to get a free meal and some of the accolades shown the Travellers in the Green Hill country. That was sweet to see. Hope Otho's share of Frodo's inheritance was large, if every inn in the Shire is to be rebuilt! They should be coming to the fork in the road soon, where Merry and Pippin will turn towards Buckland, and Frodo towards Hobbiton. It makes me nervous for Frodo to be out there alone. (I'm just too protective of him. He'd laugh at me for sure.) By the way, it was Raven who caught the duplicate chapter numbers. 13-year-olds are good at that, while old eyes like mine would never have seen it, even though I recognized that the chapter totals plus prologue and notes didn't add up properly.

FantasyFan · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 51: 'No Time Like the Present'

Frodo seems as healthy and happy here as could be, with Sam and Rosie to take care of him and keep him busy and distracted from spending too much time withdrawn into his memories. It's precious to imagine him rolling out piecrust and digging worms out of the garden, even if he's probably reading on the riverbank rather than fishing. But he's hardly a proper hobbit at all, refusing first breakfast, skipping elevenses, and seldom touching his tea or supper. Why, he hardly eats any more than a Man! Sam's talk with Tom accomplished two things at once. It told how he finally made up his mind, but it also moved Tom off center. I just love weddings! Sam's explanation of how Merry's teasing stopped him from speaking to Rosie, and how his accident spurred him on, was very satisfying to me from the standpoint of wanting to know the why of things. I liked Tom saying that Sam waws slow to speak, but worth waiting for. I suppose Rosie feels the same way too. Sam's advice is entirely appropriate, but you'd think that his hobbit-sense would have made him aware of the uncertainties of life long before. He's probably as serious here as I've ever heard Sam. I almost expect one of the Gaffer's sayings, maybe that one about the job's longest that's never started, or you could probably think of something equally witty and pithy, but more appropriate. Paladin makes me so mad I want to spit. He's sounding out Odo about Freddy for one of his daughters, but as soon as Odo speaks of the inheritance, his nose for money fastens on Rudi. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like Paladin would marry his daughter to an evil hobbit just for money, and Rudi is a fine hobbit. And way back in chapter 40, Freddy says that Uncle Rudi has his eye on a youngish Took - if he meant Nell, which from Rudi's glances at Nell and Ferdi might be true, then there's the advantage of affection in at least one direction - something to build on, and Rudi will try to please her. I also understand the custom of arranged marriages among the great houses, and Nell will be happy with Rudi, even if they don't share the same kind of love that later on, with Ferdi, will inspire an elf to choose mortality. But Paladin's preditory thoughts of control of the Quarry and the mines and the gold, that turns my stomach. The height of irony is that Rudi does not live a tremendously long time. No date of death is given for Fatty, but he certainly will live long enough to give his blessing to Ferdi and Nell later. Of course, the other thing that angers me is Paladin's cavalier dismissal of Ferdi, despite all he's done, as a no-account with a questionable background and no prospects. GRrrrrrrr! He's never been one to take anyone's feelings into account, from his family down to the servants. Nice contrast, placing the two very different weddings on the same day. One poor in goods but rich in love, the other just the opposite. Interesting that you would make Freddy and Frodo choose which one to attend, and that they choose the opposite of what I would have first thought. Frodo, who normally has more disdain for propriety than Freddy, attends to the obligatory invitation of the Thain. Freddy, who is closer in blood ties, avoids the Smials and celebrates with the Cottons and Gamgees. Now Frodo's choice I think I understand. It won't hurt Tom and Mari if he keeps to his place with the gentlehobbits in Tookland, and he needs to appease Paladin whenever he can for Pippin's sake. Freddy's choice, though is more worrisome. I don't understand why he won't go, and if the truth is that he's still tired and weak, that's not good either. I just feel safer when Frodo's taking care of him.

Hai · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 52: 'When the Leaves are Gold'

Looks like things aren't going too good for Freddy! I like how you have described life at Bag End! Frodo always asking questions and helping Rose and Sam with any chores they need to do. What a wonderful hobbit! Good for Rose to make sure he is eating as well! Looking forward to more, thank you!

Tim the Enchanter · 27 October 2003 · Chapter 15: Another Pause

I suspect Sam is about to go to the Grey Havens and finding the choice harder than he thought.

Tim the Enchanter · 27 October 2003 · Chapter 51: 'No Time Like the Present'

I love how you have contrasted the two weddings - the one of love and the one of arrangement. Poor Pimpernel and Ferdi - if I was Nel I'd have moved to Bree.

Anonymous · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 49: 'As Long as Life Shall Last'

Oooh, so much has happened in my absence! I beg your pardon ahead of time, since I intend to cram comments on several chapters into one review. Prepare for a choppy, bouncy string of thoughts! I just found 'Jewels'and skimmed over the beginning chapters before coming here (they tug at the heart, they do!). So it was timely and fascinating to witness Merry's dark anniversary "firsthand", then be able to see it from the perspective of the Cotton family, several minutes and a few clicks later. Like Pippin, I never thought I'd say this, but--I was sad to see Lobelia leave us. What a colorful character! I think part of her charm towards the end, was that she tried to maintain her old gruff, stern appearance even though there was an obvious change of heart. Sam and Rosie are Mr. and Mrs. Gamgee...finally!! It was so sweet, the vows especially, done nicely. I whole-heartedly tackle Yuletide traditions and such, but I'm still daunted by hobbit weddings! By the by, I couldn't imagine it being held anywhere BUT the mallorn tree! Oh and leave it to Merry to keep the party lively *shakes head fondly*...there's a certain madness that runs in Fallohide veins, what can I say? *grins mischieviously* Malva Brandybuck

FantasyFan · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 50: Tiny, but not Insignificant Pause

"I never tire of hearing the story." What a truth that is! There's something about this world, about these characters and their story, that just sinks into your heart and grows there. And there's always something new to find, both in the original novels and stories like yours. I'm with Elanor. Sam still carries a burden, all these years, that he couldn't do enough to make Frodo well, and maybe a little guilt over the happiness he gained while Frodo could not. He wishes - for everything sad to become untrue, I guess. He knows he's going to the Havens to join Frodo, but I don't hear any anticipation in his voice yet. Does he not hope that he will see Frodo again, and that he will be healed and happy? Is he not a little bit excited, even though he still grieves for the parting from Rose, and the parting still to come from Elanor and the rest? Elanor I'm sure must suspect the truth: if she acknowledges it to him, will it give him permission not to be torn in two? (By the way, do you know you have two chapters labelled 42?)

FantasyFan · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 49: 'As Long as Life Shall Last'

A wedding is a bittersweet thing. There's an element of loss amidst the joy of future hopes, even in the most anticipated wedding. Everyone knows Sam and Rose are perfect for each other, but thoughts of the difficult road to this day still intrude. And mothers always cry when their babies leave for the last time. This wedding is bittersweet especially for Frodo, it seems. He's let himself dream about the future, but he's beginning to realize he'll never stand under the mallorn next to a lass of his own, and the only time he'll say the traditional vows is for Sam and Rosie to repeat after him. With Freddy, I wonder what's on Frodo's mind. Is he already thinking about leaving, or does he still hold the hope of a quiet life at Bag End? Merry's been very ill, and he's still too weak to walk a mile to the wedding, but he does sing in the waggon, and by the end of the evening he's dancing on the table. It's a minor quibble, but it seems a bit abrupt. I would have to go back to the relevant chapter in Jewels, but is there any mention there of lingering illness? I had got the feeling there that he was completely normal by May 1. The last paragraph is all sweet. Hobbits and food again - lovely to start their life together with a picnic.

FantasyFan · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 48: Lobelia's Bequest

Lobelia was over a hundred, but when Frodo visited her she was still plenty lively. Yet it seemed she had more than a touch of the trouble Freddy had eating, and the reason (at least the one she gave Frodo) for not wanting Bag End is that she feared Saruman's curse would affect her if she went home, as it did Freddy. Do you attribute her death simply to old age, and the physical stress of her incarceration, or to grief over Lotho's death, or to Saruman? From what Freddy implies, she knew she would die and she wanted Freddy there as a surrogate for her son. It's background, but I'm curious. I'm also curious to hear of the proposal from Sam's point of view, specifically the why of the timing, and how much Merry's accident and request had to do with it. The idea that he waited to ask Rosie purely because his other tasks (planting and settling Mr. Frodo back into Bag End) were not completed has always seemed a little strange, and you have so nicely set up the little conflict between Merry and Sam over it, I'd like to see it resolved. Neither one of these little curiosities of mine requires a whole chapter of explanantion - a sentence or two between Sam and Merry at the wedding, or between Freddy and Frodo over breakfast would satisfy. I always want to know the why of things, and what people are thinking.

Hai · 24 October 2003 · Chapter 48: Lobelia's Bequest

Sweet Lobelia leaving everything to Frodo to help those left poor after the troubles! Merry and Pippin staying with Frodo for a while, eh? SO glad that Rosie and Sam are now engaged! are you going to write out their wedding? I guess you did in your other stories but still love to hear about it. When does Estella find out who she is engaged to? I hope her friendship with Marigold and Rose doesn't go too far apart. Loved it! Looking forward to more! Thank you!

Citrine · 24 October 2003 · Chapter 48: Lobelia's Bequest

Another excellent chapter, Lindelea, but of course, *all* of your chapters are good. Actually, this review isn't so much to gush over your story (though how richly it deserves to be gushed over!) but to thank you for your review of my story A Far Green Country. I would like to take this opportunity not only to thank you, but to tell you how very much I have enjoyed all of your stories, and what a great pleasure they have been to read (and reread!) Excellent pacing, well-written dialogues, deep love for the characters that shines right through, compelling stories that leave you on the edge of your seat-it just doesn't get any better than that! It has been a privilege to read your work.