Christmas Reading Room December 4

[starlite876.livejournal.com]

Title: Groundhog Doyle
Author: Irene
Link to story or zine/ProsLib info: Story published in the fanzine Close Quarters (Deathless Pros Press). Story is not available online.
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Further story information found at: Palelyloitering website


I wondered for a long time as to whether I should rec a story from a fanzine which is now OOP, and which the story is not available online. However, when discussing this with byslantedlight, she convinced me that stories will live on by those who remembered them, so I wanted to share with you today this charming story from Irene, published in the fanzine Close Quarters.

Groundhog Doyle written by Irene is loosely based on the movie Groundhog Day.

In the story, Doyle hates Christmas and thinks that Christmas and the holidays are a waste of time and money. He finds himself living through Christmas Eve repeatedly. As Doyle is forced to relive the same day over and over again, he learns more about the people around him, and begins to re-evaluates his life and priorities.


Irene is one of several PROS writers who do not wish their work to be published online or archived to the Pros CD. The majority of her works can be found in the Roses and Lavender anthologies.

With respect to Irene's wishes that her stories not be published online, I will try to summarise the story and not include any actual passages from the story (apologies to Irene for paraphrasing her charming story in my own words).

The story is set in December 24, 1982, and Bodie and Doyle are working on a case where they have been given a tip-off about a bomb left at Victoria station. It s a routine case, the bomb had been disarmed, there were no casualties, no property damage, lots of boring legwork and more boring paperwork to finish the day. Doyle goes to bed thinking the entire day was just another lousy day, and wishing the holidays will be over soon.

The second time he lived through December 24, Doyle thinks it's a practical joke from Bodie, but as Christmas Eve begins to repeat endlessly, Doyle moves from being confused, to being worried, to being selfish. He begins to think about seducing and sleeping with Bodie. After all, what would be the risk? If he failed, than in the morning the day would restart and it would be as if nothing had happened.

Doyle is devastated when events take an unexpected and tragic turn through his selfish actions.

The story ends with happily, after Doyle is given the chance to put things right with Bodie.

Groundhog day is written from Doyle's POV and offers an interesting insight into how one person's action can influence the lives of those around him. By changing how Doyle behaves on each repeated Christmas Eve, Irene was able to show how Doyle's actions and words have impacted and changed those around him.

I found Irene's characteristics of Bodie and Doyle in her stories very realistic and true to cannon. She has written stories in many genres (eg. episodic stories, AUs, and a lovely epistolary story).

Close Quarters is now Out of Print, but loiteringpalely has information regarding second-hand dealers, and other resources.

Please do check out her stories in the Roses and Lavender anthologies (all are still in print) published by Allamagoosa Press. Irene has written another Christmas story in Roses and Lavender 6 set after the events of DIAG and which is also a joy to read.

Happy Holidays everyone!

(sneaking the post in before LJ comes down for maintenance)

Comments

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you for this! I love Irene's stories, and this is one of my favorites. It never fails to delight me. In fact, I believe it is time for a reread...perhaps while LJ is down. *g* There are ways to get out of print zines and stories, and this one is well worth the effort.

Thank you for the reminder!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Irene is one of my favourite authors, and in some ways it's such a shame that she's zine-only, but on the other hand, as MS says, there are still ways to get hold of such stories, and it's definitely worth it for Irene! Groundhog Doyle is fun - I love his confusion about what's going on, and his growing awareness and experimenting with it... Yeay, good choice!

[cornishcat.livejournal.com]

I've only managed to read a couple of Irene's stories, enjoying them both, but I haven't read this one. I'll certainly try to get hold of a copy now, having read your enthusiastic recommendation. Thanks for the heads-up.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

I've had a chance to read this, and have enjoyed it very much.
Poor Doyle, finding out what happens if he calls in sick, and then reacting when Bodie suggests they call in sick at the end of the story.
I wonder if Ray will ever tell anyone...