In the Downton Abbey canon, Matthew, the main male romantic lead, endured an injury during combat in WWI and was disabled for about 2 1/2 episodes. We're told that he's going to be a paraplegic for life, and then he's magically healed by a falling tea tray a couple episodes later. It's a horribly disappointing cop-out, a shallow, predictable treatment of a serious subject, and it conveniently avoids all the difficult implications for romance, sexuality, and personal relationships that such a condition would require.
The Center of My Heart is exactly the opposite of that shallow treatment, and it is the bravest of the Mary/Matthew period AU fanfics because it does not shy away from realistic, long-term depictions of paraplegia and romance. Note also that it has a mature rating. I have particularly enjoyed the depiction of a disabled man who has not suddenly become asexual because of his disability.
This story is beautifully written, well paced, and thoroughly engaging. Highly recommended!
FanficRecs A Refreshing Take On An Uncomfortable Topic
In the Downton Abbey canon, Matthew, the main male romantic lead, endured an injury during combat in WWI and was disabled for about 2 1/2 episodes. We're told that he's going to be a paraplegic for life, and then he's magically healed by a falling tea tray a couple episodes later. It's a horribly disappointing cop-out, a shallow, predictable treatment of a serious subject, and it conveniently avoids all the difficult implications for romance, sexuality, and personal relationships that such a condition would require.
The Center of My Heart is exactly the opposite of that shallow treatment, and it is the bravest of the Mary/Matthew period AU fanfics because it does not shy away from realistic, long-term depictions of paraplegia and romance. Note also that it has a mature rating. I have particularly enjoyed the depiction of a disabled man who has not suddenly become asexual because of his disability.
This story is beautifully written, well paced, and thoroughly engaging. Highly recommended!