Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat
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| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat |
| Author(s): | fawatson |
| Date(s): | 24 January 2010 |
| Length: | 1605 words |
| Genre(s): | backstory |
| Fandom(s): | Mary Renault |
| Relationship(s): | |
| External Links: | archived on LJ |
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"Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat"[1] is a short story by Florence A. Watson (fawatson) based on Mary Renault's 1953 novel The Charioteer. It is set shortly before the main events of the book.
Synopsis
As the British Expeditionary Force retreats to Dunkirk, Laurie tries to make his way along a road shelled by the Germans.
Background
"Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat" is a prequel to the previously posted story "Waiting". It was written for Week Three of the Brigit’s Flame January 2010 Challenge.
Comments
The story inspired discussion of Dunkirk and comparisons with other novels about the battle. Other comments included:
- "I really liked this, this fits very well with what I've imagined about Laurie's injuries in my head. You really get a sense of how exhausted he is."—comment by queen_ypolita
- "I really liked this. It's kind of depressing, but I always think it's a good thing when you can make your readers *feel* something."—comment by kayden_eidyak
- "I admire your grasp of history. You have made it so immediate and accessible. I applaud your both your breadth of knowledge on this subject and your ability to dovetail it with a sympathetic character so as to make the whole thing identifiable with the reader. Well done!"—comment by keppiehed
- "[...] Overall, this piece paints a wonderfully grim and gray view - wonderful because it puts the reader right there. It's easy to visualize, like watching a movie. Even though the subject is grim the reading of it is very enjoyable."—comment by darthneko
References
- ^ The title of the story comes from Winston Churchill’s speech to the House of Commons on 13 May 1940 when he became Prime Minister of the wartime coalition government: “I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the Government; 'I have nothing to offer but blood toil tears and sweat'.”