Stacey's Reviews

Sherlock Holmes: Well Put

We enter a room in which there are two men, Sherlock Holmes and Joseph Stone. Holmes is in a position of power, pointing a gun directly at the chest of Mr Stone. Holmes is the hero, Stone is the villain. The story ends with Holmes pulling the trigger, though it only alludes to this. This piece of fiction was quite well written and shows that the author is familiar with the original stories and of the Holmes character. Throughout the story the author builds up tension which finally climaxes at Holmes shooting Stone.

Sherlock Holmes: Observations on a Spring Day

We find an adolescent Sherlock Holmes who is honing his detective skills by making detailed observations about passers-by. He notices one man whom he finds fascinating, this is supposed to be Watson, before they had met formally. This is a short piece of fan fiction, based on a single idea, that you may have already met someone who will in the future change your life. I think that the story is well executed, with an interesting concept.

Catcher in the Rye: Merry Little Christmas

This fan fiction was written from the perspective of Casey, a girl who used to go to school with Holden Caulfield. They meet in an hotel and talk about school and their lives, yet there is depth to their discussion and something lingers beneath the surface. I think that the author has done well at capturing the melancholy of Holden Caulfield in this short run-in with his acquaintance, Casey. It is also very in keeping with the language, style and themes of the book.

Frankenstein: Through our Deliverance

This is set after Victor Frankenstein tells the creature that he will not make a female companion for him. It is the creature's monologue in which he expresses the wretchedness of being bought into this world, a monstrosity that defies nature itself. He explains how at first he felt love and beauty, until he felt the scorn of humanity which made him realise he was a monster. I felt that the author really managed to capture the creature's anguish, it felt earnest to me. The language used was appropriate and reminiscent of Mary Shelley's writing, if not entirely convincing.

1984: Madness, Constraint, Subjection

Set after the book ends, we see Winston as a man who has lost his free thought. He pushes his urges deep down by reciting their slogan over and over in his head. I enjoyed this piece of writing, the language was descriptive and interesting. I especially liked the clever use of the three words: Madness, Constraint, and Subjection.

Little Woman: Flight from Vanity Fair

The story is a monologue, for the most part, which focuses on Meg in her dressing room before her wedding. She ponders her doubts about marriage, and becoming a woman. The main thing that this monologue is trying to express is her resignation, that in becoming a married woman she would relinquish her hopes and dreams. I admire how the author managed to portray this feeling of defeat in Meg by fanciful memories of the past and in the dialogue with her sister.

Everything is Illuminated: Forgive

As in the book, Alex narrates the story in first person, in a letter to Jonathan. He tells Jonathan of his conflict with his father, his grandfather's suicide, and how they are left to cope. The text incorporates Alex's broken English which is often humourous, and makes the story more interesting to read. Safran Foer could have written this himself.

Perks of Being a Wallflower: Please Don't Ask How I Found Out, Charlie

This fan fiction is in the form of a letter to the protagonist, Charlie. It is written by the mysterious person that Charlie writes to in the book but whom we never hear from. In this letter, they explain how Charlie's letters affected them and little thoughts and details about their life. Something about this piece felt a bit cheesy but it is well-written and well thought out.

Alice in Wonderland: Alice's New Adventure

This story documents the return of Alice to Wonderland seven years after her original visit. She sees the rabbit, who is as always quite late, and she follows the rabbit into Wonderland where she meets all of her old friends again. I thought that the plot was rushed and could have been more descriptive. I also felt that it was cliche and that the author could have done something a bit more interesting with it.

Animal Farm: Mr Jones

This story centres around Mr Jones, the owner of the farm which the animals have taken over. He is visited by the ghosts of past, present and future and sees how his actions have affected each of these periods. He sees himself being killed by the animals and it ends with him deciding to take action. It is well-written and structured, and combines Dickens and Orwell seamlessly.