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Cloaks and Memories  by Shireling 16 Review(s)
periantariReviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/10/2023
This was so good- read it in one sitting. I always thought that Faramir required more attention and needed as much healing as Frodo because he lost so much in the War- brother, father, and many close comrades. I am in love with your descriptive writing- so emotional and so close to my heart. Thank you for this!!!! inspires me greatly since i'm working on my own Faramir fic. :)

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/24/2008
My mind goes in two different directions in reading longer tales. I like being along for the ride and commenting on a chapter as it is posted... I like being able to support the author during the time the muse lays us bare...

BUT

I like reading a story in its entirety. At one fell swoop. With a glass of wine in my hand and a comfortable chair while I watch in horror/amaze/wonder/joy at all the doings of characters who come alive and become friends.

This was a lovely, melancholy trip with Faramir and Eowyn. Very well written. Characters sustained and believable. Scenery fitting in well with the story itself, not distracting. Plot tense (as I like it) and fast paced.

I read this one in a fell swoop and rejoiced at it. Though my heart went out to the two of them, grieved at their pain, and rejoiced in the ending, I wanted to find a quiet place to weep after I finished. I have never been able to endure the suffering of another, even with a 'happy' ending. Someday I will be healed of that, but in the meantime... the muse loves it. (Can you hear that wicked cackle coming from afar???)

Oh well - off to the next part. Blessings and thank you for writing and sharing this.

Cecilia AKA ThilwenReviewed Chapter: 14 on 8/17/2004
Dear Shireling,
I want to commend you on your story! This is the first of your stories that I have read, and it is a good one! I like the way you switched points of view so as to show what both Faramir and Eowyn were thinking and feeling. You made me think about Faramir in a different, yet not unpleasant way. You also included and portrayed very accurately many of my favorite characters, Frodo, Elrond, Aragorn, and, of course, Legolas!
If I might offer one bit of constructive criticism, there were times when I wanted more detail, more dialogue. For instance, what words did Faramir use to break the engagement? Did he use lots of words, or was it done in one short sentence? What was his tone of voice like when he said this?
Other than that, the story was great, well worth an afternoon's reading time! I can't wait to read the next story in the series!


Author Reply: Dear Cecilia.

Thank you for a kind and thoughtful review. It is always a delight to know that others have enjoyed the story. I know my portrayal of Faramir is, perhaps, unusual but I hope I managed to make it believable given the context of the story.

I would value your thoughts of the continuing story of Faramir in 'The Steward's Coup', if you get a chance to read it.

Best wishes

Helen/shireling

Nienna ElanesseReviewed Chapter: 12 on 5/16/2004
Men! And a man of Gondor, worse yet! :) Very proud and stubbornly independent of mind, they are. Elrond tries to separate them. He can sympathise with her, and yet, I wonder how he could be of any comfort.

Nienna ElanesseReviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/16/2004
"The story has overtaken my life for several months and it has been a pleasure to share it." Lucky you, to have such an indulgent family who gives you the time alone to write! Thank you for the "what if" , the imagined interlude between proposal and the wedding -- and a little bit afterwards! :)

AllieReviewed Chapter: 11 on 3/29/2004
I thoroughly enjoyed your story. An interesting look at an often neglected character. I'm glad Faramir was finally able to find some happiness, and that he has his king, uncle and Tamir looking out for him. Very well done story!

Author Reply: Thank you
I have a big soft spot for Faramir and it was lovely to 'play' with him for a while.

Orangeblossom TookReviewed Chapter: 11 on 3/16/2004
Excellent story. Poor Faramir, though. Thanks for writing about my favorite guy.

Author Reply: Thank you.
Poor Faramir! I haven't been very kindto my favorite Ranger haveI? but I do promise him a happy ending.


Gentle HobbitReviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/9/2004
I have finally read all the way through (done in one sitting!) and I have to say that my favourite chapter of all is the last one -- the epilogue.

I like very much how the whole tone of the narrative changes, and how things weren't "fixed" once they got married. There were still joys and sorrows intermingled, and a crisis of depression, yet overall, a note of hope and joy. I can see that you crafted this story lovingly. It shows.

Author Reply: Thank you so much, this story is very special to me. I tried to keep in mind that these were 'real' vulnerable people who had both suffered. I think they would have found healing and peace with each other, but the process would not have ben easy given their backgrounds.

I have an idea that I may not have finished with them yet! Watch this space.
Helen

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/26/2004
Ending this tale with Eowyn's POV was a great idea. I do love a happy ending! And it was a stroke of genius to show that Faramir is still having 'visions' or dreams of clarity and insight, as he did earlier in his life.

Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us.

Author Reply: Shirebound,
Thank you, it was important to me to show that it wasn't just a 'happy ever after', not after all Faramir had gone through, Healing would have taken a long time, even in the gentlest of hands.

Hugs

Helen

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 13 on 2/26/2004
I'm *finally* getting a chance to read this marvelous tale. Your Faramir is so very human, and full of the same emotions, doubts, and hopes as anyone in his situation would be. What a fascinating story!

"I looked up into her eyes, expecting to see sadness or disappointment; but what I saw there were deep pools of understanding and love; it made my heart leap and I felt just the faintest stirring, a tiny flicker of hope. And still she held me tightly against her shoulder. When finally I had run out of words and the tears flowed and would not stop, still she held me, safe in the darkness, cocooned in her arms, cherished, loved."

Sigh.

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