The Shadow of the Past by Linda Hoyland
Reviews (6)
Write a review
Raksha The Demon
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
Tolkien invested ROTK and the Appendices with considerable psychological drama, pitting Denethor against Gandalf, Denethor against Thorongil/Aragorn, and putting Faramir in the middle of these conflicts as pawn, player and prize. In an earlier draft of the Denethor/Gandalf confrontation at the Pyre, Tolkien had Gandalf demand that Denethor "yield" Faramir to him; which makes the conflict between the wizard and the Steward for Faramir even more intense, personal and dramatic. Although that line was not used in the final version of LOTR, the force of Gandalf's demand lingers in my head, and echoes in this story; though I have no idea whether Linda read the same part of HoME III: The War of the Ring that I did.
Here, the last struggle for Faramir's allegiance occurs after Denethor's death, and Aragorn takes on the most active role; claiming Faramir for his own regime and Gondor's future. And I very much liked Gandalf's injunction to Denethor to "Rest in peace", Gandalf's compassion is in character; and he always admired Denethor, despite their differences of opinion.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I've only read snippets of HOME, but I think you told me about that passage a while back.
I'm pleased you like my Gandalf as he is character I rarely dare to write!
Antane
· 1 November 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
Rather scary but Faramir is wise enough to give his own father the boot - interesting that he does do that in his dream - and that he wants to serve the rightful king and follows him instead. Love that Aragorn claims him for his own, after Denethor had abandoned him. Faramir will know love now. Interesting also and a nice touch that Gandalf says to Denethor's ghost to rest in peace.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed my story. It fascinates me that Denethor who gave Faramir life sought to take it, while Aragorn gives Faramir his life back.
May God bless you too!
Larner
· 1 November 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
Evil has such a hold on the world, and Denethor sought to hold too closely what he could have held so much better had he held it with open hands.
Lovely, Linda.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.Alas, evil does indeed have a hold.Everything could have been so different for Denethor.I'm pleased you liked the story.
Estelcontar
· 31 October 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
That was a wonderful Halloween story. It was good that Aragorn and Gandalf were there to help Faramir.
Happy All Hallow's Eve
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm so pleased you enjoyed this Halloween story.
shirebound
· 31 October 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
You would have killed your son, by so going, you forfeited your rights over him. I claim him now!
Very believable! Poor Faramir, nearly torn in two... but the past is the past, and the future is finally bright and clear.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you found my spooky tale believable.
utfrog
· 31 October 2009
· Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Past
Great Halloween tale. Will join my favorites. Happy Halloween to you as well.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted you enjoyed my spooky tale.
Happy Halloween!