wendelah1: (Scully in front of the poster)
wendelah1 ([personal profile] wendelah1) wrote in [community profile] xf_book_club2010-04-30 12:54 pm
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Story 113: "Fathoms Five" by Penumbra

Fathoms Five was first nominated in September of last year by [livejournal.com profile] scarletbaldy, and then again about a month ago by [livejournal.com profile] antfarmponies. It's been suggested to me informally a couple of times, too. I had hesitated to post it for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the subject matter is profoundly disturbing.

Yes, THAT IS A WARNING. Email or PM me if you need more specific information before reading this story.

But it's a major work, by a major writer. It's also her best work, in my humble opinion, and I hope we can do it justice. I don't want to say anything more specific for fear of giving away too much. As always, there will be spoilers in the comment threads.

Penumbra's planning to let her website go down soon (sob, I know, another one), so I'm also linking to her journal. Of course, the story is archived at Gossamer, too.

Again, this story contains disturbing material that might be triggering.

At her website, "Fathoms Five." EDIT: This version has a warning that is a spoiler.

And, at her journal: Part One, Part Two. EDIT: This version has no warning posted.

As always, leave feedback for the author, and then come back for discussion. Suggestions for next time may be left at the nomination post.

[identity profile] estella-c.livejournal.com 2010-05-17 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I believe that you were clear enough. I just don't think we're destined to understand each other here.

You say "boo hoo." I'd say, like Scully, "kill me now." Depressed doesn't capture it.

It's as though Scully were in a glass box, (emotionally) asleep, watching the seasons turn and unable to be part of it.

All human beings know that they will die. You can't be human without owning that knowledge. At least I imagine that it must be really, really hard, and "imagine" is all any of us can do.

I know I'm sounding extra-philosophical, but that's the subject we've been dealt.