Twist and Shout
by gabriel & standbyme
"A devastating love story between Dean Winchester and Castiel set against the backdrop of the 1960s Vietnam War era."
Plot Summary
Set in an alternate universe where angels and demons don't exist, Twist and Shout reimagines Dean Winchester and Castiel as two young men who meet and fall in love in 1960s America. Dean is a mechanic working at his father's garage, while Castiel is a sheltered young man breaking free from his strict religious upbringing. Their paths cross at a record store, bonding over their shared love of rock and roll music.
Their romance blossoms against the vibrant backdrop of the early 1960s. However, their happiness is threatened by the looming specter of the Vietnam War and the societal prejudices of the era.
Full Plot Summary (Contains Spoilers)
Dean and Castiel's love story begins sweetly, but tragedy strikes when Dean is drafted to serve in Vietnam. He returns traumatized by his experiences. The story takes its most devastating turn when Castiel is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in his later years. The fic ends with Castiel's death, followed by Dean's own death shortly after.
Why Fans Love This Fic
Twist and Shout is arguably the most famous Supernatural fanfiction ever written, notorious for its emotional devastation and beautiful portrayal of a lifetime of love.
Main Characters
Dean Winchester
A mechanic and Vietnam veteran devoted to Castiel through decades of joy and tragedy
Castiel
A young man escaping his religious upbringing who finds freedom and love with Dean
Sam Winchester
Dean's younger brother who supports his brother's relationship
Relationships
Tropes & Tags
Themes
Content Warnings
- Major character death
- War violence and trauma
- Terminal illness
- Period-typical homophobia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Twist and Shout" about?
A devastating love story between Dean Winchester and Castiel set against the backdrop of the 1960s Vietnam War era.
How long is "Twist and Shout"?
"Twist and Shout" is 97,556 words across 17 chapters, with an estimated read time of 6h 30m.
Is "Twist and Shout" complete?
Yes, "Twist and Shout" is complete with all 17 chapters published.
Where can I read "Twist and Shout"?
You can read "Twist and Shout" by gabriel & standbyme on Archive of Our Own (AO3). Download Fanfict Reader for iOS for the best mobile reading experience with offline access.
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