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| Reunion by Larner | 12 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/23/2006 |
| This chapter left me in tears once more, it was so sad and touching. Poor Sam. It was Rosie who helped Sam not only to get over the loss of Frodo as much as possible, but to endure his own sea-longing. Now the anchor that held him in the Shire is gone, and he feels lost, I think. And Rosie is probably right – he will need some help to find his way to Valinor. Somehow he seems so absent I am not sure he is able to make the decision alone. I suppose Sam found it so difficult to write Aragorn because he knew he had not only to tell him of Rosie’s passing, but to say farewell to him because he himself would sail West? Well, luckily Frodo-lad saw to it, at least the part about Rosie, and I am sure Aragorn knew at once what that meant. And I remember what was in the box when Aragorn and the others opened it. No wonder Sam hesitated so long. Fosco married Cyclamen? You know, that is a wonderful idea! Nice to know this little detail! Author Reply: Yes, Sam has lost his anchor and is drifing a bit, and needs a bit of wind in his sails to find his way to accepting the grace offered him and to accept it is now all right to give in to the Sea Longing at last, and to find the brother of his soul once more. I think you are entirely right regarding why it's so difficult for Sam to write Aragorn, which is perhaps why he left the short note in the stationery box and the rest of its contents to him instead. I think he also realizes his grief at the loss of Rosie is making his vision of Frodo's leaving even sadder that it perhaps was, but I can certainly understand what's motivating him now. And I truly felt that having two such unique characters as Fosco and Cyclamen both equally loving their Cousin Frodo and having an interest in the outer world, the two of them in the end would find themselves coming together. I think their marriage would be particularly blessed. So glad you approve! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/22/2006 |
| “Do you wish to see him waste away here, or follow his beloved Master at last and have that part of his heart restored to him before he goes?” That's really fascinating! Linnet uses nearly the same words with Frodo as Rosie did with Sam. There is something about the women of the Gamgee/Gardener family that makes them very special :) I can understand Frodo, though. He must feel just like Sam did when he saw his master go away. In his thoughts Frodo-lad is sometimes a little bit stubborn, even selfish, but he would never ever speak it out loud. In that respect he behaves just like his namesake did. So, Cyclamen married Fosco Baggins? I like that very much! Author Reply: After years of living in the same house as her mother-in-love, I think that Linnet would begin to understand that there was indeed a special relationship between Sam and Frodo Baggins that needs now to be restored and fulfilled before he himself accepts the gift, and that she'd do her best to help her husband accept this is so. And Frodo-lad would be certain to look for a very special lass to wed, one who, like his mother, would help him to see his way through such tangled emotions as he's feeling now. And in many ways Frodo-lad would reflect the best of his dad and his dad's best friend, I think, reflecting the natural selfishness of the feelings he's experiencing and forcing himself to rise above them. And, yes, I felt that Fosco and Cyclamen would in time come to appreciate one another sufficiently they'd marry, uniting a couple of the family relationships Frodo knew and strengthening the family ties. So glad you approve as well. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/22/2006 |
| Poor Sam. Such a difficult thing to deal with. He seems lost - in that sort of in-between things stage and affected by inertia. Mind you, a difficult letter to write to Strider. I'm glad Frodo-lad stepped in. They might have to push Sam into going. He might be too inclined just to drift at the moment. Good to see a glimpse of what became of so many characters ... Cyclamen married Fosco, then ... Author Reply: I think both Frodo and his sister Elanor would have written the King, really. But I know what you mean about the inertia, for I do think that is what Sam is indeed feeling now. How much pushing Sam needs is indicated today. And, yes, I felt that Fosco and Cyclamen would indeed find one another, as each is a special individual; and two such special folk deserve to find joy with one another. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/22/2006 |
| Oh, to have Rosie leave him on mid-summer day. So very difficult to lose someone even when it is expected, at least it was a peaceful passing for her. I can understand Sam's dilemma in writing to Aragorn, I assume it is both to tell of her passing, but mostly to say good-bye and to say how much he loves and cares for him. Those feelings are not easily put into words... Sam is fortunate to have his family around him, and yet there is still a certain amount of feeling alone in his grief as no one really knows what a spouse feels... at least I don't imagine that they do as they don't have that special bond that Sam and Rosie did. Sorry I haven't read and reviewed much lately, real life has been... difficult the last few weeks. Things are settling down somewhat and I'll just say that I'm glad that I have my writing to keep me occupied. :) Author Reply: When I first wrote of the death of Rosie I wrote it in the spring, only to find that the Tale of Years put it on Midsummer Day that year. Had to go fix that up on several different sites. But if it was on Midsummer Day and the family traditionally went to the Free Fair, wouldn't such an experience as this been likely to happen? You are certainly right about experiencing difficulty expressing the grief of her death and the grief at knowing he won't see Aragorn himself again, whether he lingers to die in Middle Earth or follows Frodo to the Lonely Isle. I know how difficult it was for my aunt when my uncle died, and spoke with my mother-in-law about what it was like to lose her husband not long before I met Tony. Then when Tony died it was an extremely difficult thing for me in ways I'd not anticipated, but easier than I'd expected in others. And I think in many ways Sam and Rosie would be closer than Tony and I were. I certainly understand about Real Life getting in the way--have had more than my share of the same, after all. But I know also that the end of the school year is approaching more rapidly than ever, and hope all goes more smoothly for you now. And we all need something to keep us sane. Certainly fanfiction has helped me through the stress of the last few years. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/21/2006 |
| Oh, poor, dear Sam! I feel like I keep repeating myself, but again, this is very real. The closest relative I've lost is my grandfather, and I remember doing or witnessing others doing and reacting just this way. The funeral, the "how are you"s and "I'm so sorry, sweetie"s not being very welcome at the time, as all I wanted to do was take it in...and *all* the food and *all* the company all the time for the solid, difficult week we were with Grandmother, and afterward too. You capture everything so perfectly--the shock subsiding and giving way to true grief, the support the very presence of dear friends and relatives brings, the meaning to set things in order and reluctance to do so, seeking out solitude amidst all the well-meaning bustle to just try to think. But I wasn't so very close to Grandfather, though of course I loved him, and I can't even imagine the magnitude of an experience like Sam's. Thirteen children...so many years...such love between them. *wipes eyes* Beautiful and poignant. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Well, I've been through it myself, and have been to more and more funerals and memorial services over the last few decades. This, unfortunately, is the way life goes. Even when you anticipate it, it still feels somewhat unreal; and for Sam it must have been totally overwhelming. Glad you find it so realistic. | |
| Elanor Silmariën | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/21/2006 |
| Oh, poor Sam! But he will be happy again when he finally is reunited with his Frodo. I hope his children will understand soon. God bless, Ellie Author Reply: His children understand, but are going through their own grief, of course. To know that Dad is going to follow Mom all too soon must have been extremely difficult for them. And, yes, once he's found Frodo again Sam will indeed know joy once more, and accept that it's all right to do so. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/21/2006 |
| he didn’t appear to be working on that letter to King Elessar or doing anything about preparing for whatever he would do next. Wow. Waiting for autumn and the birthday, are we? Impressive how you manage to catch the mood with so few words. I really like this Sam, himself, but also grown up. Loved the detail that he would turn to call to Rosie before remembering that she was no longer there. Their family is a great achievement, but no comfort for he who's not seeking it. He's loosening his ties with the Shire, it would seem, and that is something better done in silence and witout fanfare. Poignant, very well done. Author Reply: Even today, so long after my mother's death, I still find myself wanting to share certain news with her; four and a half years after my husband's death I find the same with him. Of COURSE Sam will start to automatically turn to call back to the kitchens or the nursery--and then be caught up short as he realizes that she's NOT there after all. Poor Sam! Am so glad you feel I caught the mood with an economy of words--so often I find myself waxing wordy and getting frustrated with myself. Sam is loosening his ties indeed, but it's hard to do when surrounded by family. Hope you'll appreciate the next chapter when it's posted. Thanks so for the feedback. | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/21/2006 |
| Beautiful! Rose's farewell letter was so tender. She understood very well what both Sam and their children would be going through. It is nice to see children and grandchildren of old friends here. As always, LindaHoyland's comments made me think. Sam and Arwen indeed did have much in common. A lovely, gentle tieing up of the long story you have told. Author Reply: Yes, each ending his/her life in a place not intended for the kind of each; each driven by love to do so much, then to seek one last journey not anticipated before they gave their hearts. And I think Rosie would have written a tender goodbye to her children, and would have done all she could to assure Sam he wasn't betraying her by accepting the grace to go onwards. And their children would have been all there to see her burial and do her the honor due her, and to receive that last message. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/21/2006 |
| Oh poor Sam - and to find it so hard to speak of it to Aragorn - shame that a certain ball doesn't work both ways. You are portraying this idea of mourning even before the actual loss so well. Grief is easy to anticipate. I like the way that you echo Frodo's leaving - by ship or by grave and Sam's journey helping the younger generation understand more about Frodo's decision. Lovely Larner. Author Reply: Two-way communication was SO difficult in those days--send a letter from the Shire to Minas Tirith, and you could be gone before it reached its intended recipient. And when we know we will lose something so precious as a beloved parent, we do mourn ahead of time. I know that as my mother was dying I felt that loss coming so quickly; and similarly when my husband's mother died. And, yes, this does indeed help Frodo-lad appreciate just why Uncle Frodo chose to leave when and as he did. Thanks so much for the comments, Harrowcat. Love to all there. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/20/2006 |
| Poor old Sam! Amazing that all the 13 kids grew to adulthood and they never lost a single one in childhood. But it's sad that Sam should feel so isolated even when surrounded by so many. Love Rosie's letter, very very sweet.:'( ~~~{~@ Author Reply: When there is a major loss of this sort, we do feel isolated. And the more there are around us, the harder it can be to feel as if we connect. We tend to feel lost in the crowd--too many contacts which COULD be made that aren't being made, and so we pull even further away. And it is in quietness that we find we can hear the still voice that assures us we AREN'T alone after all. I've seen one story in which Rosie-lass turned out to be deaf; and one in which Daisy had to marry. As we aren't given any death dates for any of these, however, I like to think that Sam wouldn't have had any more premature losses to those he loved so dearly. Hal and Ham and Daisy may well have gone on by now, for he is after all 102 and they were much older. But now mortality is beginning to catch up with Samwise Gamgee, and he'd best get a move on if he wants to see Frodo on this side of death. | |