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A Small and Passing Thing by Lindelea	4 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 4/23/2023
To see Fredegar Bolger in the place of the son she lost so tragically was w blessing in its own right

FantasyFan	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/25/2003
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. Author Reply: Have been revisiting this story, and am struck by the number of reviews I'm seeing without a reply. Was I really so remiss, or did the replies somehow fall out of sight from the site? Lobelia died of old age; she beat Saruman's curse, through sheer strength of will--talking about the wizard was enough to put her off her appetite, but she forced herself to eat anyhow, when recalled to the present moment, just to spite his memory. As one of the ruffians was heard to say, 'Lo, she's a tough old bird' (or biddy, or something like that). I think I remember JRRT making the point that she was over a hundred, and heartbroken over Lotho's death. She might have hung around long enough to see to her satisfaction the scouring and beginning of recovery of the Shire, but I don't think she was afraid of dying. I'd imagine she rather looked forward to the Feast, actually, and reunion with her best beloved ones. From what she said to Freddy as she was dying, her mind was clear to the end. It was only her body that failed her. She was probably failing when she sent for Freddy to come, as a matter of fact, though possible concealing it as best she could so as not to be bothered by concern and a lot of cossetting. Rather annoying, cossetting, when you're used to grumping and finding fault.

Hai	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/24/2003
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! Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing, Hai. Bag End is quite full, with Merry and Pippin and Freddy. Whew. Lots of appreciative folk for Rosie to cook for. And I did write out their wedding, without recreating a lot of what had been done in "Jewels". Hope you enjoy it! I'm not sure Estella finds out who she's engaged to in this story. This ends at the Havens, and I believe that sub-plot (Estella-Pippin) doesn't really surface until two or three years after that. I think she finds out about the same time Pippin does, after the ice storm in "Jewels".

Citrine	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/24/2003
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. Author Reply: Thank you for the review! How encouraging you are! You are most welcome, BTW, for I really enjoyed "A Far Green Country" even though I steeled myself to be disappointed, from the summary you gave the story. I am often tempted to put disclaimers in my own stories. The amount of angst can get a bit much for me, sometimes... But back to "Country": The touch of humour saves it from descending into--what is the term? bathos? not sure. I do love these characters, I think that is why I keep reforming people like Sandyman and Lobelia... of course, Jodancingtree is doing something much more difficult: reforming orcs! Amazing. Not sure I could tackle that... but I guess as long as I don't run out of hobbit material to write I don't have to worry about it. It is a privilege to have readers such as yourself. Keep writing! I look forward to seeing more from you.

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