Not Very Romantic Recs - Caravans, by Mandragora

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Well, since I started this, I'd better make a contribution...

Title: Caravans
Author: Mandragora
Link to story: Bisto Kids online zine
Zine: Bisto Kids
Short review:

I like this story alot, and I've never thought of it as romantic even though it's quite a relationship-y story. The lads are on a car journey north to find a Real IRA informer, and as they drive Doyle muses on their relationship, and Bodie reacts as Bodie does! I love that the author shows us how the lads are both introspective men, though in very different ways, and for me they're very much in canon-character all the way through. I also love the background to all this - the motorway, and the people of Britain off on their Bank Holiday weekend. And there's a smattering of mission-y type stuff in there too, for people who like that sort of thing... *g*

So - would love to hear other people's opinions of this, or other recs/reviews of it in the comments. Anyone else read it? What do you think - romantic or unromantic?

Comments

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

I agree. It's relationship focussed, but not at all soppy - they think and behave like blokes, but not emotionally crippled blokes, which is the opposite end of the spectrum. Like real people, even *g*.

[greengerbil.livejournal.com]

This is one of my favourites, for its sense of place and time and the lovely descriptions of the members of the GBP (Great British Public) that they encounter during their journey. It is a lovely portrayal of their relationship and that very bloke-y (is that a word? *g*) reluctance to think too much about the emotional side of things - even from Doyle. I wouldn't call it romantic at all, and is all the better for that, as far as I'm concerned.

[(Anonymous)]

Kiwisue and greengerbil said everything important. I'm really glad it's well written but not romantic :) Brigitte.