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| Truth by Lindelea | 1 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/11/2003 |
| There is quite a mix of emotions in this chapter. The general merriment continues at the Smials with the lifting of Frodo's ban. Farry, however, doesn't see much to be happy about. Goldi has learned 'be strong' from her mother, it seems, and is trying to make the best of the situation. Its interesting to see their different approaches to the same problem. Farry's sulking, but that implies he hasn't given up wanting. Goldi maybe has more experience with not getting her way in things, and seems miserable but resigned. Pimpernell and Ferdi are in fine form. The puns are quite funny. Then there's Sam. I laughed and laughed, wondering what was going through Sam's head when Pippin asked for his daughter. Sam should have known better than to agree with Pippin in advance of knowing what he's agreeing to. Pip pleads his case very well, reminding Sam that Farry's got a secure position to look forward to (almost as good as 40 acres and a cow). And it's quite ironic that busybody interfering Frodo is now the cause of Farry and Goldi having a chance after all. I wonder, will Sam and Pippin hint to their kids that they've got a green light to explore a relationship together, or will they sit and wait for Farry and Goldi to do something, to show they're really interested in each other and ready to fight the status quo, and then just not object? And now that Pip and Sam have come to an agreement, who's going to tell Rose? I can see Farry sometime in the future, screwing himself up to fight Sam, threatening to renounce the Thainship and run with Goldi as far as Gondor if necessary: like a bull ready to charge the gate who stumbles over his own feet when the first push finds it unlocked. I hope they don't try to elope, sure of their families' disapproval, as it wouldn't be fair to deny everyone the joy of the wedding. Well, there's plenty of time for all that. Such a touchingly-written scene between Ferdi and Nell at the end. Gentle romance, and Ferdi is secure enough to drop the witty mask and let some pain bleed through. He has had many handicaps in his life - his early mistakes, the loss of his family and separation from his first love, an ill-deserved reputation and an unfair punishment, broken bones and mental anguish, and finally the blindness that would have broken a lesser hobbit. Every time he's risen above it with a stubbornness that rivals Pippin's. He's even used his blindenss to develop unique skills in service of the Thain. Never do we see self-pity, and even here it's only sadness for what cannot be. It's good to see him human, and sweet to know the deep love between Ferdi and his Nell. By the way, my daughter is making her way through your stories now. Maybe I can get her to put some of her thoughts in a review sometime. I hope your cold is getting better; I'm getting over one myself. Author Reply: Insightful character analysis, as usual. I differ only on one point: Farry is really not sulking, he just is doing his best to do what he thinks is expected of him. He's too honest to play a part and pretend that he can treat Goldi casually, so he buries himself in his food to avoid any kind of interaction at all. Part of Goldi's annoyance with her brothers is concern for Farry's feelings--she knows him so well! My cold is much better, thanks. Author Reply: PS, forgot to mention here, any opinions your daughter might care to share would be most welcome. | |