La Famiglia Affair by Linda Cornett (G)

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: nah, this is a gen story
Author on LJ: lcorn
Author Website: Observations

Why this must be read:

This is a wonderful perspective of U.N.C.L.E. relayed to the reader by Leo, the proprietor of a new Italian restaurant situated across the street from Del Floria's tailor shop. He welcomes the reader in like an old friend, offers us food and drink, and through a series of conversations provides a most entertaining take on the customers he meets: 'Romeo Romano' with a new date each night, his runty friend with the wedding ring and a healthy appetite, and 'Capo Del Floria,' the old guy with the posh voice. When business turns bad after he refuses to sell out to a 'Frog' and a suspicious dame, Leo decides to take the initiative and ask the Del Floria 'mob' for help.

MfU fans well-versed in canon will get a kick out of recognising the villains responsible, and the opportunity to see U.N.C.L.E. through the eyes of an 'innocent' who knows enough about the world to recognise a racket when he sees one. As the narrator, Leo the restaurant owner effortlessly draws us into his world of food and family, yet keeps the focus of his conversation firmly on the characters we know so well. This technique may seem a bit distracting at first, but before you know it you'll be wishing that bowl of rigatoni was real.

La Famiglia Affair

Comments

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

That's delightful. I think Leo used to run a restaurant down the street from where I live!

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

LOL! It's great, huh? All the offers of food made me hungry too.

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

I love this story, what a great rec! Of course, Linda's work is always great, you can't go wrong there. :)

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

It's a wonderful fic. I was surprised Linda C had been overlooked for so long - this must be fixed!

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

Of, this is so wonderful! Such great lines.

Now this other guy, he comes here to eat. I mean, there ain't nothing left but the plate when he's done. Marie's sister Linda – yeah, the one with the braces, only she’s got ‘em off now – she waits table on the weekends and she's nuts for this guy. You oughta hear her back by the kitchen giggling with Marie and Felicia about this guy's haaairrr and his eeeeyyyyeeess and, God help me, his assss.

I mean, does the U.N. have a mob now or what?

They're all full of questions about my business, but they ain't got much to say for themselves, just their names. If it was their names, that is. Get this – Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. These are names?

Kuryakin says real solemn, "Don't worry, Mr.Davola. I dislike violence." Which would a been reassuring except this Solo kind a snorted, like that was their little joke.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

The Illya fangirling is so, so funny...as is Leo's appalled reaction. It's a fond nod to the days of UNCLE-mania. I bet many parents in those days would have been equally bemused and stunned with the behaviour of their teenage girls.