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Date Posted: 01:37:28 10/24/02 Thu
Author: ScarletNicky
Author Host/IP: cache-rk06.proxy.aol.com / 152.163.189.70
Subject: Re: General Review & Discussion: What She Deserves by Herself-B/S
In reply to: KatLurkin 's message, "General Review & Discussion: What She Deserves by Herself-B/S" on 17:03:02 10/21/02 Mon

I started reading this story back in the Summer, but quickly put it down because I was turned off by the m/m slash. After joining the B/S group, I wound up reading it again because it was one of our contenders for nomination.

To my surprise, I ended up really liking it. I don't so much consider Spike to be bisexual in the story, although in some interpretations of vampire lore, most notably Anne Rice, all vamps are a little bit bi. Instead, I saw his relationship with Jack as a means of punishing himself for the attempted rape. In fact, arranging for his own rape and torture as penance strikes me as a really Spike thing to do, as is his attempted suicide. He's always been proactive and a bit rash, as the soul quest demonstrates.

Although this is a somewhat bleak story, which I think is unavoidable due to the way Season 6 ended for B/S, I loved the characters throughout "Deserves." That Spike verbalizes that he doesn't want to be forgiven or believe he deserves it makes him all the more forgivable. But the character I liked best was Buffy. I haven't liked ME's Buffy since before OaFA, but I think if the show presented a Buffy with as much heart and compassion as Herself's portrayal, I doubt there would be any of what is being labeled as "Buffy bashing" on the boards.

So, despite my aversion to m/m slash (an unfortunate choice, as it limits her audience), I'm giving this story a 90.

Nicky

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[> Re: General Review & Discussion: What She Deserves by Herself-B/S -- treacle antlers, 16:44:26 10/24/02 Thu (host213-1-163-129.in-addr.btopenworld.com/213.1.163.129)

I can't add a great deal to what morgain said, as she pretty much echoed all my feelings about 'What She Deserves'. As I said before it was one of the first fics I've ever read that actually reduced me to tears, the powerful imagery, skilfully crafted dialogue and wonderful IMO characterisations are hallmarks of Herself's writing and I have the utmost respect and admiration for her.

I'll admit that her Buffy and Spike were no means exact carbon copies of the people we see on our screens, but I like to think of really excellent fic as stretching the limits of the characters as well as the imagination of the reader. The fact was I *believed* in her Buffy and Spike and found their motivation, and consequential actions, both compelling and truthful.

As to the slash element, no one can accuse me of being a fan of the genre, but I felt Jack's character was strong enough and Spike's relationship with him believable enough to make it work. I had no qualms with accepting that Spike, in his intensely guilty state, would allow himself to be tortured or that his emotions regarding Buffy would still be confused.

The scene between them at the motel and the bittersweet ending that followed left me feeling both emotionally drained and panting for more. And what more can you ask of a fic? A sequel maybe...which by the way...she's already written.


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[> [> I give it a 90 by the way! -- treacle antlers, 06:49:15 10/28/02 Mon (host213-122-84-161.in-addr.btopenworld.com/213.122.84.161)


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