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| Trials and Tribulation by Larner | 17 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lúmë | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/25/2006 |
| Wonderful to see how the Broadloams made the best of what Frodo gave them. In my experience that happens very rarely. But then, I live in Africa where the wealthy West pours money into upliftment projects just to see it vanish with no results whatsoever. I guess I'm a bit cynical about it :-) Anyway, another beautiful story of redemption and growth and sacrifice. I should have read it much sooner! Author Reply: I know. As a special ed teacher, I've seen some families given everything on earth only to squander all their chances away until they lose their children; I like to think that with Quince's influence this time some good sticks and they find a level of respectability in their own eyes as well as in the eyes of Whitfurrow. So glad you did read it at last. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/5/2006 |
| I enjoyed this story very much. I, too, have seen families like this and it was nice to see someone take an interest in them and help them out, although it doesn't always work and in our world we tend to either look the other way and hope they'll go way or throw money at them instead of trying to teach them a different way. Tribbals was a very real character that grabbed me by the heart... well done! :) Author Reply: Am so very glad you recognized the reality of such families and such children as Tribbals. Instead of throwing money at them, such families need serious intervention. And I think such a child as Tribbals would speak to Frodo's compassion and caring. Am so very glad Tribbals has found her way into so many hearts. She's been teasing me for months! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/2/2006 |
| I was impressed about the way how Frodo supported the Broadloams silently and helped them to find a honest way to earn their living. He did a great job in this. And Tribbals turned out to be doing surprisingly well, considering her condition. I was very touched by this chapter. She responded so obviously well to the love she saw from Frodo and others and thrived in the care for the animals and her bakery. Quince did very well in teaching her. Author Reply: I've always seen Frodo and Bilbo as quietly helping others along the way, and leaving this as a legacy to Sam. I wrote the description of the process out at length in "For Eyes to See as Can" and "The King's Commission," how in my idea of the Shire Hobbits employ bankers of discretion to assist in setting up business arrangements in which the silent partner may be anonymous but can offer an honorable means for folks to set up small business enterprises and take a small share of the profits in return. I've seen some such individuals do so wonderfully in their lives, and so I could imagine Tribbals amazing the Shire with her own brand of sensitivity. That she'd expect Sam to adopt her great nephew just seemed natural to me, and when he pointed out he was too old to do so, she'd settle for one of his grandchildren, as long as the ones doing the fostering were tied through Sam to Frodo. And those individuals with such disabilities who do best usually do have very involved parents to help them along the way. Quince is also a tribute to many of those I've honored for what they've given their children. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/1/2006 |
| A beautiful tale, not surprisingly! The amount of heart and brains that gets poured into all your stories never ceases to amaze me. You should be writing professionally! ~~~{~@ Author Reply: Et tu, Armariel? The daughter and son-in-law agree with you, and I have left poor Louis sitting in the airport for far too long, I suppose. Am so very glad you enjoyed it, and blush at your praise. Thank you. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/29/2006 |
| Tribals is wiser than many think as she saw the essence of what Frodo was. Author Reply: I've had several students with Downs syndrome, and several clients and even some friends. You can't underestimate anyone, they've taught me. I can think few who are more wonderful to know than Tom, whose appreciation of human nature is marvelous. And I've discovered some have a wicked sense of humor. But most recognized and honor those who love freely, and I wanted to show this with our Frodo. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/28/2006 |
| Such a sweet - if sad - story. Tribbals has a better grasp on what's important than many others (particularly the male part of her own family!) And little Billi will have a better future than many in his position. Author Reply: A mixed story--true. A reminder even those judged simple can have eyes to see and hearts to understand. Thanks, Bodkin. | |
| Elanor Silmariën | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/27/2006 |
| Tribbals is such a sweetheart! This is very good! Is there more, or is that it? I'd like to hear more of her. God bless, Ellie Author Reply: For this particular story this is all, although Tribbals gets mention in Reunion. But she may appear every once in a while in the future. So glad you like her. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| That was incredibly beautiful, Larner, and left me all weepy - but in a nice way! And so Frodo's lessons go on and love continues to go round the Shire. Frodo's legacy is in good hands. The Broadloam family had me in stitches with their inability to resist helping themselves, even to those things on the Mayor's desk! They reminded me of a lot of magpies. Quince seemed very sensible and I just loved Tribbals - she leaps from the page, utterly real and so sweet, both as a child and when she is old. I hope we shall hear more of her in other stories. Author Reply: Thank you, BB. Having served as a special education teacher for over thirty years and worked with disabled children and adults for longer than that, it is a pleasure to write some of my friends into my stories. Yes, Frodo's legacy is far more lasting than many might realize, promoting acceptance and encouraging all to be the best they can be, both in the Shire and outside it. And a Hobbitess with Downs Syndrome is yet able to realize how much love is needed in this world, and seeks to claim it for her little great nephew from the direct benefactor's of Frodo's own love and caring. Am so very glad you enjoy Tribbals, and hope you recognize her name from "Reunion." How much she might influence further stories I'm not yet aware. | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| A very gentle story, Larner. Well written with deep emotion without becoming maudalin. The Broadloam family was quite amusing to see and Tribbals an obviously loving and lovable child. Well done. Author Reply: Thank you, Fiondil. That you feel I'm able to write in such a way I touch the emotions without being maudlin is very gratifying, and I'm so glad you enjoy the Broadloam family. I admit Tribbals is a tribute to a couple DS women I've known, and if anyone ever has the chance to read this story to them I hope they recognize their gentle natures in her. | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/25/2006 |
| So someone did end up learning how to knit socks, after all. It only seems realistic that the boys never completely change, but they reform enough that Miss Tribbels is well-cared for to the end of her days. "It's love as makes the Sun rise high".... over and over again people point out that the Shire had no churches or organized religion. But what they did have was loving families who kept the Creator's Light in their children's lives. I, too, sniffled most of the way through this one. And, I, too, would love to see as much of Miss T. as she will let you write. A story full of warmth, love, and light! Author Reply: Oh, yes, at least one learned to knit socks. I tried to think of a labor that would be productive but unusual among Hobbits, and felt this might do for a "punishment" for an incarcerated Hobbit youth. As my grandfather used to say, one doesn't need to go to church to feel the Creator's presence in ones life, and I think that you are right that Hobbit families indeed brought this presence to their children. Am so very glad Tribbals is already as loved as has been shown here. | |