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| Turnabout by Ariel | 81 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| smaugs_mommy | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| Oh, I loved this. Thank you for dedicating it to dear Nivvie. Author Reply: She had always been so sweet to me it only seemed right. Thanks for letting me know you liked it. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| I kept trying to leave a review for this at the Challenge site, but the LJ wouldn't let me out of "read only" mode, so... This has been a brilliant and lovely story. You actually *could* have ended it with Ch. 4 and had a satisfying ending, but this chapter is just lovely, showing Sam's tender care of Frodo, and showing Merry's growing realization of how Frodo has grown and changed. Such a sweet, tender and gentle scene, and bittersweet for the readers, who know exactly what is going to happen. This has been a great story. And the truth is, even the fluffiest fluff or the most gratuitous h/c are the better for a touch of meaning. Don't apologize for that. It is what makes your stories rich and memorable. Author Reply: Well, thank you! I have to agree that a story with meaning really does stick with me longer than fluff, though I have noticed that a work can be 'accepted' by a lot broader audience if you don't offer too much interpretation. People all have their own ideas of what these characters 'felt' at certain points in the story and once you start extrapolating one way, you sort of cut people who went another way out of the action. *shrug* I am learning a heck of a lot about reader dynamics with these more 'experimental' fics, and I hope it will come in useful when I am writing original (or other fan-) fics. | |
| DAYNA | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| WOW. I loved it. But why is it over? lol Beautifully written Ariel. I loved the insights to the characters. Very touching. Thanks for sharing. :) Author Reply: LOL! Why is it over? Heheheh - well because I still have to try and write that mindless H/C I keep trying for! LOL! On to the next fic! :D | |
| lovethosehobbits | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| I suppose that's true. I don't know I feel that it would still be fun to fill in the other gaps, but in my heart of hearts I know you're right. But I HATE the after affects it leaves me feeling....I mean I get WAY to involved in the story. To the point where I can't stop thinking about it and worry about the characters (I know, it sounds sick). I have bipolar II and had some very serious depression (which I have since been cured of by ECT treatments....someday I'll have to tell you more about this) but I tend to be a bit obsessive- compulsive and so I 'obsess' about things like 'my Frodo'.... it's just me, I know, and it, in know way, detracts from me enjoying the story. But I do like to walk away from the story and be able to go through my day without thinking about the characters (I never REALLY stop thinking about them--see obsessive compulsive in dictionary :D). It can be an awful thing to live with, knowing you are basically trapped in their world as well as your own.....(GOD, she can TALK!!!!!!!!!!) still loved the story tho' ;D Author Reply: LOL! You may talk as long as you like, hon! *smooch* And yes, like any good advertising, it gets under your skin and leaves you 'unsatisfied' in some way, but you sure as heck remember it. I think that was the idea. There are themes and ideas that should be uncomfortable and be remembered - like war and sacrifice - so that maybe people will think twice before they make them necessary. I'll have another story out in about a month that will touch on this very thing - keep your eyes peeled. :* | |
| lovethosehobbits | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| I loved this story so much. I always feel sad thinking (and knowing) what happens to Frodo in the end. To this day I cry when I finish ROTK, and it's come to the point where I can't even finish the book, stopping at the Scouring of the Shire and not finishing the rest. Ive always kinda been angry at Tolkien for finishing the story with Sam saying 'Well, I'm back." And giving us nothing else. I always wanted him to mention how Sam had journeyed to Tol Eressea and lived out the rest of his life with his Master. I know it mentions he left for the islands in the appendices, but it always bugged me that we never knew if Frodo yet lived (I believe he did) or if he had died before Sam arrived. I guess I'm just a sucker for a happy ending and hate the alternative. I think that's why fanfiction is so fun and, yes, important...to help those of us by filling in the gaps and having fun while we do it. Well, I do blather on, don't I? Just wanted to say it is so good to have another of your talented stories presented to us and hope to see many more. Love to you as always my friend.....tree Author Reply: Awww! Well, yes, I agree, the fanfiction is 'important' in that way, but I have to ask you - would these characters set your imagination ablaze, stick in your mind and tear your heart apart if they had been 'completed' and left happy in the end? While I yearn to give Frodo the love he was denied, I have to admit, if Tolkien hadn't written this character exactly this way, I doubt he would have been so irresistably compelling. | |
| Lily the Hobbit | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/27/2005 |
| This was so beautiful it made me cry. You have the gift of perceiving the characters just as they are. Sometimes your stories make me wonder if not Tolkien himself would have written it just that way and this one is just one example. I guess there is no need in telling you that I loved every bit of it, but I will anyhow :) Author Reply: *kicks up her heels in delight* *Smoochies* It is nice to hear people say it - even if they've said so before. I only present the characters as I saw them, and readily accept and support other interpretations, but if I can give you a little bit more of this world (as you came to know and love it), then I am very satisfied. | |
| pipinheart | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/27/2005 |
Pippin is at Merry's bedside helping him recover. Merry is disturbed by a feeling that frodo is different now. Pippin convinces him it is nothing,but as Pippin sits with his pipe there is worry he hides. Frodo, knows he has changed and even Gandalf knows things will never be the same. Visions come to light ones Bilbo had years ago,and one frodo had of Merry. He knows he won't be with them long, he accepts this ..... Please continue,this gets better and better... Author Reply: Thank you! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2005 |
| Even in a moment of crisis, Merry can see further into a brick wall than most. Although I don't think that this is the moment when Frodo would choose not to follow him to safety, he certainly would sacrifice himself to ensure the survival of these cousins. He feels bad enough about having dragged them into danger in the first place - as if he could have stopped them! Author Reply: LOL! Yes, perhaps recovering Merry is seeing more than is actually there - but Frodo is starting to fade even now, and perhaps that is what Merry sees. Poor poppet. One more chapter - thank you for hanging on for this tale! | |
| Hai Took | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2005 |
| Oh, I loved Merry waking up to Pippin. The conversation they had and Merry feeling like Frodo wasn't all there anymore. Like he wasn't himself was very well done. How sad to feel like you have lost someone yet they are still there, just not the same. I'm glad Frodo told Gandalf about his vision. And Bilbo told him as well, now Gandalf got to see this vision fulfilled of sorts. What Sam's Gaffer said was very nicely said, he his a wise old hobbit. How sad for Frodo! He must think he is going to die, although that isn't the case it must be a rather disturbing idea. But I do love the idea that when you think of someone they can see you, very nice! looking forward to more! Author Reply: One more chapter coming up this weekend! Stay tuned. | |
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2005 |
| Ah, the story takes a more mysterious and contemplative turn…Frodo’s dreams and visions are such an intriguing element of LOTR and nice to see you exploring them here, and suggesting Bilbo had a similar gift. This was very poignant: “He had perhaps a score more of years, at best…It would be enough time for a good life. He could do much with it.” Poor Frodo, not knowing that the reality will be both better and worse than that… The interaction between Merry and Pippin was lovely too: “He was very weak and as tired as if he had been on a forced march, but he would wake himself for Pippin.” Also loved the effect of Sam’s humor on Frodo: “Like the grip of a well-known hand, it comforted him and he laughed out loud.” My favorite chapter yet! Author Reply: *Bows* I was kind of worried about this chapter (and the next) because they were not the straight action/adventure/hurt/comfort type thing that the first three were. I am definitely 'finding my footing' with less introspective writing and have really been astonished how enthusiastically people responded! I think the last chapter was slipping back into my old style and I am not sure that that is as well received by as many people as the style of the first three chapters was. This has been quite an educational analysis, let me tell you! But exceptionally useful just the same. | |