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| Beneath the Surface by Canafinwe | 14 Review(s) |
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| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| What a beautifully touching story! I could just feel his exhaustion and cold, and his weariness both of body and of spirit, not only of the physical fatigue, but being tired of treated always with suspicion. The part about the shirt Arwen made him was exquisite. The careful handstitching and the smocking and so forth are described as by one who is familiar with fine needlework. Not only was it touching to see it bring him comfort, but I could also see Arwen, far away, and imagining him taking that comfort. And Butterbur-- yes, essentially a decent and kind man, even if burdened with the prejudices of his time and place. Definitely a kindness that will be remembered with gratitude. A wonderful story! Author Reply: The shirt was actually the idea that gave rise to the whole story. Tolkien tells us that Arwen "watched over him in thought", and this struck me as one way of expressing that. As for Butterbur, he really is a decent man, whatever his prejudices. And quite a lovable character, in his bumbling and slightly aggravating way! | |
| Thundera Tiger | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| This is an absolutely stunning piece! First of all the setting: you describe everything so vividly. There's a wealth of imagery in this prose, and I can see it all happening. More than that, I can FEEL it all happening. I feel the cold and the snow, and I share Aragorn's frustration with the man at the gate. That frustration only grew when Butterbur insisted that there really was no room for Strider. And here I must compliment you on your characterization. To put it simply, wow. To put it less simply, you've managed to nail some very complicated nuances in the way the people of Bree view the Rangers. From Butterbur and his hobbit, there was a grudging hospitality, dismay, fear, reluctance, and even a bit of the shrewd shopkeeper who smiles an additional coin. The Rangers and the Breelanders have a complicated relationship that I'm not sure either party truly understands because neither group can really understand the other's point of view. And both are capable of surprising the other, as Butterbur and Aragorn so aptly demonstrate. But for me, the real power of this story came when Aragorn started undressing and contemplating the clothing that he wore. So much of it is practical or for defense, and so much of it is tattered and unlovely and trail worn. It's like watching Aragorn go through different guises that he himself takes on from time to time. And underneath it all is something kingly. Something hidden. Something that the world is not ready to see. And it's only when Aragorn reaches his core that he's able to remind himself of the reason behind his duty and the drive behind his commitment. A wonderful story. You've brought so many things into focus. Author Reply: Thank you for your lovely words! I'm delighted that you found the imagery to be powerful. What you say about the lack of understanding between the Rangers and the Bree-folk is very true. The Breelanders are just as incomprehensible to the Dunedain as the Dunedain are to the people of Bree, and yet they coexist in this uneasy symbiosis. I think Aragorn must have had moments when it all seemed senseless; moments when he had to ground himself and remember why he suffered all of this. I'm glad you enjoyed my take on one such difficult evening. | |
| Silmarien | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| Excellent. Wonderfully evocative. And I love The Education of Barliman Butterbur. Author Reply: I'm so pleased you liked it! Lesson one: Rangers are people, too. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/31/2009 |
| That was why he fought, he reminded himself sternly, straightening his back and raising his head in defiance of his weary body and flagging spirit. That was why he endured it all What a descriptive, beautifully written story. Reading this is like finding a lost chapter from our beloved Tale. Author Reply: Thank you so much! What a lovely thing to say: I'm sure it's what we all aspire to! | |