Michael Hartwig

A Roman Spell Michael Hartwig

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!