An Advent Calendar of Stories - 8th December 2012

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

The Snowman with the Dark Coat by Castalia
Link: http://thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/8/thesnowman.html


This is not a really joyful Christmas story (although the lads do attend a Christmas party). It is a bare, stark and sad story. The author is very adept at blending winter settings and the character's state of mind. The repetitive use of the same images reinforces the sadness and isolation felt by both men. Doyle is written a little harsher than what is normally seen in the fan fiction I've read, but Bodie is wonderfully done - self contained, hard, unforgiving, keeping his true emotions buried deep.

Here's an example of the imagery: after an op the partners exchange angry, hard words and nasty barbs. Ray leaves Bodie in their upstairs office.

The snow was thick under Doyle's boots...His footsteps were rhythmical...soft cracks, crystal dust crying despair...He walked faster and faster, until abruptly he broke into a blind run and then, as abruptly, stopped dead amidst the trees and bushes covered in snow. Doyle stood still, panting, a lonely dark figure, a small point in the vast white, in the cold night. A small solitary thing...seen from above, lost."

But Castalia keeps repeating the characters desire to fix and hold onto their relationship, so the reader is made to care about the outcome, to hope for the happy ending. There are just enough scenes included to let the reader believe that it can happen. You'll have to give it a read to see if they succeed! ;D

Comments

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I adore this story - it's not happy and fluffy, but it's got so much more heart, despite that, than many stories that reassure the reader all the way through that the lads will be okay... Its as if this is real life, and if the lads make it through then they really will be okay! *g*

[moth2fic.livejournal.com]

I've read this a couple of times, and admire it - so thanks for reminding us! I find it a bit dark/cold for this time of year - but she's a great writer!

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I love this story. Both men are quite close to how I see them, not perfect, but strong men who do the best they can. I do wish we knew more about Doyle's transgression, though the details aren't really needed. Maybe I'd just like the story to be longer.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

This story is in my favorite folder, and I feel the same as you, about wanting to know just a touch more about what happened to get them to the starting point.

It's a gorgeous story, and yes, maybe it's all about just wanting it to keep going. :)

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

This is such a beautiful, memorable story and a pleasure to be reminded! Thanks.

[milomaus.livejournal.com]

Great rec, you chose a wonderful story, thank you!

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the rec - I remember looking at it some time ago, and not being sure about it. I'll really enjoy having another read, especially as everyone else has enjoyed it so much too.

Edited, because I cannot chew gum and type today *g*

[potztausend.livejournal.com]

Such a dark and intense story, so much hurt, but above all is hope. Great story, thanks for the rec!