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| The Shadow in the Past by Itarille | 13 Review(s) |
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| Aldwen | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 11/15/2024 |
| Thank you for this wonderful story - it is very moving! I love your Denethor - stern and proud, but not deliberately cold and cruel, like so many other fan works portray him. I find your characterization of him much more believable - a father who raised two brave and noble sons surely had good qualities. Author Reply: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I am glad you found it moving. (Book) Denethor is quite a character. | |
| Leithian | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/11/2024 |
| This chapter is interesting since it provides another view of Faramir and Denethor's parting. Of course the popular view is that they did not have a healthy relationship as is evident from the final hurtful words of Denethor to Faramir. I also wonder what on Arda possessed him to say so. I wonder what the relationship between Denethor and Prince Imrahil had been like. In the book we do not see interaction between them, and Imrahil is mentioned merely as a kinsman of Faramir. But Faramir was his sister-son, a relationship that is important in Tolkien's works. Perhaps Imrahil was close to Faramir and I imagine that Imrahil might have blamed Denethor for Faramir's injury in battle. Will you share your views on this matter? Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. Take care Leithian Author Reply: Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree that the popular view is plausible: Denethor and Faramir did not have a good relationship, and Denethor was largely to blame. However, Tolkien does describe Denethor as a noble man who possessed nearly the full grace of Númenor. To me, Faramir (in the book) does not appear cowered or damaged by his father. If anything, I think he gave as good as he got (albeit in a gentle manner) in his conversations with Denethor. I think Imrahil had a close relationship with Faramir. The way he shouted "Amroth to Faramir!" as he rode onto the Pelennor, the way he bore the wounded Faramir in his arms, and his words to Denethor ("Your son has returned, after great deeds") all reflect this closeness. | |
| Leithian | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 11/11/2024 |
| Oh dear, this chapter is beautiful, almost painfully so. I never thought of Finduilais and Denethor in this manner and now I think I understand them better, and I thank you for that. And I do hope that they would find peace and togetherness in death for that is, perhaps, the gift of Men. Author Reply: Thank you for your encouraging words. I believe each of them would find peace and joy at the Hall of Mandos and beyond Arda, even without being together. Meeting each other again would be an added blessing. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 11/9/2024 |
| I am sure they are together again, and their joy must shine as brightly as the Sun. Author Reply: Thank you! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/9/2024 |
| His father had loved him; he would leave it at that. His father, mother and brother were gone; but they had loved him, and he would cherish the memory of their life together. Faramir has been well and truly healed, and the slow-growing despair that consumed his father will never happen to him. Now come the days of the King, and his wise Steward. Thank you for such a wonderful story. Author Reply: Thank you for reading and leaving a review! He is healed, though I think he will carry within him the sadness he felt for his father all his life. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/9/2024 |
| You fill in these gaps so beautifully. Poor Denethor's emotional wounds have reopened and are overwhelmeding him. Author Reply: Thank you! I still cannot understand what had possessed him to say his last words to Faramir. His other utterances in the book, I can understand (or at least I can imagine some reasons). But the last line, it sounds like he said it with the intention to hurt Faramir. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 10/26/2024 |
| Faramir looked at Denethor and nodded. “What I would not give to stay here with my father, though!” “Gondor, that is what you would not give.” What a perceptive exchange. Your dialogues ring so true. I appreciate how you continue to subtly weave the spirit of Finduilas (or should it be Finduilas' spirit) into the lives and memories of these two noble men. Author Reply: Thank you! I imagined that the absence of Finduilas felt like a ‘presence’ within their family. It’s like how an empty chair can remind us of someone, rather than making us forget them just because the chair is empty. | |
| periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/23/2024 |
| This is a really interesting scene and consideration of if Faramir knew that Denethor used the palantir and a good conversation about how it'll be if Faramir had persuaded Denethor to not do so. I liked how you said he used it to see where Boromir is which makes sense. I do like the Faramir and Denethor relationship you describe here. And your character voices are very well written. This is a great story and i enjoyed the earlier parts as well. The chapter of Finduilas passing was heart-breaking. Author Reply: Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate that you could still enjoy my story, even though (based on some of your stories) you have different interpretation of our Steward. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/19/2024 |
| This is an absolutely stunning chapter. The Professor would be proud. Author Reply: Thank you, that is high praise indeed. You are very kind. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/19/2024 |
| This is a tender moment between father and sons. What a treasure for Faramir. Author Reply: Thank you. You always have kind words to share. | |