Short story: "Father Figure"

[archonix]

Just wrote this one, tried to keep it light-hearted. It's really nothing amazing, just something that suddenly had to be written. And so here it is...

I've included an rtf version and an Opendoc version, which can be opened with openoffice, koffice and any other OpenDoc-compatible office suite. But not Microsoft office, cos they don't like it too much.

[missy_misery]

Lovely, really - a simple and smoothly-put idea, written to a good execution.  I know lots of us with parents who've passed away still go through the ritual Marge does every year.

I loved the subtle little jibes toward show history - Lisa's dress being red every single day.  I love that Marge took Maggie to see her father, and that Maggie has an ability of sight of her very own.  Isn't it fitting that Marge's still trying to throw him that line of affection -

Spoiler

and he's holding on to the other end of the line, though he can't even show it to others, even when he's dead

I can't see any real flaws - that's Marge, ever-believing, practical and romantic at the same time.  And what we've got of Clancy you've got in the fic - you do good in giving us his side of the story.

A really lovely little heart-warmer with just the right amount of cynical edge.  Bravo.

[Meghan]

  I usually don't read alot of Marge Stories but this one was sweet and so realistic for a cartoon fic, I like how you probe into Marge's emotions and feelings....

[Casper]

Just read it. I like the format, short, easy to read, easy to comprehend.

The plot was very much in tune with Marges character. She felt she had to do it, even though she knew it didnt really make a difference.

A recomended read for people who dont just dont have the time for longer stories

[c_nordlander]

I like this story a lot, but you know that.

More specific comments:

The letter seems very much like the kind of thing Marge would write, and I can hear her voice behind it. In fact, Marge is very much in character throughout the story. Her comment to Homer in the letter made me laugh. In fact, this story strikes a pretty perfect balance between humour and emotion.

I know I've pointed out one typo, but I found another: "in the flash" should be "flesh", unless this is some pun I didn't catch. Other than that, it's a very good line.

Maggie speaks! Nice!

The last bit is just right. I have nothing to comment on there. The last line even made me feel a bit weepy, which most fanfiction doesn't achieve.

Well, what can I say? Not an incredibly groundbreaking work, but well-written, witty and sweet, with excellent Marge characterisation.

Spoiler

And Clancy Bouvier is close to the few glimpses the show has given us.

Just what I needed to restore my faith in fanfiction. Also the first piece I've read that's centred on Marge's dad. Great work.

[archonix]

Thanks for the reviews so far. It felt good to be writing again instead of complaining about it.

Chris, you're right, that was a typo. Spellcheckers can't see such things cos they're stupid.

I'll ahve to have a go at another one now... heh.

[Lady_Simpson]

Wow that's a really sweet and well-written story.