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| Second Mum by Larner | 166 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| elanor winterflowers | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/9/2007 |
| Splendid notes. Thank you for posting them. One of my favorite non-fiction books is a slim little volume published sometime in the 60s called "The Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters," in which a selection of John's Steinbeck's collected correspondence details the personal experiences and psychological themes that together with his writer's sensibilities nurtured and begat that stunning novel that explored, together with a complexity of profound human issues, the perfect simplicity of 'timshel--thou mayest.' It begat in me a profound respect for Author's Intent. So it is that your Author's Notes are every bit as interesting as your story! I think Tolkien would be astonished at the explosion of creative endeavor that has sprung from his Myth. But then, he said 'thou mayest,' didn't he? It is our joy to bring life to the details he left to our imaginations, each of us for our own reasons and in our own ways. I admire your scholarship and your botanical research (I do that, too) and the charming idea of leaving small tributes to favorite authors and, of course, the knowledge and sensitivity that come of your own experiece brought forth to so beautifully illustrate the many aspects of 'motherhood' and the many blessings and--sometimes-the exquisite pain that comes with it. It has been important to me to know whereof the author speaks! Great story, great notes! Author Reply: Thank you, Elanor. I usually add author's notes of some kind to my longer stories, you'll find, and I do try to weave in real life themes. I'd not heard of Steinbeck's collected letters concerning "East of Eden," and I think I'll now read the book now that this has been brought to mind. I always loved his "Travels with Charlie" and a few of his shorter works. And I rejoice indeed that Tolkien did tell us "Thou mayest." It offers a good deal to the world of Arda that we may indeed partake of it and add to it. As for the botanical research--two moments that bothered me much in watching "HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban" had to do with a spray of foxglove being frozen--in September, and the executioner cleaving ripe pumpkins in June. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and having visited England several times betweem late February and late August I shudder at those images and feel they can only come from the director being from Mexico and having no idea when such things come to pass. Similarly, one story I read had the children of the Hill playing at scavenger hunt and bringing back fresh edible berries and daffodils and some other flower that isn't native to England at all in what are described as the snows of December. All I could do was give a small shudder and say, "Okay...". I learned the author lives in southern California and has never seen a snowfall save in movies and from a great distance. She has a good deal to learn. And, as I said, I empathise with what Esmeraldo must have felt. | |
| cookiefleck | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/8/2007 |
| Thank you for another memorable story and for sharing your notes with us. I have two grown children, and I always relate to and appreciate stories that touch on motherhood. By the way, perhaps you'd like to try the modern version of a "stuffing": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken . Have never had one, myself! :o) Author Reply: So glad you appreciated it, Cookiefleck. This one meant a good deal to me, obviously. So glad you appreciate it. As for trying a modern version of "stuffing," I may try it one day, but always found the idea of it rather silly. However, it would be an interesting thing to try, I must suppose. Thanks so for the website and the comments. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/8/2007 |
| Thank you for sharing your experiences.I can tell you write your stories with a great deal of feeling. Author Reply: Thank you, Linda. And I'm grateful for your faithful following of my work and your comments. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/8/2007 |
| Heart touching. Wouldn't you know, I read last chapter first, a common failing of mine, but so lovely and hopeful amidst the sorrow. I loved the glimpse Merry had of her at the end, and hope he saw her joy, and I loved Frodo's seeing them pass over. And dancing with elven children, what fun! I've added the rest of the story to my summer reading list, and am looking forward to it. (I do love the idea of the Feast... best ending I can think of, for hobbits. D'you suppose the King and Queen were able to attend, before going on to their own fate?) Author Reply: I used to do that, but don't tend to do so any more--or at least only very rarely. So many who have reported near-death experiences remember no fear or memory of pain--just the surprise of seeing those they loved and wanting them to know they still love them, the surprise of realizing that poor creature on the bed, the ground, the chair, or wherever is what's left of their bodies, and often the disappointment of being sent back. Frodo is not what he was, and was always sensitive to otherness anyway; I do believe that especially there in the Undying Lands he would be aware from time to time of those passing beyond the West, outside the bounds of Arda, and would rejoice at these brief glimpses--having finally come to terms with his own mortality and no longer worrying about becoming less than he was or losing himself completely, he'd notice the joy and delight and rejoice in that. As for whether or not Aragorn and Arwen joined the Feast, read the epilogue of "Reunion." Heh! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/7/2007 |
| *sniff* You truly should buy stock in a tissue company – the end left me rather teary again. Well, at least Esme had an easy death, simply slipping away after cuddling her grandchildren and reminiscing about Frodo one last time. It was so good she was able to talk about all these reminders of Frodo. And her reunion with Sara and the glimpse of Frodo surrounded by elfings was so sweet. Nonetheless a touching conclusion to this wonderful story! Author Reply: Yes, we've discussed this before. (Snicker.) Esme deserved an easy death and reassurance of the love she knows from her family surrounding her before she goes; and Merry needs the assurance she still considers Frodo his brother in all but blood as he and his fellow Travellers return to the life given them. And she and Sara would need to know her sacrifice of Frodo's presence within the Shire was fulfilled. So glad for your constant feedback throughout it all. Thank you so much! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/7/2007 |
| Very moving,this chapter brought tears to my eyes. Author Reply: That it moved you is proof I did it right, I'd say. Thank you, Linda. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/7/2007 |
| I loved hearing Aragorn's views and what a bad cook Boromir was. Sad, but every society needs its prison. The letter to Esme was very touching. Author Reply: They're learning about the outer world, that Frodo truly considers the King his friend, and that Pippin's still Pippin as he ever was, but that he misses this Boromir. And they have their new prison in spite of it going against Hobbit traditions and aesthetics; but at least it is a Hobbity one. And I'm glad that you found Arwen's letter touching. Thanks so much, Linda. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/7/2007 |
| It must have been very hard for those left behind to wait and wonder. Author Reply: It must have been very difficult--I'll agree with you there, Linda. And since Tolkien didn't tell us about what "really" happened in most of the Shire during the time we get to fill in the blanks. | |
| elanor winterflowers | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/6/2007 |
| *sigh* I'm so glad they saw each other again; this is a fitting benediction to a lovely story! Author Reply: Esme and Sara needed that assurance that all their sacrifices for Frodo had been fruitful; and that she would find herself reuniting with her beloved Sara after a long and full life was only right, I felt. And for Frodo these small moments when he is aware of those he left behind help to keep him aware that at heart he remains a Hobbit of the Shire. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/6/2007 |
| I am really sorry to see this one end. This has been lovely. I'm glad Merry found the letter from Arwen and that Saradoc was waiting for Esmeralda when she left this world. Lovely story and Merry's parents have always been two of my favorite hobbits. Author Reply: Thank you, Grey Wonderer, for it's been a joy to write this, as it's my tribute to all who opened up and accepted me and mine over the years. Yes, Sara was waiting to lead her to the feast and beyond when they're ready to go further; and they were able to see Frodo restored once more. Am so glad you appreciate that Merry saw the letter. I've been a second mother myself, and this is dedicated to so many who stood by me and mine over the years. It was meant to be finished by Mothers Day, but you know how these stories go. And congratulations on all the nominations you've received for MEFAs--I'm impressed! And don't kill me for mine. | |