La Fanfic Revue

The Big Bang Theory

THE PIE CRUST EXERCISE

In this fanfic the usually socially awkward Sheldon and happy-go-lucky Penny are in a relationship - a completely absurd idea in Big Bang Theory Canon.This piece was pleasant but I found myself reading to the end more to see if there was a main point rather than reading out of enjoyment. The author relies mainly on dialogue, which is acceptable considering that the original is a television show, and in my mind the exchange between the characters is feasible but not exciting. However, a lot of the dialogue is wasted on Sheldon’s scientifically superfluous vocabulary but lacks any comedy and comes off rather mediocre.

Scrubs

JD ENCOUNTERS THE JANITOR

A short, simple fanfiction. The author really seems to understand the genre of writing of Scrubs however the piece seems to be as if it is taken from a scene within the series – either some good writing or a spot of plagiarism. Although short, I enjoyed the characterisation and that the author allows the reader to see into JD’s thoughts (as is done in the canon). The engagement of the characters between each other is done really well too. In this fanfic, JD is out grocery shopping but encounters his arch enemy – The Janitor! Written from JD’s perspective, the piece is comical but very conservative in any deviation from the series.

Mean Girls

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO TAYLOR

Extremely limited and short. This fanfic is a short thought of the beginning of a story. Taylor – a non descript character in the film – was asked out by Jason in order to make Gretchen Weiners (who is one of The Plastics) jealous. It is from the view of a typical teenage girl and highlights very basically a few of the trials they have to deal with in the modern world like teen pregnancy, cliques, jealousy and the never-ending saga of boys. Well written, but doesn’t continue into a greater main point/body so one is left one a high point with no closure. Hopefully the author will continue her story!

Nottinghill

IN THE SUNSHINE

As a self-confessed romantic, this was simply beautiful! Taken from Nottinghill, this fanfic is about an intimate moment between the main characters, William and Anna. The reader is invited into the personal thoughts, the motion and emotions of William and can empathise with his love for Anna and the pain that comes with it. It is sensual and elegant. At the end, the additional notes given by the writer correlate to the theme within the text and appear to be based upon the song ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ sung in the movie by Bill Withers and then later the Lighthouse family. Although this piece is not a ‘beginning-to-end’ story, the writer has given enough detail to place the scene in context without the reader feeling as if some information is missing. It’s a piece one can read even if they have not seen the film. Skilfully written and adept in description; there are minimal grammatical and spelling errors – a pleasure to read.

The Time Traveler's Wife

THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

This fanfic was written on The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffeneger, one of my favourite stories. However, to read this piece was a complete waste of time. The piece goes around Clare accusing Henry of being unfaithful while time travelling and soon turns into a tacky soap opera. To be honest, although it was only a page long, I didn’t finish reading it – it is that bad. With no specific title, awful spelling and an appalling story line, I wondered why the author even bothered to write the piece. Whilst reading, I got the feeling that the author was mocking the original canon rather than being a ‘fan’ contrary to what the word ‘fanfiction’ suggests. However, I will admit to the author having some imagination – mentioning ‘McDonalds hamburger bakers’ not to mention SpongeBob, Squidward and Frodo Baggins as well as what I think is a reference to Sharon Osbourne. Despite this, it still remains a vile representation of fanfiction.

The Time Traveler's Wife

TIME ENOUGH

Another beautifully romantic fanfic! Yes, I am such a sap! This piece is an add-on to the ending of The Time Traveller’s Wife. At the end of the book Clare has grown old but is visited by Henry one last time: he comes from the past. Clare has waited years and years to see her lover after his sudden death. In the original text Henry visits the old Clare and then returns to his present, leaving Clare alone and yearning. But in this text written by Adela H, Henry is holding his elderly Clare as she breathes her last breath. After such a compelling story, I felt the ending left the reader unsettled with a sense of longing yet this fanfic gives the closure the reader needs – this is echoed in the many of the reviews of this piece. There are a few errors in spelling but not enough to subtract from the story – written in the first person as Henry DeTamble. This short text looks as if it could be a part of the original – if it wasn’t the ending I would be left wanting more!

As Told By Ginger

RUSTY HALO

An endearing introductory text to As Told By Ginger three years later. All the characters of Lucky Senior High have grown up and are in their senior year. Ginger and Darren are an item with Macey and Dodie in tow. The text fits the genre of the original cartoon and would correlate within the early teen audience (making me a bit too old to want to read this...). This piece circles around friendships, relationships and the stress of graduating and college applications. Its written from the third person but includes basic and limited descriptions. The title is Rusty Halo but I am unsure as to how it is relevant to the content of the piece. Ultimately this is a mediocre piece of fanfic – not a lot to be said.

27 Dresses

MY NUMBER ONE FAN

A sugary moment set after the wedding of Jane and Kevin in the movie 27 Dresses where Kevin discovers a scrapbook of his writing that Jane has kept over the years – even from before they met. A fairly average piece of work. Nothing really stand out about it for me but perhaps of the writer continued the train of thought it may develop into something more interesting. Written well from Kevin’s perspective, the writer is descriptive and really opens the character of Kevin to the reader. However, I found the story unsatisfying and requires something more.

The Princess Diaries

I HAVE A TWIN

:) As gripping as Princess Diaries can get. As the title suggests Princess Mia has a twin sister. Written in the same style of the canon by Meg Cabot, this author incorporates IM dialogue and diary entries from Mia. A few minor spelling errors and very simple to read, one is able to follow the story-line easily however I find the lack of description really bland – the text relies on the dialogue and report style diary entries ending in a lot of ‘he-said-then-she-said’ type of writing. However, the storyline has a definite twist as it continues through the nine chapters. A fun, playful representation of fanfic.

Pride & Prejudice/Gossip Girl

YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME

A Gossip Girl and Pride and Prejudice crossover was sure to be entertaining! The author successfully managed to blend the glamour of the series and the class of the original 1813 classic by Jane Austen. The piece covered the beginning of the story where Charles Bingley and company move into

Netherfields – in this case, New York – and everyone attends a local ball (in this case a benefit party). True to all the events that occurred at the social event, this fan fic adds in some glamour, glitter and of course gossip. A high standard of writing from the third person – and some comments from Gossip Girl herself – it is an easy-read with the genre appealing to a wide audience.

With a full storyline, the author

has completed two chapters to date and will hopefully see the project through to its happy ending!