Heartspeak
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| Sentinel Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Heartspeak and Soulspeak |
| Author(s): | Donna Gentry |
| Date(s): | 1998 |
| Length: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | The Sentinel |
| External Links: | online here |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Heartspeak and Soulspeak is a single Sentinel story told from two points of view. It is by Donna Gentry.
It was published in The Best of Donna Gentry and is online.
Summary: "One story, told from two points of view. Heartspeak, the first part, is told from Blair's perspective as he overhears a conversation that is not intended for his ears. Soulspeak, Jim's side of the story, attempts to show that things aren't always as they seem. Should be read together and in order. Winner of the 2000 Burton Award for Best Angst Story. Winner of the Rollercoaster Award for Outstanding Gen Angst story in the 2004 Light My Fire Awards. Honorable Mention for 2008 Light My Fire Award in the Hurt/Comfort category."
Reactions and Reviews
It was quite unusual to read a story (in two parts) that tells first, exclusively Blair's side and then Jim's. A very gentle story full of angst, h/c and lots of smarm.<g> You do have to read both parts to understand...and the understanding you'll come to is that every story has two sides. Go, read. You'll be glad you did.[1]
Why this must be read: If you like angst then this is a worthwhile read for you. In the aftermath of what Blair’s overheard he makes a conscious effort to fit into the role described by Jim (and the gang) and becomes the quiet and obedient man he thinks they want, in the meantime, Jim struggles to connect and understand what’s wrong with his partner as he deals with a difficult case. For me, the main appeal of this story (apart from the angst obviously) was the storytelling style. Instead of the usual flitting between POV’s in one lengthy story we got to see a good chunk of the storyline unfold from one perspective and then once it hit a pivotal moment, it switched viewpoint; the result imo is a more intense and personal experience, one which projects the character’s anguish, behaviour and reactions in a realistic and heartfelt manner.[2]
This was very good. The perils of misunderstanding, the ambiguity of silence. It even got a bit of tear-pricking in my eyes. Too many angsty stories feel a need to wimpify Blair, but this didn't, and it didn't need to. There's more angst in silent stubborn pain than in a bucketful of tears. And, hey, it got me singing a Beatle's song on the way home from the bus! This story won the 2000 Cascade Times Awards in the Angst category.[3]