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A Roman Spell
This sequel to the book "Oliver and Henry" follows the story of a young gay couple in Rome who discover that their son, Luca, has special abilities - magical ones - and is connected to a past life, to a person who lived in their house during the 1500s. Through the discovery of a cardinal's journal and the grimoire of his resident scholar, pieces of a puzzle come together, and karmic justice paid. This compelling story - based, in part, on actual historical events - takes seriously the modern search for new models of spirituality and family - particularly parenting by same-sex couples. It explores contemporary evidence regarding psychic phenomena and seeks to formulate coherent theories about them. The story takes place in Rome, Milan, and Courmayeur in the Italian Alps. The title - A Roman Spell - refers not just to the magical abilities of Luca but to the enchantment of life in Italy - to beautiful medieval town centers, to a slower and richer pace of life, and to the cuisine and culture that make Rome so special. "A Roman Spell" is an invitation to explore Roman, Greek, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim mysticism - to recognize the depth and mystery of human existence that we often overlook. This is a tale of another age and a story about our own! Enjoy!
230 pages, Paperback
Published January 24, 2022
About the author
Michael Hartwig
17 books14 followersMichael Hartwig is a Boston and Provincetown-based author of LGBTQ fiction. Hartwig is an accomplished professor of religion and ethics as well as an established artist.
Hartwig grew up in Dallas but spread his wings early on – living in Rome for five years, moving to New England on his return, and then working in the area of educational travel to the Middle East and Europe.
His fiction weaves together his interest in LGBTQ+ studies, ethics, religion, art, languages, and travel. The books are set in international settings. They include rich local descriptions and are peppered with the local language. Characters grapple not only with their own gender and sexuality but with prevailing paradigms of sexuality and family in the world around them. Hartwig has a facility for fast-paced plots that transport readers to other worlds. They are romantic and steamy as well as thoughtful and engaging. Hartwig imagines rich characters who are at crossroads in their lives. In many instances, these crossroads mirror cultural ones. There’s plenty of sexual tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but the stories are enriched by broader considerations – historical, cultural, and philosophical.
Hartwig grew up in Dallas but spread his wings early on – living in Rome for five years, moving to New England on his return, and then working in the area of educational travel to the Middle East and Europe.
His fiction weaves together his interest in LGBTQ+ studies, ethics, religion, art, languages, and travel. The books are set in international settings. They include rich local descriptions and are peppered with the local language. Characters grapple not only with their own gender and sexuality but with prevailing paradigms of sexuality and family in the world around them. Hartwig has a facility for fast-paced plots that transport readers to other worlds. They are romantic and steamy as well as thoughtful and engaging. Hartwig imagines rich characters who are at crossroads in their lives. In many instances, these crossroads mirror cultural ones. There’s plenty of sexual tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but the stories are enriched by broader considerations – historical, cultural, and philosophical.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 17, 2022
Amazing book a must read
This multi-layered story mingles a 21 st century understanding of magic and the power of intention with the story of a young child exploring his magical skill whose 2 Dads grapple with their lives as gay parents and their son’s skills a must read …..
This multi-layered story mingles a 21 st century understanding of magic and the power of intention with the story of a young child exploring his magical skill whose 2 Dads grapple with their lives as gay parents and their son’s skills a must read …..
Displaying 1 of 1 review