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Up the Withywindle  by Dreamflower 2 Review(s)
esamenReviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/11/2004
“Tell me.” said Tom. And Frodo soon found himself recounting the Quest in a way that he had never done before.

Yes, I can see Frodo telling all to Tom B. He is quite the otherworldly figure. It wouldn't be like talking to a regular human . . .

Lovely chapter! wonderful! Thanks!

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/7/2004
You know, it has always pained me that as the Quest darkened, Sam became more and more the spokesperson for the story, and after Ithilien we very seldom hear Frodo's thoughts, or feel what he does. Even allowing for the blurring of memory, Frodo cannot or does not choose to share his pain: when the Red Book was written, Frodo's struggle is viewed from the outside. Dissociation seems his favored coping mechanism, and I'm glad he can open up a little to Tom here. Tom sees right through things, so Frodo has no need to dissemble or hide. His admission that he does not think he will live if he goes through another ilness has the flavour of a confession - the same unburdening. I hope it brings him peace.

Author Reply: You are absolutely right, and that is just what I had in mind here. As in the first visit, Frodo could talk to Tom about the Ring and his fears, here he is able to do the same. That is what I wanted Frodo to find in this story, a little bit of peace of mind and comfort, now that his decision has been reached.

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