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When Winter Fell  by Lindelea 7 Review(s)
EverlightReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/29/2014
This story is gem! I love this look at Bilbo's childhood and family. Can defiantly see where his courage, kindness, and generosity come from.

Isen seems to be getting a lot better now that he has found a place where he is loved and accepted, probably a bit like it must have been on the Gull for him I imagine. In a way he reminds me of what Pippin might have become had he not had Merry and a place at Crickhollow. Sad some of the things that happen in life.

Author Reply: Thank you! It has been fun to imagine.

Oh, dear, seeing Pippin in that light is chilling! That blithe, bright spirit...

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
And here all along we thought that Bilbo's Tookish side was the brave, adventurous side. Here Bungo is showing wit, courage and wisdom to rival any Took. And the older Took brother is portrayed as being the one who wants to stay in his "Comfort Zone" of propriety and acceptable appearance. Bilbo was a very fortunate Hobbit. He inherited strengths from both parents!

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
And here all along we thought that Bilbo's Tookish side was the brave, adventurous side. Here Bungo is showing wit, courage and wisdom to rival any Took. And the older Took brother is portrayed as being the one who wants to stay in his "Comfort Zone" of propriety and acceptable appearance. Bilbo was a very fortunate Hobbit. He inherited strengths from both parents!

Author Reply: You're right! I don't see Bilbo as "only" a Took, though his Tookish side gets him into a real wide-travelling adventure! Bungo has his own kind of courage, the kind that allows someone to stand up to bullies and live life with integrity. I see a great deal of Bilbo's world-saving pity as coming from Bungo.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
Bungo is so perceptive, and speaks from an honesty that comes of true love. This was a most interesting conversation.

Author Reply: Thank you! I find family dynamics fascinating. Bungo, as an in-law, might have a clearer perspective than those who grew up in the family, at least in some areas.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
You have such an interesting take on Isengrim! I'd never thought of him as particularly keen on appearances over heart. But I love your wise and kind Bungo, and his ability to see the Tooks clearly.

I hope that Isengar is able to take up Bungo's challenge and succeed. But this winter is going to be rough on all of them.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
You have such an interesting take on Isengrim! I'd never thought of him as particularly keen on appearances over heart. But I love your wise and kind Bungo, and his ability to see the Tooks clearly.

I hope that Isengar is able to take up Bungo's challenge and succeed. But this winter is going to be rough on all of them.

Author Reply: Y'know, I read somewhere that "grim" meant "warrior" in JRRT's language background material, so I built up this image in my mind of a somewhat no-nonsense fellow, with a lot of responsibility as "eldest" on his shoulders, and yet, with his father's strong personality, somewhat held-under (and having his own ideas about how to do things right, but not having as much scope for practicing his ideas as he might have liked).

Poor fellow died without issue, and the Thainship went to the next brother. Do you suppose he ever married, or not?

Family dynamics are fascinating!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/28/2014
Ah, bless Bungo for his wonderful foresight and ability to appreciate how others think! And love the toast--with toast!

Author Reply: The "toast" came from a real-life incident where grownups were toasting with orange juice of all things (it was a happy announcement that came at breakfast -- which really ought to be against some law or other) and the children, having already drunk up all their OJ, toasted with... toast, logically enough. LOL!

Thanks!

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