Cat, this was wonderful. It was quite a departure for you, but I thought it worked so well. Your descriptions and world-building felt effortless: so much of this story seemed inevitable, and it had a lovely kind of flow and grace and detail that I associate only with the best kind of children's literature/fairy tales: it's brutal and gentle and completely involving all at the same time.
The use of language was extraordinary; you evoke that sense of otherworldliness (because the story was either set long, long ago, or in another world entirely) but you still perfectly convey each of the Ray's personalities and dialogue quirks. You've also done a terrific job translating their personalities into the world of this story, which is always the mark of a good AU. I loved the message in this story, too, about how you find love in unexpected places, and how love and longing can transcend the most unforgiving of barriers. This was an exploration of prejudice and guilt and love, and it all came together beautifully in the end. I really do want to read (or write) that sequel where the Rays go north to finally find peace. It's a beautiful concept, and you executed it with a lot of skill and precision.
Yeah. This was an amazingly moving fic, and a perfect use of the prompt. (I haven't read GotR but from what I understand of the plot/setting, your story here dovetails neatly with Chabon's fantasy. Well done).
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2008-06-24 11:33 pm (UTC)The use of language was extraordinary; you evoke that sense of otherworldliness (because the story was either set long, long ago, or in another world entirely) but you still perfectly convey each of the Ray's personalities and dialogue quirks. You've also done a terrific job translating their personalities into the world of this story, which is always the mark of a good AU. I loved the message in this story, too, about how you find love in unexpected places, and how love and longing can transcend the most unforgiving of barriers. This was an exploration of prejudice and guilt and love, and it all came together beautifully in the end. I really do want to read (or write) that sequel where the Rays go north to finally find peace. It's a beautiful concept, and you executed it with a lot of skill and precision.
Yeah. This was an amazingly moving fic, and a perfect use of the prompt. (I haven't read GotR but from what I understand of the plot/setting, your story here dovetails neatly with Chabon's fantasy. Well done).