Fic Rec: To Join These Men in Holy Matrimony

[rachelindeed]

Title: To Join These Men in Holy Matrimony
Author: a_candle_for_sherlock
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherrinford Holmes/OMC
Length: 10,000 words
Rating: T
Warnings: family estrangement, period-appropriate homophobia (including internalized)
Verse: ACD Holmes
Author's summary: Sherlock Holmes is a contradiction, an enigma, a force; at once the most generous spirit and the most self-contained man I have ever known. I've known more of him, I think, than anyone on earth. Yet for years I'd learned nothing about his boyhood, nor his fears, nor his future hopes, nor his father’s name. I never felt it as a lack until I knew he loved me.

Reccer's comments: Hello, everyone! I'm so happy to be a recc'er here with so many great new fanworks to look forward to this month as part of both the inktober art challenge and the ACD Holmesfest exchange! It's going to be an amazing October :) I want to start my recs, though, with this gorgeous new story from a_candle_for_sherlock, whose ACD fics consistently amaze me with their beauty, elegance, complexity, and tenderness.

This fic introduces us to the third Holmes brother in an unexpected way and delves into the painful family history surrounding the brothers' estrangement. The story crafts a subtle, loving portrait of Watson and Holmes's relationship as Watson begins to understand more about Holmes's formative experiences and his struggle to reconcile himself to his own identity.

The story is compassionate toward all its characters; I particularly love the quietly courageous and loyal role that Mycroft plays. Watson's narrative voice is utterly convincing in its delicate inquisitiveness, patience, and honest devotion. The fic portrays the painful fracturing of a family, but its central themes are those of healing, recovery, self-acceptance and the deepening of intimate connections. It also offers interesting glimpses into some of the historical realities of gay life in Victorian London.

This is a lovely, gentle story of both romance and brotherhood. I highly recommend it.