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Beyond the Havens  by jodancingtree 8 Review(s)
CibilkaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/8/2022
Greetings! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this piece of literature. One of my issues with the books is that we never really get anything conclusive concerning the Ring-bearer's quest of healing and peace in the West, and truthfully that deeply saddens me whenever I think about it. When I think about everything Frodo suffered, my heart tears for him, and I'm overcome with pity. Although I like to read about tragedies, I'm not necessarily a fan of them. I'm aware that Prof. Tolkien detested allegory, but I still can't ignore the fact that he was a devout Catholic, and I'm not saying he integrated his own religious beliefs into his works as he was writing them, but I'm inclined that in his fictional world of the Lord of the Rings, the process could have naturally gone this way. It's in the spirit of the author, methinks. So reading this has been a comfort to those of us who always pondered on that question of "did Frodo ever achieve peace in Middle-earth?"

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/8/2005
Wow! For a minute I didn't get it, and then it dawned on me: "The wounded hands...the nails! Jesus! Of course!" Are you a Christian? Must go read more!
Galadriel

Author Reply: Hi, Galadriel -
I'm so glad you like the story! Yes, I'm a Christian. Thanks for reviewing.

jo

cuthalionReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/28/2004
I guess I should've come earlier, but there are some things to say about this story I finally want to say. It was the very first of your stories I ever read, and I sat there in the middle of the night, tears in my eyes and absolutely overwhelmed when I had finished the first chapter (let alone the last one...) This story made me write my first email to an author named "jodancingtree" and this was one of the very first stories I translated, and I still know why and am still thankful... for this wondrous, healing tale, for the skill of the woman who wrote it and for the friendship that started with "Beyond the Havens". As Calime said... you can see the light even if you don't know where it comes from. Thank you for writing, and thank you for being there.

Mona

Author Reply: Thank you, Mona! I'll always be grateful that you found this story and liked it - and wrote to me - it led me to such a precious friendship.

jo

CalimeReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/12/2004
The idea of having Frodo take up carving is so delightful. His gift to both Bilbo and to Sam really touches my imagination; I agree creativity will blossom in each of us when we are truly healed of all that ails us.

Author Reply: And sometimes the creativity - and its expression - is part of the healing. I've found that writing about Frodo is very therapeutic for me.

jo

CalimeReviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/12/2004
Tears again, Jo. This was so beautiful, especially when Frodo said he'd been dreading to go alone and then Sam smoothed his hair and kissed him. Gosh, you write good stuff. I loved the beautiful descriptions of the field, the waterfall, and especially the Mallorn tree--it reminds me of those special childhood places where one makes a home away from home. Like Sam, I would have wanted to live there. Utterly charming!

Author Reply: Oh, I had forgotten about those childhood "homes" - and I had a lot of them. One was under a large landscape planting of holly bushes - thanks for reminding me!

jo

CalimeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/12/2004
The regatta leaves such a pretty picture in my mind, I'd like to see it myself. Very creative and elvish-sounding.

CalimeReviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/12/2004
That was really cool, and I have the smile to prove it!


Author Reply: I'm smiling too - I'm so glad you're enjoying this.

jo

CalimeReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/12/2004
I am honored to be the first one to review this story, and what a treasure it is Jo. Though I dearly love "Following the other Wizard" I much prefer to think of Frodo's healing occuring this way. I suspected that you were a Christian even though there was nothing direct in your other story, but light has a way of making itself known. :-) I share your faith and your love of LOTR. Thanks for the lovely chapter.

Author Reply: Yay! Finally some reviews on this story - thank you, Calime! (reaches out to touch your hand) Peace, sister! God bless you!

jo

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