Sherlock Fic Rec: Lashkar Gah by Susan, + theology blogging over at FQ

sjames_centre has written a lovely story about the aftermath of John Waton's wartime service, particularly the trauma of it all. It's written loosely around the pool scene at the end of The Great Game, where the smell of Semtex triggers a memory of a really ugly moment in John's war service, with all those of you familiar with trauma and PTSD in particular would expect. And Sherlock tries to help.

Sherlock actually does a remarkably good job of helping in my opinion, particularly for someone as emotionally immature as he seems to be. There is no talk of feelings, or at least not in the psychotherapy sense, but there is talk of reality, and the way nightmares and trauma skews our perception of it. I found both men's characterizations (and Mrs. Hudson's as well) to be delightful, with humor and empathy undercutting their reaction to what's going on. The resolution felt convincing to me, both in the "baby steps" sense and in getting the emotional pathos I think we all want in fanfic. For a mere 4,500 words, that's quite a lot to accomplish, and Susan does it well.

Do be aware, there's some discussion of a pretty disturbing moment from John's service. It's not at all graphic, but that doesn't mean it isn't upsetting. Which is just as it should be, really.

"Lashkar Gah," by Susan (AO3)


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On another note, I finally wrote up my reaction to somethin going on in the religion-blogosphere. Ninety-second version: there's a new biography out on Dietrich Bonhoeffer making the case he was romantically attracted to his (male) friend. The interesting bit is that the author was concerned how evangelicals would react to this, and that for the most part there hasn't been much of a controversy. So I talked a bit about whether this was surprising or not, whether we should expect more upset over this idea. Spoilers: even though no one's claiming Bonhoeffer actually had sex with another man, I still find it a bit surprising there isn't more concern; and the lack of concern, the way it's put, is still a bit not-good.)

Check it out if that sounds like your thing. Comments welcome there or here.


Dietrich Bonhoeffer (probably) fancied men. Should evangelicals be (more) bothered?