Fic: The Ballad of Reading Gaol, by invisible_lift
Title: The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Author: invisible_lift
Rating: mature (themes), mature (violence)
Length: 2,374 words, oneshot
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Jack
Genre/Category: Historical, Jack backstory
Warnings: violence and implied torture/abuse/assualt in an incarceration context
Spoilers: none
Summary: Jack Harkness returns to England in 1895 and is imprisoned in Reading Gaol after being convicted of "gross indecency." Mistreated because of the nature of his offense (and his attempts to get free), he finds himself going mad. His only hope? The man in cell C 3.3.
Why you should read it: Jack's history has always been fascinating. What wars has he been in? Has he been a hero? What grand adventures has he been involved with? This story wonders, rather, what would have happened to Jack if he'd been, well, Jack during a time in history when that was an offense that would land him in prison. The story is neat and spare, each word perfectly aiding the others in evoking a feel for the prison, the era, and Jack. What happens to Jack is harsh, and brutal, and shows some of the worst that mankind has to offer; what happens between Jack and the other prisoner is intense, and human, and shows the best of mankind under the worst conditions.
Authors appreciate your comments! Feel free to let them know if you liked their work.
Author: invisible_lift
Rating: mature (themes), mature (violence)
Length: 2,374 words, oneshot
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Jack
Genre/Category: Historical, Jack backstory
Warnings: violence and implied torture/abuse/assualt in an incarceration context
Spoilers: none
Summary: Jack Harkness returns to England in 1895 and is imprisoned in Reading Gaol after being convicted of "gross indecency." Mistreated because of the nature of his offense (and his attempts to get free), he finds himself going mad. His only hope? The man in cell C 3.3.
Why you should read it: Jack's history has always been fascinating. What wars has he been in? Has he been a hero? What grand adventures has he been involved with? This story wonders, rather, what would have happened to Jack if he'd been, well, Jack during a time in history when that was an offense that would land him in prison. The story is neat and spare, each word perfectly aiding the others in evoking a feel for the prison, the era, and Jack. What happens to Jack is harsh, and brutal, and shows some of the worst that mankind has to offer; what happens between Jack and the other prisoner is intense, and human, and shows the best of mankind under the worst conditions.
Authors appreciate your comments! Feel free to let them know if you liked their work.