Lazarus Carpenter
I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.
Thomas Mann was a renowned German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist, and the 1929 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate. He was born on June 6, 1875, in Lübeck, Germany, into a wealthy merchant family. Thomas Mann is best known for his complex and symbolic novels that explore themes such as the nature of art, the complexities of human psychology, and the moral dilemmas of modernity.
Some of his most famous works include:
1. “Buddenbrooks” (1901): This novel, his first major work, is a family saga that traces the decline of a wealthy merchant family over several generations.
2. “Death in Venice” (1912): A novella that explores themes of beauty, decay, and the nature of artistic inspiration, set against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in Venice.
3. “The Magic Mountain” (1924): This novel is perhaps Mann’s most famous work. It tells the story of a young man who visits a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps and becomes embroiled in philosophical and intellectual debates with the other patients.
4. “Joseph and His Brothers” (1933-1943): This tetralogy retelling of the biblical story of Joseph is set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. It is considered one of Mann’s most ambitious and monumental works.
Thomas Mann’s writing often grappled with the tensions between the individual and society, the conflict between traditional values and modernity, and the nature of creativity and the artist’s role in society. He was also known for exploring themes such as sexuality, mortality, and the nature of evil. Mann’s works have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to be studied and admired for their depth, complexity, and insight into the human condition. Thomas Mann died on August 12, 1955, in Zürich, Switzerland, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied.
Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer regarded as one of the greatest authors ever. He was born on September 9, 1828, and died on November 20, 1910. Tolstoy is best known for his novels, including “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” considered masterpieces of world literature.
Tolstoy was a novelist, moral philosopher, and social reformer. He wrote extensively on nonviolent resistance, education, and the need to live meaningfully. His ideas on nonviolent and passive resistance significantly influenced figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
His works often explore themes such as love, family, society, and the search for meaning in life. His writing is known for its realistic portrayal of characters and its deep psychological insight. Tolstoy’s contributions to literature have had a lasting impact, and his works continue to be studied and admired worldwide.
In the heart of Venice, amidst the winding canals and echoes of history, stood an art gallery known as “Galleria Fantasma.” This gallery was renowned not only for its exquisite collection of Renaissance masterpieces but also for its most enigmatic resident—Bertrand the Sculptor, a spectral artist who had haunted its halls since 1486. Bertrand was a gifted sculptor, celebrated for his ability to breathe life into stone. His works captured the depth of human emotion, a testament to his profound understanding of beauty and sorrow. However, his promising career was cut short when the plague swept through Venice, claiming his life at the age of 38. On his deathbed, surrounded by the unfinished sculptures that bore witness to his genius, Bertrand made a silent vow: his art would live on, even if he could not.
Upon his death, Bertrand’s soul found itself bound to his final creation—a haunting sculpture of a woman, her face a reflection of both melancholy and grace. This piece, known as “The Muse,” was said to embody a love lost to time, a muse who had inspired Bertrand’s greatest works. In the ethereal realm, Bertrand lingered, becoming a living, breathing ghost, his presence a whisper in the gallery’s corridors. Visitors to the Galleria Fantasma often reported eerie sensations—a sudden chill, the faint sound of chiselling, or a shadow glimpsed from the corner of the eye. These occurrences, though unsettling, seemed to possess an inexplicable warmth, as if the ghost meant no harm. Indeed, Bertrand’s intentions were pure; he sought not to frighten but to inspire.
Over the centuries, many artists and art lovers ventured into the gallery, drawn by its mysterious allure. Those sensitive to the supernatural sometimes found themselves in unexpected dialogue with Bertrand. He would guide them through the intricacies of art, offering insights that transcended time and space. His presence was most strongly felt near “The Muse,” where he appeared as a translucent figure, his spectral hands forever refining his masterpiece. Despite his spectral existence, Bertrand yearned for recognition—not as a ghost, but as an artist whose soul lived on through his work. As Venice evolved, the gallery became a sanctuary for those who admired the ethereal beauty of art. Yet, few understood the story behind the haunting presence within its walls.
One evening, Isabella, a fervent young art student, stumbled upon the gallery. Enchanted by “The Muse,” she felt an immediate connection as if the sculpture spoke directly to her heart. As she sketched, a gentle breeze brushed her cheek, and she sensed a presence watching over her. Encouraged, she spoke aloud, sharing her dreams and fears, the ache of unfulfilled longing. To her surprise, the atmosphere shifted, a warmth enveloping her—a sign that Bertrand was listening. Isabella returned to the gallery each night, her visits becoming a ritual. Through her art and passion, she forged a bond with Bertrand. Unbeknownst to her, Bertrand found renewed purpose in guiding this young artist. He revealed the secrets of his techniques, the emotions that fueled his creations, and the stories etched into every curve of “The Muse.” Together, they embarked on a creative journey, bridging the chasm between life and death.
As Isabella’s talent blossomed, the gallery thrived. She organized exhibitions that showcased her work and illuminated Bertrand’s legacy, weaving his story into the tapestry of her art. The tale of the living ghost who inspired a new generation spread, drawing visitors eager to experience the magic of Galleria Fantasma. In time, Bertrand’s name was spoken with reverence, his spirit woven into the fabric of Venice’s artistic heritage. No longer just a ghost haunting the gallery, he became a vital part of its story, celebrated through the creations of those he inspired. And in the quiet of the night, under the moon’s silver glow, Bertrand continued to sculpt, his heart at peace, knowing he would never be forgotten.
Christopher John Sansom, known as C.J. Sansom, is a British author best known for his historical crime fiction series featuring the hunchbacked lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake. The Shardlake series is set in the Tudor period of English history, specifically during the reign of King Henry VIII. Sansom’s novels are known for their detailed historical accuracy and intricate plots that blend historical events with fictional mysteries.
Some of the popular books in the Shardlake series include:
1. Dissolution (2003) 2. Dark Fire (2004) 3. Sovereign (2006) 4. Revelation (2008) 5. Heartstone (2010) 6. Lamentation (2014) 7. Tombland (2018)
C.J. Sansom’s novels have received critical acclaim and have garnered a wide readership for their engaging storytelling, rich historical detail, and compelling characters. This incredible series has now found its way to the screen. C J passed away from cancer on April 24; he was seventy-one.
Once upon a time, in a secluded valley surrounded by towering mountains, there stood an ancient tree known as Eldergrove. This was no ordinary tree; it was said to be the oldest living organism in the world, over 5,000 years old. Its gnarled branches stretched wide, and its thick trunk was a tapestry of scars and knots, each telling a story of the centuries it had witnessed. Eldergrove was revered by the villagers who lived nearby. They believed the tree possessed profound wisdom and could answer the deepest questions of the heart and mind. On nights when the moon was full, villagers would gather around Eldergrove, sharing their worries and dreams, hoping to glean insights from its timeless presence.
One evening, a young woman named Lila approached the tree, her heart heavy with uncertainty. She was at a crossroads, torn between following her family’s wishes to take over the family business or pursuing her passion for art. Kneeling before the great tree, she placed her hands on its rough bark and closed her eyes.
“Great Eldergrove,” she whispered, “please help me find my path?”
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above as if responding to her plea, creating a soft, melodic whisper. Lila listened intently, her heart calming as she felt a connection to the ancient spirit of the tree. In that moment, she sensed the stories of countless souls who had stood where she was, seeking guidance and clarity. The wind carried a message:
“Follow your heart, for it is the compass that will lead you to your true self. The world needs your light, just as it has needed the sun for millennia.”
Inspired, Lila stood up, a newfound clarity washing over her. She realized that while her family’s expectations were significant, her happiness and passion were paramount. She decided to pursue her art, creating pieces that reflected the beauty of the world around her. As the years passed, Lila’s art flourished, and her works began to resonate with many. She often returned to Eldergrove, sharing her successes and challenges, always finding comfort in the tree’s silent wisdom. One day, as she sat beneath its sprawling branches, she noticed a group of children playing nearby. They were laughing and weaving flower crowns, their innocence a reminder of the joy in simplicity. Lila smiled, realizing Eldergrove was a source of wisdom and a symbol of continuity and connection.
With each passing season, Eldergrove stood tall, nurturing generations with its ancient wisdom. The villagers taught their children to listen to the tree and seek its counsel in times of doubt. They understood that while the world was ever-changing, the lessons imparted by Eldergrove remained timeless. And so, the oldest tree in the world endured a steadfast guardian of wisdom, reminding all who sought its guidance that true fulfilment comes from embracing one’s authentic self and sharing that light with the world.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 