The Charioteer

Seven years on, Ralph and Laurie have found a precarious refuge together in Gibraltar. But in the post-War world attitudes are hardening and positions becoming polarised, and they find themselves engaged in a new conflict, one in which they may not necessarily be on the same side. And then an unexpected visitor arrives -

1. Act I, Parts One through Four: in which Ralph distracts Laurie from his writer’s block with a trip to the cinema; Edward Longenhurst arrives, and Ralph and Laurie have an apalling evening; Ralph and Laurie discuss Ralph’s mysterious business; Ralph completes his delivery, and Alec makes a dramatic entrance.
2. Act I, Parts Five and Six: in which Alec tells his story; Ralph, Laurie, and Alec go to the beach.
3. Act I, Part Seven: in which Ralph and Laurie confront all their past dishonesty.
4. Act II, Part One: in which Laurie makes a decision.
5. Act II, Part Two: in which Longenhurst behaves just as one would expect.
6. Act II, Part Three: in which Laurie deals with the mess left by Longenhurst.
7. Act III, Part One: in which Laurie meets with his agent.
8. Act III, Part Two: in which Laurie considers the decision he has to make.
9. Act III, Part Three: in which Laurie seeks advice.
10. Act III, Part Four: in which Laurie prepares for the trip, and has dinner with an American.
11. Act III, Part Five: in which Laurie has a shock on the quayside.
12. Act III, Part Six: in which Laurie finally writes the letter.
13. Epilogue: in which Laurie receives his answer.

The plot wasn’t quite what I expected, but the writing was easily up to A.J. Hall’s usual standards. She has a talent for dialogue and pacing in particular. Her characters sound – and think – like real people, and there’s hardly an unnecessary line in the story. An all-around excellent story in a fandom which has far too few.

8 Jan 06: Finally fixed the links to the first six chapters!

The Charioteer

A few weeks after the end of the book, Laurie meets Andrew in London. I still loathe Andrew, but I love the story nevertheless.

The Charioteer

A truly wonderful piece of writing. Watch One Hour With Me fills in the blanks of what happened between Ralph and Laurie the night after the wedding, and it’s written very much in Renault’s style. I can easily believe it as a missing scene from the book.

The Persian Boy

After the fight with Eumenes, Hephaistion struggles to forgive Alexander.

Fire From Heaven

A cold winter night at Mieza.

The Charioteer

Backstory, set near the beginning of Ralph and Alec’s relationship. The tone fits perfectly with that of the novel, although the sex is considerably more graphic. It’s interesting to get someone else’s perspective on Ralph, as well. Very, very nicely written story.

The Persian Boy

While Alexander is away, Hephaistion and Bagoas get a chance to talk. I love the interactions between them.

The Persian Boy

And its sequel, Legend.

Far and away the best PB stories I’ve ever read. I just love Hephaistion’s voice. After Alexander threatens to execute Hephaistion, he is understandably upset.

Last of the Wine (PG-15)

What can I say? If you liked the book, you’ll like this story. The end of the estrangement between Lysis and Alexias after the Isthmian Games.