But Not For Me by Jane FAIRFAX (NC-17)

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Unknown

Hello! I am Francis Kerst and I'll drive the Crack Van for "Man from U.N.C.L.E." this month. My task is not easy for I am afraid most of my favourite stories have already been recced here and a lot of other ones are only to be found in zines. Anyway I'll try to present a choice as wide as possible, for every taste, and to keep a balance between Gen and Slash.

Why this must be read:

"But Not For Me" by Jane Faifax was one of the first slash stories I ever read, three years ago, and certainly the first that could not be placed in the "mild slash" category (and that's an understatement). The author herself uses the expression "sex marathon" to describe the hottest part of the narrative. I'd need a rating higher than NC 17 to qualify the scorching intensity of some pages.

So, it had the effect of an electric shock on me and I was stunned, not knowing whether I should like or dislike the strange thing. I am not so naive any more but I remain strongly impressed by the blasting might of Jane Fairfax' writing.

Her vision of the characters was not mine and still is not. If you absolutely refuse any idea of a tormented, vulnerable Illya, submissive to a rather mean, manipulative and bossy Napoleon you won't be pleased. I don't say "Don't read it" because it's not my role here and also because, as we say in French "better not to die an idiot" (meaning: all experiences are useful).

So, you are warned. But don't be afraid; everything is for the best at the end and naughty Napoleon is redeemed!

But not For Me

Comments

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

I did initially have trouble with her characterizations. But there's something mesmerizing about this story, and, indeed, in her writing.

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

Yes, when I first happened to read slash, by mere chance I tumbled over classical authors like Jane Fairfax and Nyssa and though I didn't share their take of the characters at all, I was in awe at the strength of their style and vision. It's interesting to notice that the stories I now remember most vividly are not those I read with the greatest pleasure at the time or those I was completely in tune with but those that had the most creative power and the most original writing style.

[dinahmt.livejournal.com]

This has to be one of the most famous MFU slash stories of all time. So many people count it among their favourites. Great rec, Francis!

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

It was one of my aims to revive old and classical stories for the new readers' education (sorry I have no smileys here, don't know why, they appear and disappear without any understandable reason from my LJ). But so many are only in zines! If you have any clever suggestion, please don't be shy...

[twigged.livejournal.com]

Please format your subject lines like this:

But Not For Me by Jane Fairfax (NC-17)

Thanks. :)

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about the characters; it's not how I see them at all. Yet, oddly enough, I really do like this story. Perhaps because, as you say, Napoleon is redeemed.

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

And because the author's voice is haunting and takes possession of the reader, whatever his will. Illya evokes the idea of possession too...An inspired writer is allmighty.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

Interesting how many of us had the same reaction. I honestly don't at all see the guys this way, and find her characterization disturbing. But the stories are so damn' good, they're mesmerizing. Jane Fairfax forces me to see the guys her way, at least for the duration of her stories.

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

What a definition of talent! But honestly there are also talented authors, whose style and writing skills I admire, who cannot convince me at all. For whatever reason the spell doesn't work.