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| Reckoning by Aratlithiel | 7 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/12/2004 |
| I read this on another site and loved it there. I am so pleased to see it posted here because it is one of my favorites. Merry's memories of the clock are haunting and his pain when he realizes that he misjudged the entire situation is very moving. I love how Sam takes charge of things and helps the others see what truly happened. It is a wonderful story! | |
| Hai Took | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004 |
| Wow! That was extremmely well done! The way you wrote Merry's different recollections of the clock and the way he hated it for passing the time yet he overcame that to love it and remember Frodo by in the end. Very sad and difficult for these three that were left behind to deal with Frodo's leaving. Dear Sam, and his understanding of things. When emotions are high it is hard to control ones words or actions. I'm glad they all made it through perhaps stronger friends for it! Thank you for the new look (at least for me) about how Sma, Merry and Pippin would have handled Frodo's leaving! Author Reply: Hello, Hai. Thank you so much for your comments here. I've always felt that Merry and Pippin's feelings were sort of glossed over and I suppose that's part of where this came from. I'm glad it worked for you and thank you for taking the time to let me know. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004 |
| I am so glad you posted this here. Reading it again, I am struck all over by the heartbreaking beauty of it. You capture so well the feelings and relationships of the remaining Travellers. And this story helped to crystallize in my own mind my feelings and beliefs about Frodo's action at the Fire, for I too, had read JRRT's statement in Letters, and thought how true it rang. Thank you for this beautiful story! Author Reply: Aw, what lovely things to say! I'm very glad you read and enjoyed and thank you sincerely for taking the time to respond. And what you've said about it helping you to crystallize your thoughts could not mean more to me. This is a subject very close to my heart and one that not many seem to agree with - regardless of what JRRT himself said. I constantly lament the general view that Frodo was weak and a failure and this is sort of my answer to that rubbish. I'm very glad it struck a chord and I thank you for letting me know. | |
| songspinner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004 |
| This was incredibly well written. I loved the characterization and that you allowed Merry and Pip to be angry and confused. (especially about what happened at the end at Mt. Doom - Sam was, after all, the one who had been there at that moment) Good for you for noticing that quote from the author about what would have happened if not for Gollum's attack. I think my favorite line was near the end, about Merry listening to the clock..." he can feel the soft press of warmth and breath against his cheek, can hear the thrum of a familiar heartbeat in his ears". Sense memory is so vital in keeping a lost loved one in your heart and mind. Author Reply: Well, thank you very much. And that quote? I've been preaching that for years, believe me and it's been an uphill battle all the way. For some reason, people seem to NEED to see Frodo as a failure. I have no idea why but I hope this is a counter-argument for anyone who might care to listen. Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to respond. I very sincerely appreciate it. | |
| pebbles66 | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/9/2004 |
| Oh, I love this story. I love that Frodo was prepared to kill himself to save the world. This is absolutely beautiful. Author Reply: Hi, Pebbles. Thanks so much for this. It was very kind of you to take the time and I certainly appreciate it. | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/9/2004 |
| I've read this story before, I know, but I don't know if I ever left you any feedback. Today, what really strikes me is the sadness Merry feels, looking at the remnants of Frodo's life, knowing he's put it off too long. It really hits close to home for me, with my little pile of things in my living room rescued from my parent's home after the hurricane went through. It hurts to think of a vital life, reduced to a small pile of goods: the precious, the trivial, the stuff that makes you laugh and the stuff that makes you cry. You have captured that feeling perfectly in Merry in this story. All those things are reminders of the silly and sad moments they represent, and there are always regrets and misunderstandings. I'm glad that in the end, Merry understands and has come to peace with Frodo's choices much more. Sam has a lot of his own brand of homely wisdom. And I can't help but marvel at the beauty of your writing, as you describe Frodo's soul exposed in the starlight. The images are so powerful, and grand, and heartbreakingly sad to view through Merry's eyes and imperfect understanding of loss. It leaves me in tears. Author Reply: Hiya! I don't think I've heard from you on this one before but I'm very glad to now! Yes, 'things' do tend to do that to a person, don't they? In fact, I have that clock as described in this story and it has a very special meaning to my own heart, not unlike to Merry's. Thank you so much for this, Fan. What lovely things to say and they are very much appreciated. | |
| Ariel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/9/2004 |
| Squee! It's HERE! Yeah! I love this piece and want everyone to applaud you for writing it. Such heartbreak and such clear understanding of this character! Brilliant work. Author Reply: Hee. Have I ever told you that you're too good to me? *smooch* | |