Brooks Hansen Knihy

Exploring the life of John the Baptist, this novel delves into his role beyond a mere precursor to Jesus, presenting a vivid tapestry of the political and spiritual turmoil of his time. Drawing from a wide range of historical and artistic sources, including Caravaggio and Bach, it paints a detailed portrait of the Herodian courts and the complexities of faith. The narrative weaves themes of ambition, self-sacrifice, and the struggle between worldly desires and spiritual beliefs, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal figure in history.

Set in late autumn 1889, the story revolves around the mysterious death of an unidentified woman found by the Seine River in Paris. Displayed at the city morgue, her haunting beauty captivates onlookers but fails to draw a claimant. As the body awaits disposition, a mold is created of her face, resulting in a mask that evolves into a renowned cult artifact of the 20th century, highlighting themes of mortality, anonymity, and the allure of the macabre.

In Central Park, a hidden beast rules the night from his castle, emerging only after dark when the park's statues come to life. Few know of his existence, as he allows only one person to glimpse his world. The story unfolds through the eyes of a young narrator, who discovers the beast during a week spent with a neighbor while his parents are away. This encounter reveals the mysterious and wild nature of their nocturnal neighbor, inviting readers to explore a whimsical realm filled with magic and adventure.

The story delves into the complex emotions of a character who finds himself in a cave, grappling with intense feelings that blend tenderness and violence. As he watches a sleeping companion, he experiences cravings that evoke a profound sense of hunger, hinting at deeper themes of desire and connection. The setting and mood create an atmosphere of intimacy and conflict, exploring the duality of human emotions in a stark environment.

August Perlmann, Musikliebhaber, Lebemann und Pionier der "klinischen Suggestion" - der Spross einer jüdischen Wiener Familie hat es zum erfolgreichen Hypnosearzt an einer Londoner Klinik gebracht. Da wird ein Abend im Jahr 1906 zum Wendepunkt seines Lebens: Die junge, todkranke Sylvie Blum scheint besessen von der Idee, einer anderen Zeit und Welt zu entstammen und reißt Perlmann in einen Strudel aus Phantastischem und Unerhörtem. Vor allem die wunderschöne Madame Barrett, Spiritualistin und Schwester eines von Perlmann verehrten russischen Komponisten, macht Sylvies Fall zu einer Versuchung, die seine gesamte Existenz in Frage stellt.

Gerade haben Piorelli und Bette, das Spatzenpaar, zwei entzückende Küken ausgebrütet, da werden sie durch ein Unglück getrennt. Gäbe es nicht Cäsar, das Rentier, und Elsbeth, das Körnermädchen, wäre die Geschichte wohl schlimm ausgegangen.