The "This One Is For You" Affair by Gina Martin (PG 14)

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya (Gen)
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: http://www.solosojourn.com/
Why this must be read:

With its two parts and its sequel (the "I Believe In Yesterday" Affair, which is a cross over), this work of considerable length and richness, gives an ideal example of a Man From Uncle epic novel. Choose a long weekend, settle comfortably in your favourite armchair or couch with a nice pot of cofee or tea and take off for the land of action, adventure and friendship.

Friendship is a keyword in Gina Martin's world. Not only the partnership in the field or a mere brotherly love but the special, exclusive, indissoluble bond we find described and honored in the epic litterature of all cultures and all times since the Sumerian legend of Gilgamesh. As for me, I cannot help to evoke the famous pair of the "Chanson de Roland": Roland and Olivier ("Roland is brave, and Oliver is wise") who die together in a last desperate fight.

Don't be afraid; there is no such outcome in these two novels, but a constant thrill and suspense created by a tense and complex plot, and a course of action full of new developments. A rather grim vision of U.N.C.L.E. may surprise; take it as a form of "Alternate Reality". It adds to the angst and sense of tragic which perfectly matches the epic dimension.

The "This One Is For You Affair"

Comments

[alinewrites.livejournal.com]

I hate Waverly, I do, I do, I do. And I couldn't read half of it because I was crying so hard... The sense of doom and disaster didn't leave me for a single second all along the story and even the ending didn't really comfort me. But you're right, it's probably the best MAFU story I ever read.

BTW... My eldest daughter bought me a new book about Gilgamesh, illustrated by the calligrapher Hassan Massoudi (The text is by Pierre Grimal). It's a pure jewel.

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

I hate Waverly, I do, I do, I do

Ah! he is not nice in this story! Not precisely my vision of the man, but in this specific universe (or alternate reality), it's OK. And I like still less the "grandfather like" figure we see in some fictions, not good for the dramatic tension.

a new book about Gilgamesh

Thanks for the tip, I'll probably buy it, at least I am sure to find it in Paris.

[susan-peri.livejournal.com]

This story was new to me and I'm glad you recommended it -- it was an excellent read.

However, the author refers to "Mark Slade" instead of "Mark Slate" which drives me crazy.

Are you going to do any driving for the Professionals?

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

Happy to get at last some reactions; I was wondering if I was just talking to myself with theses recs. After all I work for the reader, not for me and not mainly for the author. When I started, I had the impression the offered choice was not wide enough. That's why there are so many gen stories in my selection.

I didn't notice the error about the name, probably because I don't especially care for the main characters of GFU.

And, yes, I had thought to apply for the "Pros" recs, but maybe I didn't read enough of this stuff yet, and you know my unhealthy passion for the Bodie/Cowley pairing; I'd risk to be blown up into flames by outraged champions of the true pairing!

Gina's site

[susieq3282.livejournal.com]

GM's site now says that her domain has been suspended. Couldn't get to it through the link or her URL. It's too bad - I 've read this Affair before along with I Believe in Yesterday, and the stories are wonderful.

Sue

Re: Gina's site

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

I just checked it and it's true, unfortunately. Very strange; the links were all working when I posted this rec and at least two reasders could find the stories. Bad timing, indeed. Hope it will be restaured soon.

Re: Gina's site

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

It's back! Alleluyah!