Reading Room Theme IV - Older Lads Fic - week 3 - Two on A Treasure Island

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Title: Two on A Treasure Island
Author: Slantedlight
Link to story or zine/ProsLib info:Two on a Treasure Island
Pairing: B/D

First, I hope a few others have had the time to read this Thursdays story, because it's long!  Which is a good thing in my book, but I almost didn't finish in time, because yesterday was my husband's birthday, and I lost almost a whole day of reading time to cake baking and decorating, wrapping gifts, going out for dinner... *g*
Here we go and may I warn you that putting my feelings about stories into words it NOT one of my strengths, so excuse my disjointed ramblings!  I promise to keep it short! :D


When I first saw BSL's story announced, I remember feeling intrigued and exited, seeing my absolute favorite childhood book series was the inspiration for a Pros story by one of my favorite writers!

As a child, I was not a "natural" reader, and found it a real chore to have to read a half a page (Hah!), before being allowed to play outside (parents and teachers were worried about my lack of interest and skill in reading). Then my best friend told me about this series she'd been reading: "The Famous Five" by Enid Blyton.  I borrowed the first one from her, and things just clicked!  I became a voracious reader practically overnight and now had to listen to my parents telling me I was reading too much and to go outside and get some fresh air!

Now, the question is: does this universe translate well into Pros and more modern times?  I didn't really know what to expect, but once I started, it worked wonderfully for me!

It was like coming home, experiencing again the complete immersion into an unhurried, long story, with lovely descriptions of characters, surroundings, the weather, food (*g*), but this one distinctly Pros, and for adults!  And the language is, of course, not the simpler style for children that Enid Blyton used, but BSL's very own.

It's all there, though: the history, the island, the adventure, the ingots..., I loved the original characters, from CI5, to Burt and his employees, to the villains, and seeing older Bodie and Doyle, in particular, go from almost disillusioned, to slowly getting their spark back.

Time has passed, CI5 has changed, Doyle is being forced out of his job, and he is trying to save Bodie from the same, at least for a while longer, and Bodie tries to save Doyle from going under, emotionally.

An innocent week-long holiday at the sea to get away from it all, visiting an old friend of Bodie's who owns a pub, turns into a grand adventure for them, and makes them realize that even though they are older, there is still "life" to be had, and they are *together* and what's really important.

Their relationship has that distinct "longtime couple" feel, with lots of bickering/bantering, complaining about each other, but not meaning it, and the attraction is still there in full force. Bodie, in particular, can't keep his hands off Doyle, and he knows his Doyle, and how to distract him from his worries, because older Doyle can still not let things rest until he's got everything figured out.
There is excitement, and a touch of h/c and so much promise at the end!
There really needs to be a "book 2", because I want to know what they get up to next!

One thing a little disorienting to me at first were the POV changes from chapter to chapter, but I soon got used to it and appreciated the character insights gained through them.
And now I'd better post this, before it's too late in England!

Comments

[moth2fic.livejournal.com]

I'm not always an 'older lads' fan - I think I like to have them forever young in my head! But I absolutely loved this. It's probably what you said about the way they are slightly disillusioned and a bit worried and then get their 'spark' back! I thought the original characters were extremely well drawn and believable and the whole plot was really satisfying. Slantedlight knows England well and has a sure touch describing places, weather and local customs. Even if her actual locations are to some extent fictional her love of the English countryside shines through and the pub was perfect. The established relationship works well, and altogether I have no complaints!! I already had the story in my 'to keep' collection but thanks for reminding me of it!! It has the same 'sunshine and excitement' feeling as the children's series it so lightly echoes; just right for a summer rec!!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

I knew someone would come along, and say what I was trying to in much better words! :)

I'm glad you enjoyed the story and stopped by to comment!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Forgot to add: I also usually like my lads to stay around canon age, but when they right story comes along, it doesn't matter.

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry I haven't had a chance to read this story yet but your review has inspired me to print it out and read it as soon as I can.

Thanks for the recommendation!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Don't be sorry! I took a little too long to decide on a rec, being embroiled in end of school year stuff, testing etc., and then had the audacity to pick a really long, but infinitely satisfying one.

I hope you enjoy the read when you find the time!

Two on a Treasure Island

[heliophile-oxon.livejournal.com]

Well I might as well say from the off that this one is on my kindle - and my kindle goes everywhere with me! *g*

I think bsl has got the vast majority of things very very right in this fic; our lads are older, and realistically so - they can't clear whole buildings in a single leap any more (though they are perhaps in rather good shape for their respective ages - but then again, that's plausible enough given their history), but on the other hand they're experienced and they're skilled. I love the way she shows us their competence, whether it's taking reasonable safety precautions on the formerly-sunken ship or (a favourite bit of mine for some reason) using a mobile phone to take and send a photo of the tunnel entrance.

The whole jaded-verging-on-depressed thing is realistic and moving. Each understands the other very well, and each is prepared to do what it takes to give the other what he needs. I love it that they come through this with renewed strength and happiness, not by hand-waving their problems away but by facing and dealing with them.

I felt I had to find something to niggle at, just to see if I could - so I was going to cavil a tiny bit about the plot device of not telling Burt what they've found (maybe it feels like a bit of a reach) - but it's vital to the plot and on re-reading the justifications in their minds do hold good; certainly good enough!

And have I mentioned I really rather like this fic? I really rather do!

Re: Two on a Treasure Island

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

It *is* a very likeable story, isn't it?
I briefly thought about the "not telling Burt", but it seemed that circumstances interfered in a believable way, and anyhow, Bodie and Doyle camping on Kirrin island and looking for the hidden treasure distracted me immediately! :)

Oh, and I forgot to mention how much I liked Burt bestowing the nickname "mucker" to Doyle, too, in the end.

[rosie55.livejournal.com]

Just a quick note because I can't resist even though it should really be time for bed! I also love this story, have it on my kindle, too which also goes everywhere with me!
I adore older lads stories, love the way they face the same problems as all public servants atm, but are working it out together. I love how settled and familiar they are together, how Bodie knows what to do to start to bring Ray out of his gloom and how well they still work together when adventure crops up. Their lives are good but not perfect, and they feel so right to me. Good original characters, too and I also want a sequel! BSL has such a sure touch with the lads and with her descriptions of the countryside and for realistic action too, more please!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, how nice to see you, and to hear you like the story, too! How is your summer going?

A lot of older Bodie and Doyle's thoughts are starting to sound very familiar to me! Must mean I'm getting up there! ;)

And yes, let's start a petition for the sequel!

[margaret-r.livejournal.com]

I too loved this story and will re-read with as much pleasure as the first time:) It's realistic and treats the subject of 'older lads' well - as mature versions of the same 'young' lads, something that doesn't always come across well in fics. Their love and caring for each other is delightful, shown in some beautifully tender scenes and the storyline nicely paced so that you never lose interest. The OC’s are well-developed and interesting, as is having some snippets from Bodie’s early life as a mercenary:)

Slantedlight has done a grand job of giving us a wonderful contemporary version of the lads. I hope she writes more like this.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Another one signing the petition for more! :)
Thanks for commenting and enjoy the re-read!

[miwahni.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec - I haven't read this fic, but after reading your review, and the comments here, it seems I'll have to do so.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, give it a try! :)
Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

This story is a favorite of mine. Slantedlight has the lads down pat. The story is believable and the settings are well drawn out, their relationship is loving but not soppy and everything just fits. Thanks for the rec!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

their relationship is loving but not soppy

Yes, that's a major point! They retain their canon chemistry, and that is a big part of what makes me love the show/characters.

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

So Enid Blyton for you? For me it was The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. (was it only yesterday...?)

I did enjoy your rec a lot!
It's some time ago now, that I've read the story, but I remember that I had a lot of fun especially with the 'adventure' parts of it. After all the scenario with the island and the ship and the cave is very unusual!

I've reread the end - there are so many stories behind their new profession... :-)

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved The Black Stallion, too, and many others! Yes, it was only yesterday (as long as I don't look in the mirror)!

We really need to find out what Bodie and Doyle's further adventures are going to be.

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with you about how well the Enid Blyton "Five on a Treasure Island" connection works. It really is one of the strengths of this story. I grew up with the ' Famous Five' books, and the first one is still my favourite. I even tried to write a Pros story based in the same setting, with an older George - but I've never been able to make it work properly, and as most EB treatments in fandom seem to be mocking parodies I've never felt confident enough to let it loose.

So - Not a parody Lads on a Treasure Island - It's a very tricky thing, to know which bits of the original story to use and which to leave, but BSL has made some excellent decisions here. The story is about the place, and the events, but it's all Lads, and I think that really works. The geography of the place is very recognisable, right down to lining up the church tower and the castle to find the shipwreck, and later goings on within the castle itself. The events - well, I won't spoil, except to say I love the way that what happens is true to the original - although updated, with mobile phones and everything :)

I agree with you again about the feeling of 'immersion' - from summery London overshadowed by the new government's changes, to the coast, and that wonderful moment of recognition *g*. Oh, and the characters, like Burt, and the older bikers, and the rural policeman; but most of all our Lads, with their worries and seriousness, and humour and sexiness... * wanders off happily*

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, I would very much like to read your Pros-Famous Five story.
George was my favorite character, having been a tomboy myself, and I'm curious to find out more. Maybe you'll post the story someday?

BSL's story is definitely on my re-read list, and I've also picked up "Five on a Treasure Island" at the library and am indulging myself. :)
I realized I'd never actually read the books in English!

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

George was my favorite character, having been a tomboy myself

Snap! *g* - I suspect the tomboy quotient is quite high in Pros!

Reading this story highlighted for me that it takes a lot to make an alternate setting like this work. The FF protagonists are children, the attitudes very much 50's or earlier (dodgy gender relations and class and minority group stereotypes), plots are simple and adults are either good - albeit often interfering or oblivious (if the End of Days was coming, Joan would presumably bake something) - or evilest evil. Things fall into place swiftly and neatly at the denoument. It's usually fairly easy to tell who's who. So if you're going to bring Pros into it, which has its own set of issues but of a different calibre (*g*), which tends to the shades-of-grey, messy endings and definitely adult, then the connections between canons have to be carefully balanced.

For e.g. I'm glad Burt was an old mate of Bodie's, rather than a bad-tempered/forgetful and interfering Uncle Quentin character. The only nod to a slight eccentricity is Bert's inability to organise his taxes, which creates a similar incentive for mystery solving that is a clever re-invention on the author's part.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Thanks for laying out the intricacies of AU building, especially when it involves two well known, and very different universes!

As a reader, I can only admire the skills the writers here employ to offer us voracious readers stories to enjoy for free! I'm in awe!

Burt is a great character and I suspect an exact "Uncle Quentin" copy would push it toward the "parody" genre.

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Oh, I definitely don't claim any great expertise! It's only when I see something done well sometimes that I think of 'why it is so' - and I could be taking through my hat, you never know :)

[starlite876.livejournal.com]

Just finished reading BSL's story for the very first time and wanted to say that this was a lovely 'Older Lads' story. I loved that the lads are slightly disillusioned by their lives in CI5, totally devoted to each other, and that all worked out well at the end.

I too have read the Famous Five stories when I was young but I'm afraid I absolutely do not remember the plot of "Five on a Treasure Island" so I read with interest everyone's comments regarding references to the Enid Blyton story.

I'm tempted to purchase the ebook version for my ereader, but I see that the 2010 ebook edition has '…. revised text to bring the dialogue up to date for a whole new generation of readers.' I dislike original stories being changed just to be politically correct, so I think I shall go and search out a copy from the public library instead.

Thank you for reccing this, I think must have missed this story last year when BSL first posted it so I'm glad I was able to read it as part of the 'Older Lads' stories.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm glad you found a story you missed last year, and that you liked it! :)

I read the Famous Five books so much, that I remember most details, but had actually not read them in English yet. Am making up for that now, also with library copies, after finding out they modernised the language.

[milomaus.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to let you know that I didn´t get around to reading the story yet, so I´ll get my view to it up here somehow later....:(
Sorry. I really wanna read it, especially after your great reccing!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Have fun reading it! It's nice and long. Just the thing for a summer read!

[milomaus.livejournal.com]

So sorry, I just couldn´t steal enough time to finish the story before...
I think it´s a wonderful, beautifully written story, the plot is fantastic, the characters are either true (the OC`s) or very nicely invented and pictured. As is the scenery, the history and the lads.
I love love love the "little" (I´m in need for another word, just can´t find it right now...) sentences at the end of the first chapters, the insight, the "putting it down", summing things up.

The POV changes really lost me, sometimes so much that I had to reread to figure out who´s "talking" right now.

I was in agony over the time "down under". I kept expecting what really happend in the end, that the bad guys would come and the lads would get into trouble. Uh, the suspension!

Sometimes I had the feeling that Doyle might wanted out of their relationship, but then I figured that it was part of the story, revealing itself when Bodie finally tickled the real reason for Doyles bad mood out of him.

Oh and another thing I loved sooo much: From the beginning right up and over the middle everything was so nice and quiet, despite the bad news for Doyle, it´s such a perfect established relationship feel, a Make-me-feel-good-story, All-are-happy-picture (- I know there must be a single word for this...*ng*) that I was a bit disappointed about the change for more action.

All in all I think it´s a wonderful story, I enjoyed the one from EB at that time, but this ones just so much better!

Thank you for reccingit so nicely, who knows at what time I would´ve stumbled over it.