Name: nott theodore (Signed) · Date: 28 Jun 2017 02:13 AM · For: Bomb Shield

(Transferred from HPFF)

 

Hello Kaitlin!

 

The title of this story was so intriguing - just the objects are so evocative, and I was already thinking about what this story would be before I read it. Then I saw the banner and that you'd added horror as a genre, and was even more intrigued. But I absolutely love what you did with this story, and the title just fits so perfectly.

Your characterisation of Victoire is absolutely fascinating. I really loved how you began everything with this delicate imagery of the lace and paper flowers - I've never considered Victoire as a particularly delicate character, but I have seen her portrayed that way quite a lot, especially when people are describing her outward appearance. Beauty somehow becomes synonymous with vulnerability in a lot of stories and I thought it was great that you took that idea and flipped it on its head.

From there, I loved the next imagery that you used, conjuring up images of the war that Victoire never lived through: the minefield, the explosions, the hairpin trigger. Those were such powerful ideas to weave into the story and played such a contrast to the more beautiful and delicate themes you began with. I think that contrast really helped to emphasise the conflict that Victoire grew up around, and the extent to which it impacted on her life.

It makes me kind of sad to think of Victoire growing up like this, though, with so much conflict around her. I don't think I've seen a story which actually portrays her upbringing in this way before, which is very interesting now I think about it. Obviously, I think the Weasleys would have all wanted to do everything they could to ensure that their children had a happy childhood, but when they were suffering so much from their own memories and experiences, there's every chance that the trauma they're still living would have had a negative impact on their children. It's so true that she's suffering the effects of a war that she never lived through. But it's a testament to her character that she's the one who tries to protect her younger siblings and stop them from suffering the same way she does.

The clash of imagery at the beginning of this piece also really highlighted the way that Fleur doesn't actually see Victoire clearly - she thinks she's much more vulnerable than she actually is, but Victoire has grown to be strong and resilient, and I love the fact that she knows that she is strong and is not afraid to admit that to herself.

Also, your use of second person here was wonderful! It's my favourite perspective to read, and in pieces like this one it's used so well. I loved the way it seemed to address Victoire and help her acknowledge all of the things that she's grown up having to live through, and affirms how strong and brilliant she is in spite of (or because of?) it all.

This was brilliant, and I loved every word of it! ♥

Sian :)    

Name: dirigibleplums (Signed) · Date: 29 Apr 2017 11:41 PM · For: Bomb Shield

Hello again :)

 

Bet you're getting sick and tired of me by now, huh? Well, I refuse to give up for this flag your dear housemates have hidden with you so :) Although I will give a heads up ahead of time: it is currently half four in the morning and I've been awake since about 9am so if this review isn't coherent, I extend my sincerest apologies.

 

Second person fics and stories are always interesting because there's no beating around the bush: you are that chatacter from now until the end. You feel what they feel, you see what they see, but in a way that's quirkier than usual. I always felt like second person present is a sort of whimsical form of writing. There's something simple and beautiful about the flow of words - and this exacerbated by your beautiful imagery once ahain. You really do have a talent for these sort of things.

 

I am rather upset that Bill and Fleur's marriage is clearly not going well. And Bill's alcoholism :/ Another gift left by the war, I suppose? Whatever is the underlying cause, it doesn't change the fact that Victoire should never have grown up in such an environment. None of the kids should have. As someone who grew up in a house with parents stuck in a loveless marriage, I can personally testify to this. They're just toxic and - though you may love them with all your heart - you find yoursrlf fervently wishing you never ever ever turn out like one of them. You'd do anything not to. We see that above with Vic's hatred for drink. We see it in the way that the war still leaves scars so deep that children who weren't even a thought then are being affected by it. 

 

Plums xo

Author's Response:

Hello you lovely human being. Thank you so much for this encouraging review! It really means a lot to me. ~Kaitlin

 

Name: Margaret (Signed) · Date: 02 Nov 2016 05:11 PM · For: Bomb Shield

I don't think I've read this before.

 

I really like the first paragraph and I think this is an example of how second person can really work. It can be really literary when done well.

 

Oooh, I love the part about silently imploding. It sort of shows how some people appear fine on the outside but are hurting so much inside. And it fits really well with the idea of her protecting her younger siblings, as she probably wouldn't want to explode outwardly for fear of upsetting them.

 

I find it really sad that she has been hurt by events that took place before she was even born, though of course it does make sense.

 

Hogwarts might have been something of a refuge for her, though she would probably have worried about how her siblings were doing at home when she wasn't there to protect them.

 

I would really love to read a full story about Victoire and her siblings growing up in this situation.

Author's Response:

Hey Margaret! 

This is one of my absolute favorite stories that I've ever written, so I'm thrilled that you've found your way here. :) 

PTSD and war definitely can haunt the younger generations who grow up in it's shadows. Victoire was born so close to the war that I think she in particular would have dealt with a lot of the blowback from it.

I hadn't ever considered writing a longer story about it (mainly because I'm terrible with WIPs), but maybe someday when I get my current WIPs under control, I'll give it a try. 

~Kaitlin

Name: Dojh167 (Signed) · Date: 02 Nov 2016 05:07 PM · For: Bomb Shield

Review transferred from HPFF 4/10/16:

 

You already know I think this story is awesome, so this review is to say something different:

I think YOU are awesome.

♥ ♥ ♥

Sam.

Author's Response:

I <3 you too Sam.