Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

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.

Haruki Murakami

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Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and elements of pop culture in his works. Born on January 12, 1949, in Kyoto, Japan, Murakami studied drama at Waseda University in Tokyo and later ran a jazz bar in the same city before becoming a full-time writer. He gained international fame with his novel “Norwegian Wood,” published in 1987, becoming a bestseller in Japan and worldwide. Some of his other notable works include “Kafka on the Shore,” “1Q84,” “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” and “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.”

His writing often explores loneliness, alienation, the search for meaning, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Murakami’s prose is characterized by its dreamlike quality, intricate plots, and the use of Western cultural references alongside Japanese settings. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Franz Kafka and Jerusalem prizes. Despite his global success, he is known for his reclusive nature and reluctance to discuss his personal life publicly. Haruki Murakami is a highly influential and acclaimed author whose works have captivated readers worldwide with their unique storytelling style and thought-provoking themes. 

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Keeper of Secrets

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Once upon a time, a young maiden named Elara lived in a small village nestled in the heart of a lush forest. Elara was known throughout the village for her kindness, gentle nature, and beautiful singing voice. She spent her days tending to the flowers in her garden and helping the neighbours in any way she could.

One fateful day, a dark cloud settled over the village. Crops withered, animals fell ill, and a sense of despair hung heavy in the air. The villagers whispered of a curse that had befallen them, blaming Elara for their misfortune. They believed that her enchanting voice had angered the spirits of the forest, bringing doom upon them all. Despite her protests and tearful pleas, the villagers turned against Elara, casting her out of the village and into the forest’s depths. Alone and heartbroken, Elara wandered through the trees, her voice silenced by sorrow.


As days turned into weeks, Elara’s once vibrant spirit faded. She grew weak and weary, her once bright eyes dull with despair. But a mysterious figure emerged from the forest’s shadows when all hope seemed lost. It was a wise old woman known as the Keeper of Secrets. She had watched over the forest for generations, her knowledge of its ways as deep as the roots of the ancient trees. The Keeper took Elara under her wing, nurturing her back to health and teaching her the ancient songs of the forest.

Through the Keeper’s guidance, Elara discovered her authentic voice – a voice that held the power to heal, soothe, and bring light to even the darkest places. With each note she sang, the forest began to bloom again, and the villagers, filled with awe and remorse, sought her out to beg for forgiveness. Ultimately, Elara’s tale of woe became a story of redemption and renewal. She forgave those who had wronged her, using her voice not to seek vengeance but to mend the broken bonds between the village and the forest. And so, harmony was restored, and Elara’s song echoed through the trees, a reminder of the enduring power of hope and forgiveness.

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Herman Melville

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Herman Melville was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for his novel “Moby-Dick” (1851). He was born on August 1, 1819, in New York City. Melville had a fascinating life with various experiences that influenced his writing. Melville was born into a wealthy merchant family. However, his father’s death when he was young led to financial struggles for the family. At age twenty, Melville embarked on a whaling voyage on a merchant ship, which inspired his later works, notably “Moby-Dick.”

His early novels, such as “Typee” (1846) and “Omoo” (1847), were based on his experiences in the South Pacific. However, his later works, including “Moby-Dick,” were not well-received during his lifetime, and he struggled to achieve commercial success as a writer. “Moby-Dick” is now considered one of the greatest American novels, but it was a commercial failure when first published. The novel tells the story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest for revenge against the white whale, Moby Dick.

After facing financial difficulties and literary obscurity, Melville turned to writing poetry. His poetry collection, “Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War” (1866), reflects his disillusionment with the Civil War and the nation’s state. Melville’s work was rediscovered in the 20th century, and is now considered one of the greatest American writers. His themes of obsession, alienation, and the conflict between good and evil continue to resonate with readers today. Herman Melville died on September 28, 1891, in New York City. While he did not achieve widespread recognition during his lifetime, his work has since been celebrated for its depth, complexity, and insight into the human condition. 

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The Butler is Back in his Box

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Once upon a time, on the grand estate of Thornfield Manor, there served a butler whose reputation preceded him. Known simply as “The Butler,” he was a man of impeccable manners and unwavering precision in his duties. However, beneath his polished exterior and haunty tones hid a simmering arrogance. The Butler took great pride in his position and relished his power over the other household servants. He would bark orders with a haughty air, expecting nothing less than perfection. His colleagues found him insufferable, but none dared to challenge him for fear of losing their jobs.

One fateful evening, during a lavish dinner party hosted by the Manor’s wealthy owner, Lord Thornfield, a series of unfortunate mishaps occurred. In his usual high-handed manner, the Butler had arranged the seating plan with meticulous care, only to discover that two esteemed guests had been seated at the wrong table, creating a little unwanted friction between them. Incensed by the mistake and subsequent rather uncomfortable and embarrassing argument that ensued between the guests, the Butler’s facade of composure slipped and volcanically erupted in rage. He berated and insulted the hapless serving staff in front of the guests; his voice trumpeted and boomed through the ornate dining room echoing from rattling chandeliers and bouncing from the walls. His arrogance knew no bounds as he refused to accept responsibility for the mistake, blaming everyone else.

The Butler’s behaviour became increasingly erratic and intolerable as the evening continued. He alienated the guests with condescending remarks and offended the staff with his overbearing attitude. Finally, Lord Thornfield had witnessed enough. In a bold move that shocked the entire household, his Lordship confronted the Butler in the centre of the dining room. With dignity and a steely gaze, he delivered a sharp reprimand, demanding the Butler apologize for his behaviour immediately and show humility towards his colleagues and the guests. Stunned by this unexpected turn of events, the Butler found himself at a loss for words. For the first time in his life, he was forced to confront his own arrogance and pride. He did not like what he saw reflecting back at him. In that moment of truth, he realized the error of his ways and the damage he had caused with his behaviour.

With a deep sigh, the Butler swallowed his pride and sincerely apologised to the staff and guests alike. His transformation was miraculous as he humbly accepted all mistakes and vowed to change his ways. If ever a face spoke a thousand apologies in a glance, it was his. From that day forward, the Butler was a changed man. No longer irate and arrogant, he became known for kindness and humility, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him. The legend of the Butler’s fall from grace and subsequent redemption lived on in the halls of Thornfield Manor, a reminder that even the proudest hearts can be humbled by the power of introspection and self-improvement. 

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Lewis Carroll

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Lewis Carroll is the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, an English writer, mathematician, logician, and photographer. He is best known for his classic works, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and its sequel, “Through the Looking Glass.” These stories are known for their whimsical and fantastical elements, as well as their clever wordplay and logic puzzles.

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was first published in 1865 and has since become a beloved classic of children’s literature. The story follows a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a surreal world populated by peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures. Lewis Carroll’s works have inspired numerous adaptations in various forms of media, including films, plays, and even video games. His unique storytelling style continues to captivate readers of all ages, making his works enduring classics in the world of literature. 

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