ext_12399 ([identity profile] ardent-muses.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] crack_van2004-06-28 10:52 pm

Cliché, by Shay Sheridan PG-13

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] shayheyred
Author Website: None

Why this must be read:

This short piece packs a lot of power. When I was flirting in a casual way with MFU, I read "Cliché" on [livejournal.com profile] muncle and that was it -- I was sucked right in. It's one of the first stories I recommend to people who are curious about MFU, because it gives a subtle but precise taste of all the things I love about the show.

If you were looking for action, you might say that very little happens in this story. It's just Napoleon sitting in a dungeon, holding his unconscious partner, and thinking about the routine of their lives. However, there's a lot going on under the surface here, and the *emotional* plot is a mini rollercoaster ride of sadness, fear, humor and sweetness.

Shay writes masterful flowing narrative passages that manage to turn the rather clunky elements of MFU into something that seems quite plausible. She creates a powerful result in just a few paragraphs.

Cliché

[identity profile] raveninthewind.livejournal.com 2004-06-29 08:55 am (UTC)(link)
a voice whispered "Idiot," but made it sound like a Russian endearment.

:::loves:::