Reviewed by: Marta -- Score: 5

Ariel is well known for her ability to write Frodo and Sam's close friendship achingly well, and that is plain here. She still makes us feel that it is a friendship closer even than a romantic love would have been -- friendship in the tradition of Plato, two bodies with one soul. Yet what caught me offguard about this year's nominations was how clearly she sees *Rosie*. Here is a woman who perceives all too well and has the quiet commonsensical strength one would expect of a hobbit who does not go on adventures but instead weathers the storm. As always, her characterizations are what win my heart and make me feel emotionally drained after the story -- they're that realistic.