Window by Katya Baturinsky (G)

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

Fandom: Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: katyabaturinsky
Author Website: This is Katya
Why this must be read:

A beautiful little portrait of Illya as observed by an old Russian woman living in his apartment block. Through her sharp eyes, we see him first arrive, the attention he attracts, as well as some of the trials of being an U.N.C.L.E. agent. The setting is so vividly realised, from the cigarettes to the music to the news on the radio - reading this is as good as being there in person.

Wait for the revelation in the final scene - it's extremely moving and memorable.

Window

Comments

[partners4life.livejournal.com]

This is a wonderful story, thank you for reccing it.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

You're most welcome!

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

This has been one of my very favorite stories since I first read it. The attention to detail and evocative clarity of the writing take me back in time with each reading. Thank you for reccing it and inducing me to re-read.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

"Evocative clarity" - yes! I was struggling to describe how good the description was...and that's it exactly! Katya managed to create so much in relatively few words.

You're welcome!

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

Isn't this a beautiful story? Her other MfU story is Chiaroscuro - very different in tone. I wish she'd write more (are you reading this, Katya?) but Window in particular is something special.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

It is. Simple, yet most evocative of the era. I'm not sure if she's even posting to LJ much - unless she's filtering her posts. She definitely should write more.

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

No, she doesn't, though she updates her recs. I see her more in person than I do on LJ...and we live in different cities!
KATYA! WRITE MORE!!!

[merelyn.livejournal.com]

That was absolutely charming. Thank you.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

You're welcome!

If you'd like to read more MfU, she also has a big page of fic recs. Well worth checking out.

[st-crispins.livejournal.com]

Good rec. Loved the details.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[karendreamer.livejournal.com]

Ohhhh, so beautiful. Thank you so much. I've added Katya's site to my favorites.

[lyrebird.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Be sure to send her feedback too - I think she may be too hard on herself, hence the lack of fanfic.

Thanks for the rec, and all the lovely comments

[katyabaturinsky.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to hear you liked the story, C.C. -- I really appreciate the thoughtful comments, and everyone's kind words! And honestly, it's not lack of self-confidence that keeps me from writing more -- I wish that was the case, but sadly, I'm perfectly willing to write complete crap. No, much as it pains me to admit, I suffer from a near-total dearth of interesting ideas. A plot, a plot...my kingdom for a plot...

(Oh, and apologies for the delay in responding -- I've been down for a bit with the flu. Please don't think that means I'm not happy about the groovy feedback.)