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| The Last Word by jenolas | 67 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/17/2005 |
| Having time to follow it again, I find myself enjoying this story very much. Yes, knowing the thoughts of the departed can ease the loss. Author Reply: True and this is what Faramir will discover. I hope you continue to enjoy your reading. jenolas | |
| halewyn aredhel | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/15/2005 |
| This is a terrific story. I love your insights into Boromir. I've always thought that he had greater depth and "character" than other writers have suggested and I'm glad to see a story that explores that. Oh, and it doesn't hurt one bit that Faramir's in the story too! I loved the little swimming hole incident in the last chapter. Naughty Faramir. Heh. Author Reply: Thanks. I imagine the brothers must have had some fun times in their youth, and no doubt that included a little naughtiness on ocasion! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/15/2005 |
| I’m with Faramir on not being able to resist reading more ;-) I love the way you make us aware that Boromir’s trust and respect must be earned so that when he speaks of believing in Aragorn and recognising him as the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, we know that it’s not something he has decided easily. He’s coming across as a very honourable person, which I think is a very important part of his character. There’s something very amusing about the thought of Aragorn and Boromir making small-talk, each of them very aware that they’re sussing each other out. It was good to see them discover that they had some things in common – even though most people find that they share the same hobbies, while these two are united in their hatred of the forces of evil and desire to save all those who need it!! I like the moments of teasing, though. It’s great to see, but at the same time it’s quite sad because it’s like a glimpse of what could have been in better times. We are getting some insight into Aragorn’s character too. I just loved that moment when Aragorn studies Boromir with those “strangely ageless grey eyes.” It’s such a wonderful reminder of Aragorn’s difference, his connection to the elves, his insight. It sounds too as though he not only knows the history of his people in great depth but speaks about it with passion. And it must be almost unbelievable for men to discover the connection between Elrond and the first king of Númenor! The elves seem to have made an impression on Boromir with their skills in battle! I’m still cringing at the image of Boromir falling over the orc, though! Still, it says a lot about him that he continued fighting and did so well. I’m glad too to see that Boromir has such respect for the gentler side of Aragorn. Plus, he seems to understand the reluctance to accept that to which he was born more than I would have thought – maybe because that was something he could see too in his younger brother? And the last lines… how sad. “I can not imagine how hard it would be to live with the knowledge that I was the last of my House. Can you, Faramir?” Of course, Faramir can. Boromir could never have dreamt that but it still has to hurt Faramir to read it. Boromir had so much pride in his House. In some ways he’s better off not having seen what became of it, but it’s still a tragedy that he couldn’t see their strength restored and take up his proper role as Steward to the King. I imagine it must add to Faramir’s grief to know that not only is he the last but at this time he doesn’t what the future of the Stewards will be. I’m just glad he has Eowyn. Maybe when he has had a little more time to find some healing he can share this with her. Great job as always, jenolas. :-) Author Reply: Yes, I think Boromir would have been inmpressed with the Elve's skill i a fight and I imagine he wished for a whole army of them to help protect Minas Tirith. | |
| DAYNA | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/13/2005 |
| It just gets better and better, Jenolas! Keep it comin'! :) Author Reply: I most certainly will and thanks for the enthusiastic response. jenolas | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/13/2005 |
| I’m really becoming as engrossed in Boromir’s journal as Faramir is! I just love the moments that show the sense of humour he had and the light-hearted manner in which he teases his brother and it’s so fascinating to watch him try to figure out everything that’s happening around him, wanting to know his place in all this. The sense of wonder and slight embarrassment that come across when he speaks of the elves secreting away his clothes is completely endearing. It’s wonderful too to see that Faramir is able to get some enjoyment out of remembering youthful escapades. Arwen certainly made an impression! You always write elves in such a way that their difference to men is obvious but it’s really interesting to see Boromir’s impression of them and realisation of how different they are. The library and galleries sound amazing! Oh to see them! I love the picture of Faramir repeatedly becoming engrossed in his reading. I’m still laughing at the thought of a frustrated Boromir carrying him off to the training grounds. It’s these little additions and extra details that really add to my enjoyment of your stories :-) I don’t blame Boromir for being a little suspicious that he was being left out of things. He comes across as someone very practical and who doesn’t like to be kept in the dark about things that concern him or especially if possible aid is being kept from his beloved people. Faramir is very perceptive about his brother. It’s good that he knows him so well because it will help later, I think, when Boromir’s real struggle begins. In the meantime, I’m really interested in knowing what Boromir thinks of Aragorn after they’ve spent some time together! I suppose in a way this journal might help Faramir get to know Aragorn a little better too. Author Reply: I hope you find the rest of the journal just as fascinating. Boromir is a rather interesting character to write about, espoecially if one remebers who and what he was before the ring began to influence him. Faramir will certainly learn more about Aragorn by reading the book, take care Dot, jenolas | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/13/2005 |
| This is a lovely story, Jenolas. The pace is calm and reflective as Faramir learns his brother's inner thoughts. We can feel the sadness of loss and the thrill of discovery as Faramir reads. The emotions of the moment roll from laughter to near tears. Very well done. I've truly enjoyed 'reading' Boromir's journal with Faramir. And seeing Faramir's reaction and thoughts. I look forward to more. Karen Author Reply: Thank you, there is definitely more to come, and hopefully you find it just as calm and reflective as you have so far. (That is a very good descritpion of the style I had adopted for this story, by the way). jenolas | |
| mirthor | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/13/2005 |
| Another wonderful chapter, full of much enjoyed insight on Boromir. You continue to represent his thoughts realistically (his sense of humor; his love of his brother; his curiosity, but ultimate love of the practical; not too much arrogance, as many others like to inject into him), while bringing forth events that were merely hinted at by Tolkien, & adding your own ideas. Looking forward to the next installment. Author Reply: It is my intention to explore the 'behind the scenes' stories a little more and I thank you for appreciating my portrayal of Boromir. | |
| mirthor | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005 |
| I like the way you familiarize Boromir with Mithrandir. So many fanfics I have read bypass that probable relationship altogether, or at least only hint at it & then only in reference to Faramir's relationship with the wizard. Of course Boromir would have known Mithrandir almost as well as Faramir & I wish more authors would allow for that when those two particular members of the Fellowship converse with one another. I also like your mention of the little things that a person would notice, such as Mithrandir's other names - just the things a brother would write home about. And I again have to compliment the way you write Boromir's thoughts. I really can imagine him while reading this, & it's refreshing when an author remembers that a character is complex, rather than wooden. I'm looking forward to more from Boromir: your take his continual thoughts on all the characters, his surroundings, whatever strikes your fancy. Thanks! Author Reply: Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments, it is always pleasing to learn what parts of a story are appealing and why. Yes, I have often thought that Boromir would be as well acquainted with Mithrandir as Faramir and Denthor were. I like exploring characters, especially ones with so much left unsaid about them. Of course, there is always a risk of offending readers when trying to write from a character's inner perspective, but it is also very challenging and more importantly, a pleasure to do so. I hope you continue to ebnjoy this glimpse into the brother's lives, jenolas | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005 |
| Lovely opening line! I’m glad Faramir is able to find enough solace in this connection to his brother through the journal that he can sleep peacefully. I like the idea of him reading it only in the privacy of Boromir’s room. It does seem right. You’ve actually made me realise for the first time how utterly bewildering the whole Council experience must have been for Boromir!! There’s a wonderful sense of not quite being able to believe all that he’s heard and I found the obvious longing to share all this with Faramir very touching. You’re doing a great job showing the beginnings of conflict in Boromir – on one hand he seems almost honoured by the fact that the rightful king of Gondor has come forth and he wants to do the best for his people and carry out his duty to the council, but at the same time the fact that he knows Denethor is unlikely to welcome Aragorn could cause problems because Boromir is also duty-bound to his father. And, of course, there’s the thought that Gondor would be strengthened by the power of the ring – a thought easily put aside in peaceful Imladris but there in Boromir’s mind nonetheless. It’s interesting that his thoughts about Isildur’s “weakness” and “greed” was followed immediately by his own belief that they could use the ring. What I like most is that you’ve managed to plant the beginnings of Boromir’s doubt about their quest but he still comes across as basically a good guy. It’ll be interesting to know what Faramir makes of later entries, whether he’ll still be able to see his beloved brother through the corrupting effects of the ring. The end of this chapter made me smile! Faramir needed someone like Éowyn in his life. I’m really enjoying this. More please! :-) Author Reply: Boromir is a basically a 'good guy', it is the ring that is evil, or that is how I see it. He is astute enough to realise Isildur was corrupted by the ring, but perhaps his pride in his own strength does not allow consider that he could be as well. His intentions are honourable, and he is truly only thinking of ways to save that which duty ( and very great desire) demands he protect... his city and his people. I hope you continue to enjoy, there is certainly more to come. jenolas | |
| purrlin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005 |
| Ohh such a simple way to really disect and view the relationship between these brothers. Words from beyond the grave can be so insightful and often get the one left behind asking more of their own soul than they would have given if the other had lived. How will Faramir cope with reading between the lines the agony that the ring will cause his brother? How will he then look at his own responses, his fathers reactions and finally his own place in the scheme of all things? Will Boromir's prejudices and failings, his admiration and loves allow Faramir the peace and closure he so desperately requires? It will be interesting to see how far you intend to take this...questioning the path of the dead once they are gone is a difficult thing to do... many people refuse to take the journey and end up idolising the one that is gone rather than accepting them and loving their memory for what it is, good and bad. But then this is Jenolas...I know we're in safe hands. Thanks, I'm enjoying this immensely. purrlin :) Author Reply: Yes, there was so much happening to them both, events and actions, the meaning of which they would normally have discussed but wereunable to due to their separation. Faramir will definitely have thoughts about whatever Boromir allows him to see either with his words, or as you say, between the lines. Faramir knows his brother well, and is not afraid to disagree with him, even in death. Thanks for the very nice vote of confidence, ypu have certaoinly mae my day! I hope the story meets your expectations and that you continue to enjoy it, jenolas | |