Story 113: "Fathoms Five" by Penumbra

[wendelah1]

Fathoms Five was first nominated in September of last year by scarletbaldy, and then again about a month ago by 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.

Comments

[dashakay.livejournal.com]

I haven't read any XF fic in ages and ages but I was drawn to read this last night and I'm so glad I did.

I've always liked Penumbra's writing but, unlike a lot of other people, found her use of language to be a bit much. I'm not feeling very articulate this morning because I just started in on my coffee, so I might not be able to express this as clearly as I'd like to. Anyhow, in her previous stories, especially Parabiosis, I found the ornate language to be distracting from the actual story. Kind of like listening to a beautiful symphony that features a violin soloist who goes way over the top. It frequently pulled me out of the story and, in the end, it was kind of exhausting.

Anyhow, what I loved about Fathoms Five was that the language was beautiful but reigned-in. It allowed me to lose myself in the story. Kudos for that.

[wendelah1]

I'm not a huge fan of "Parabiosis," although it certainly has some lovely moments. It took me three tries to finish it. I think her use of language was deliberately playful, arcane and ornate, to fit with the mood she was trying to create. Sometimes it worked and sometimes, not so much. I do admire her ambition and her risk-taking.

Anyhow, what I loved about Fathoms Five was that the language was beautiful but reigned-in. It allowed me to lose myself in the story. Kudos for that.

Her use of language in this story is much more under control, and doesn't interfere in anyway or call attention to itself. "Fathoms Five" also dauntingly ambitious, but she really knocked this one out of the park.

If you were only going to read one TXF story in 2009, this would be the one I'd say was not to be missed. I hate saying things like that, because then my brain says but what about. . .