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| The Way Home by Lindelea | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lady Forlong | Reviewed Chapter: 76 on 7/3/2026 |
| Wow! What a devastatingly beautiful and vivid description of Sam's struggle! If it's really the Ring that's doing this, (Is that the Voice Bill is "hearing"?) then it "shot itself in the foot" (so to speak) because if the connection works both ways, then Bill's "presence" may have actually helped Sam to find the strength he needed to do what he had to do. Author Reply: Perhaps I didn't make it clear enough, but the Voice that Bill is "hearing" in this part of the story belongs to one of the Valar (or more than one, speaking as one), or perhaps even Eru (!), watching to see the outcome that would be wrought by free will at this point in the story (or do I mean the Song?). For even though I believe it is written that Light will triumph against Darkness in the end, free will is also built into the equation somehow. Thus, Isildur might have cast the Ring into the Fire when he had the chance. Galadriel might have accepted the Ring from Frodo when he offered it to her. Saruman might have recognized the pitfalls of pride and stood firm against Sauron's enticements and illusions. Boromir might have resisted temptation. Etc. Any of these possibilities would have led to a completely different story/journey/epic/thing. Bill cannot hear the voice of the Ring, but he can see Its effect on Sam. (Do you think I need to go back and clarify that point?) Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and impressions. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 76 on 7/1/2026 |
| Steady, Great-Heart. For now is the moment of Decision, and the fate of all Middle-earth hangs in the balance. I never really thought of how pivotal that moment was! What a marvelous and insightful chapter. It reminds me of my story "Light out of Darkness", in which Frodo tells Gandalf... "Much more would have been lost without Sam,” Frodo murmured. “The star-glass wasn’t the only source of light for me, or even the brightest.” How we love our Sam! Author Reply: Oh yes! Thank you for reminding me of that story. I went back and re-read it. (I know I re-read it because I left reviews way back when, but I had forgotten much, and so it was almost like reading something new again.) I love your insights into the Professor's story, and how you draw the characters and their inner thought process and their relationships. The idea of Light recognizing Light rings true. Larner also comes to mind when I think about this idea, and how her stories describe Frodo and Sam in terms of their Light. I am smiling at Frodo's description of Sam as a source of light, sometimes shining even brighter than the star-glass. (In other words, I love that quote!) Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! They contain great food for thought. | |