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| Trials and Tribulation by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
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| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/29/2008 |
| Ah, no! Sorry... I was going to say: And on another note, I don't know the correct way to say this, but now that I know some of the facts, I'm impressed with the way you take something like Down's out of our own current world, and transplant it right into the Shire, and while there are undoubtedly Hobbits with tendencies toward bullying and meanness just as there are men, the sad trail of petty (and definitely not so petty) nastiness that seems to have followed it through our own history falls away. I love that. You make it look soooo easy, too...But that's probably my own perception, as of now very biased, I'll admit, by a truly nerve-racking character-development experience. I didn't find it amusing the first time, but now I find myself laughing at the Broadloam males' "cleverness." Maybe it's not funny, but it has to be admitted they're experts. *grins* And I love the way you describe the clock in the beginning! Brilliant. You have me hearing my grandparents' grumpy old clock they used to keep wound. God bless, Galadriel P.S. Where is that other Tribbals story--I can't remember the title, but it had something to do with her trying to make/do something exactly as Frodo had. I want to say it had to do with hearts, but I have a feeling that was in a review or a reply... Author Reply: Thanks for the note, my Lady. I have one client who has Down syndrome who owns her own house, and another who is very self-sufficient in almost everything. Both are true kicks to be around. I've had students with the condition, also, of course, ranging from the profoundly retarded to the very, very capable. Some characters appear to come to us fully formed, and some develop over time, I've found; and a couple I'd thought would be very nice have turned out right nasty, such as Vorondil in "The King's Commission." Often in smaller communities disabled folks have a better chance to prove themselves, as eventually something will happen to show of their more important abilities and suddenly they can become important. However, they can also fade into insignificance, it seems. If it became known that Tribbal Broadloam could bake cookies, I'd think that she would in time come to be seen as an important part of the community; and Frodo knew well how difficult to be one of those who is different, and how it takes someone to be an exemplar of acceptance to get others to accept that individual. So, he has her father show how he treasures her, will feed her imagination, and will protect her openly before the children in the community. And that clock is based on one my mom inherited from her stepfather. My stepdad, the one who studied to become a concert pianist before turning instead to airplane engineering, would literally cringe every time he heard it strike. I'm so glad it strikes a note of recognition in others as well. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/29/2008 |
| Just skimming a little tonight. I've wanted to reread this for a while, but thought to wait till summer; but I've finally followed through on my intention of reading a bit about what "moon-touched" really is, and I just had to come back and visit Tribbals tonight, couldn't wait till summer. I know I've said it before, but I have to again: she is sooooooo cuuuuute as a little girl! Oh! Who wouldn't "feel better?" And on another note, I don't know the correct way to say this, but now that I know some of the facts, I'm impressed with the way you take something like Down's out of our own current world, and transplant it right into the Shire, and while there are undoubtedly Hobbits with tendencies toward bullying and meanness just as there are men, the sad trail of petty nastiness | |
| Lúmë | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/25/2006 |
| The Broadloams seem to be related to the Dragonlance Kender (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kender) :-) I could just imagine Tasslehoff Burrfoot going through a smial :-) This is a practical application of the "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" philosophy (Lao Tzu). Although I suppose giving them chickens and pigs will only work if they have some sense of responsibility still. Nicely written and engaging as usual :-) Author Reply: I've read only one Dragonlance book, and that was LONG ago. Never met the Kender. But have seen pickpockets ply their skills, and it's fascinating. But this story was there in my heart for quite a while before I finally began writing it out, and then Tribbals wanted a brief introduction elsewhere before she'd let me finish this one. So glad you appreciated the thought--teaching responsibility does take time, but it seems to me Frodo would do his best to bring out the best in all he had to deal with. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/2/2006 |
| Oh, I somehow overlooked this. Seems it was a bit too much to catch up after my vacation. Tribbals was a sweet little lass, and I am glad Frodo cared for her in this way. But her father ... *shakes head* He has clearly all *too* nimble fingers, and I don't know how he does it, to steal even in front of others and don't think it wrong ... I would *die* if I had done anything like it! Though I had to giggle about the way they always emptied their seemingly self-filling bags. The boys are, if they steal again, to knit stockings? *LOL* You know how funny this idea is for a hobbit! Love the idea! All in all, Frodo was rather soft with them, giving them the animals they'd need to live as long as they don't steal again. Interessant experiment. And it was interesting, too, that Guido recognised how much hardship Frodo had faced. Author Reply: I've seen professional magicians who were expert pickpockets--they're helping you keep steady after "accidently" bumping you, then returning wallets, belts, watches.... That's how I see Greencap and his sons; and I love the image you've evoked of the "self-filling" pockets! Knitting stockings, I thought, would be a very different experience for anyone, sufficiently repetitive to become boring after a while, yet also something constructive that would force the individual to think of others for a time. But one of the most perceptive individuals I ever met was a con-woman who lived by convincing others she was very needy; yet she had a streak of integrity and compassion in her that surprised everyone and that led her to help someone she'd intended to steal from just a few minutes previously. I sort of projected her onto Greencap. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/29/2006 |
| Frodo is so kind and caring towards those in need.Excellent foreshadowing of his destiny in saving others. Author Reply: In his journey Frodo saved others, and now seeks to help all reach their full potential for fulfillment--even a small girl with Downs Syndrome. So glad you like it, Linda. | |
| AspenJules | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/24/2006 |
| Ah, Larner - I loved this. As others have said, the Broadloam men are hilarious, and Tribbals is delightful. I have also known one or two Down's children, and I agree - they are the most loving, cheerful children I have ever known. You portray her beautifully, especially her perceptiveness when it comes to Frodo's state of mind. I'd love to see her come back at what many might consider an inconvenient time... lol. Oh, and "We know as you don’t mean no insult by it," Guido assured those guarding the integrity of the room from this surfeit of Broadloams, was my favorite line. You have quite an enviable touch with OC's, Larner. I loved this. Author Reply: So glad the Broadloam males are giving so many a laugh; and I hope an indulgent one. They must have been a surprise and even a bit of a relief for Frodo, dealing with a situation that don't have to do with ruffians, gatherers and sharers, tree killers, fallen Hobbits and Wizards, and crooked lawyers. Now he can let his imagination and native compassion have scope. Thank you so much for the compliment. I very much appreciate it. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/24/2006 |
| What imaginative sentences. I also loved the fact that Frodo remembered stories from him during his own worst times. Greencap is very astute and sees more than most. He gets to the heart of the matter quickly. I find that I do like your original characters. They make their personalities known and find their way into our hearts very quickly. Author Reply: I'd think that Frodo would work hard at finding consequences that were suited to bring out the best of those being judged, and that he'd do his level best to see them appropriate to the individuals. That he'd actually have to punish someone would be unlikely, I think. Greencap is in part the product of his environment, but he's not stupid, after all, and would realize another had been wounded and respond to that perception. Thank you so much for the lovely compliment. I find these folks are engraving themselves on my heart. | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/24/2006 |
| i have fallen in love with Mistress Tribbals. A "moon-touched child". i had not heard that term for them before. I have known quite a few Downs children in my half century. Almost always they are loving and accepting, and indeed, most can do quite a lot of surprising things. Frodo's judgement for the Broadlooms feels like it could be sandwiched in between the chapters you already have written in "An Acceptable Sacrifice". I would be very interested to see further adventures with this family. Reformed bad boys seem to make very good 'good guys" once they grow. It would be interesting to see the lads as grown-up Hobbits as part of a trade delegation to Gondor or other realms of men. They would be very good at spotting attempted treachery on the part of men! Author Reply: It was a bit difficult to think what the people of Middle Earth might call such a child. No one would think to call them "mongoloid"--the name from my childhood for them--as no one would be likely to know what the oriental peoples would look like. Nor would they be identified as having Downs Syndrome, as Downs hadn't been born, of course. Moon-touched just seemed apropos for the condition. And the idea of Torto and Tito reforming and becoming useful at spotting the perfidy of Men is a tempting one, although I've taken a different way with it. Thanks for the review, Demeter. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/23/2006 |
| Oh, wow! Frodo's got his hands full, doesn't he. But I think this would make it worth putting up with the three Broadlomes... Frodo looked from mother to daughter, then at last stood and approached the lass and knelt down to look into her eyes. "You thought I looked sad?" he asked her. "Yeh," she said, nodding to make certain her meaning was clear. "And you wanted to cheer me up?" "Yeh," she said again. "And how will you cheer me up?" he asked. "Here," she said, holding out her arms, and she gave him as strong a hug as she could. "You fee’ better?" she asked. Frodo was touched. "Yes, Tribbals," he said. "Is it all right for me to call you Tribbals?" She smiled. "Yeh," she answered. Then she added, "I come ’gain, hug you when you need it." She spoke very slowly and carefully, doing her best to make her words clear. He smiled. "Then I’ll look forward to it." He caressed her lank hair. "I’ll be glad to see you any time you wish to come to the Council Hole." So this is Tribbals, eh? And isn't she just a sweetheart! :) I love her already. She reminds me of a little girl I knew once. Frodo again shows his true justice with the Broadlome lads and their father. I hope that he has that indescribable influence on them that he has had on others; they need it. "Now, you keep your side of the bargain and I’ll keep mine. And your daughter will sit on your lap before all to hear with the rest." "But why, Master Baggins, sir? Why let ’er see as how cruel the world is t’ those as is different?" "Do you love her? Are you proud of her?" Guido’s voice in response was almost derisive. "Well, o’ course!" "Then let your own love for her be seen by all. Let all others know it; and if they realize you love and respect her, they’ll realize they should treat her well, also. Yes, some like Lotho Sackville-Baggins are cruel and will remain cruel toward such as she no matter what; but those whose opinions mean the most will respond as you show the way. And she has as much right to hear the stories as all the other children do." Well, Greencap's intentions are good. But... though, as Frodo said, there are those who can be cruel, and also there are those who show pity or similar feelings in ways that make it really hard to be patient with them, sheltering is even more cruel, because no one can be sheltered for ever. Besides, what Frodo says about respect is true, and she lives among Hobbits, whose very nature, I think, is to be open-hearted, at least, Hobbits as a majority. Tribulation is a very unusual name, especially for a Hobbit child, but Quince shows herself to be very thoughtful and determined by giving such a name to her daughter. I think Tribbals will very likely always find a loving, supporting friend in her mother. I can't wait for the next chapter!!! :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Am so glad you like Tribbals, for I find her fascinating and reminiscent of a child I used to work with several years ago. My own students with Downs Syndrome were more profoundly disabled, although my current adult client is exceedingly capable and one I've come to admire a good deal. Frodo is capable of not only making the punishment fit the crime, but also of trying tactics intended to truly give the miscreant the chance for rehabilitation and redemption. He also knows how cruel the world can be, but also how we must brave that cruelty to bring out the goodness, and that the goodness will not be brought out if the perceived problem is hidden away. Greencap's intentions are good, but Frodo knows how to bring out the acceptance of his people, I think--or at least for others, if not for himself. Yes, Quince was the proper mother for this child. Irma Bombeck wrote one story in which the guardian angel for a child with a disability turned out to be the child's own mother, and that little essay has stuck with me since my own youth. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/23/2006 |
| Oh my, what a lovely story...and Greencap is a caution and Tribbles is a sweetie! And Frodo is amazing. There's to be more? oh goodie..... ~~~{~@ Author Reply: So glad you enjoy them, Armariel. And there is one more chapter, in which Merry and Pippin suffer a profound shock as they learn that Sam........... | |