Fic recs: Watson’s state of mind (Afghanistan and return to England)

[mightymads]

I’d like to rec two fics which capture Watson’s inner life with fascinating vividness.

In the Shadow of Mount Sikaram by orchid314 (G, ~3K, ACD): it’s an episode from Watson’s military service, and I love the subtle way Watson’s loneliness is conveyed—he has no one to write letters to, so he sketches out his recent experience of delivering a baby in a form of a journal or a short story draft. His talent as a writer already shines in that short sketch: his sincerity, his knack for detail, and the realism with which he describes harsh conditions of a local village. This story reminds that it takes a great deal of nerve to be a doctor because one has to deal with life and death situations, relying only on one’s skills and composure. Another beautiful touch is that Watson’s orderly Murray, who later saved his life at Maiwand, makes an appearance.

Sand in His Teeth by colebaltblue (G, 2.3K, Ritchie): the atmosphere of Watson’s “comfortless, meaninglessness existence” upon his being invalided from the army is just astounding. His bitterness, his despair, his anger, and again his loneliness are conveyed in a most striking way. Amidst this misery he meets a mysterious boxer which proves to be turning point in his life and leads to the not entirely accidental introduction made by Stamford later.

Comments

[rachelindeed]

I love both of those fics, too! Wonderful choices!

[mightymads]

I was about to post it in the recs community you’ve mentioned but there’s a rule to sign up first, so :)

[rachelindeed]

Yes -- unfortunately the mod of the 221b-recs comm, who has served for many years and done such a wonderful job, has fallen silent just in the last few months. She used to post calls for volunteer recc'ers every month. I think maybe she is taking a well-earned break. But I hope that when she's ready the comm will rejuvenate, or perhaps she will give permission for a more open posting format where anyone can pitch in when they have the time and inclination.

If you'd like to check and see if either of these stories have already been recc'd over there, they have a handy spreadsheet.

[mightymads]

Thank you!

[orchid314]

Thank you so much for the lovely rec! I've been away from Dreamwidth and Tumblr for the past several months and so didn't see this. You don't know how much it means to me to hear your kind words, as I've been struggling with a bit of writer's block of late. This gives me the extra motivation to push through it.

[mightymads]

I do love this story and hope your writer's block will pass soon!