Rothschild constructs The Beatles' personalities from interviews and other media, thus writing the four in character. Refreshingly she avoids recreating Liverpudlian accents — in some fan fiction stories, the Fab Four can sound like pirates. While they are thrust into an artificial environment, she anticipates how each one would react to this predicament. In one scene, when John sprouts wings, he enthusiastically tests them out and revels in his new-found ability to fly. George tries to reconcile his spiritual beliefs with this new world; Ringo tends to adapt more easily to unfamiliar situations. Not surprisingly, Paul remains the diplomat, charming the foreign beings and attempting to keep the peace among his old friends.
The story contains numerous references for hard-core Beatles fans — at one point John's life flashes before his eyes, and some of the words relate to real incidents (such as when he heckled the Smothers Brothers at an L.A. club). In fact, the title The Big Pink Job rephrases a quote by Beatles press officer Derek Taylor.
Beatles fans, particularly those who may not be familiar with fan fiction, will find With Strings Attached a fascinating thrill ride in terms of plot, genre, and language. Fan fiction veterans who think they have read virtually every kind of Beatles story will find the novel a welcome departure from the genre's common conventions. Finally, science fiction, fantasy, and even gaming fans will find much to like in Rothschild's highly imaginative novel.
For more information on the book, Rothschild, and how to order, visit the author's website.
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