To Reconcile All Things Unto Himself
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | To Reconcile All Things Unto Himself |
| Author(s): | fawatson |
| Date(s): | 12 December 2010 |
| Length: | 4224 words |
| Genre(s): | sequel, Christmas story |
| Fandom(s): | Mary Renault |
| Relationship(s): | |
| External Links: | archived on AO3 Yuletide |
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"To Reconcile All Things Unto Himself" is a short story by fawatson based on Mary Renault's 1953 novel The Charioteer. The title comes from St Paul's epistle to the Colossians. The story is set some time after the end of the book, though still during the war. Laurie is out of university and at work.
Synopsis
Since Ralph is on leave, Laurie brings him with him when he comes to the village to spend Christmas at the vicarage. After assisting with preparations for the holiday, they go for a walk. A sudden embrace is seen by Straike, who is nearby; and he feels that it is his bounden duty to speak to Ralph about his relationship with his stepson.
Background
"To Reconcile All Things Unto Himself" was written for toujours_nigel in Yuletide 2010. It was betaed by Greer Watson.
Comments
The story elicited a number of comments, including the following:
- "You have written the TC fic I wanted, and in a way that's shown me exactly how a situation like this might play out; that Ralph considers Straike's brand of Christianity tolerable is a pleasant surprise (not being a Christian myself, I know very little of the various shades). Straike as a man clinging to his beliefs but wishing to see the best in everyone (albeit in his own particular manner) is a brilliant, if rare, portrayal."—comment by toujours_nigel
- "You've offered us a wonderful slice of life here, with all the loving little details that make it seem such a real wartime Christmas. [...] I was particularly impressed by the subtlety with which you handled the discussion between Ralph and Mr. Straike. I've seen Straike portrayed before as a Bible-quoting fundamentalist and that never sat right with me somehow. It seems very fitting here that the two manage to find some common ground on the eve of Christmas, as different as they are. [...]"—comment by naraht