Yes, having read some of Coming Home (funny how that helps), I agree that it has to be an AU. The differences to the culture itself are such that it can't just be different style/pov/experiences happening in the same world.
Xanthe's world is a happier place, and my issues aside, it feels that way because of the connections between and happiness of the characters. Helen's world feels very grim and scary, and John's cautiously hopeful ending is precarious indeed.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2006-11-16 06:20 am (UTC)Xanthe's world is a happier place, and my issues aside, it feels that way because of the connections between and happiness of the characters. Helen's world feels very grim and scary, and John's cautiously hopeful ending is precarious indeed.