Make an extraordinary journey across the centuries with this lovely book.

Today I want to present one of the best books I have read lately. Since the very first page I was enchanted by the poetical flowing of the writing, then, another thing I appreciated, was the many layers of reading that the story offers. First of all the story itself, naturally, very original and fascinating. Secondly, a profound reflection on what it means to be human, to have a soul, a conscience, a sense of morality, and how this in itself is not sufficient to determine the kindness and righteousness of a person. I leave the rest for you to discover, knowing that this book is written so well, so graciously and impeccably that it is sheer pleasure to read, even regardless of what happens within it.



Title:     The Black Hen And The Thirteen Magic Rings
Author: Dan Pollino

When I first read the title I thought it would be a children’s book, or something like a comical fantasy. It turned out to be a story full of wonder, unfolding around three different continents and many centuries. It is more than a fantasy book, its essence resides on the border between reality, spirituality and enchantment. It narrates of an ancient book of magic, of two ancient creatures that live through the centuries, each in its own way trying to fill a void inside, and finally about the two teenagers who will unleash the magic. I do not want to disclose more than this, because this story deserves to be fully discovered by the reader and believe me, there is so much to it. The rhythm is perfect, picking up when the action starts and gently slowing down when it is time for reflection; it is supported by a writing style which is both elegant, neat and poetical, so that you can flow through the descriptions of places and feelings as if you were experiencing them yourself. There is a lot of adventure in this novel, a lot of feeling and emotion. Innocence, treason, courage and loyalty. Ashes, straw, immortality, soul; what will the last choice be?

The storm is approaching, silent and devastating, I can smell it in the air and I miss the cosy safety of my den.

Click here to go to the buying page of the book!

Road Trippin'

I got to know RHCP late, in 2005, I was rather prejudiced against them, thought them a bunch of porkies of some kind, nevertheless I started listening to the album Californication, as the songs went by I found I quite liked them, there was a sort of sensuality in the voice that paired beautifully to a music sounding direct and ever slightly raw, creating an uncompairable style. Then at the end there was Road Trippin, it completely captured my attention, almost had me crying, so simple yet so deeply poetic. That song made me completely fall in love with RHCP, I understood then that whatever said and done, there had to be something more profound in somebody able to write such a song than what a superficial glance could catch. After I did some research and learned about the band and the member's stories and although I now possess the full discography and enjoy most of their work past and present, Californication is still the one I feel more intimate with. There is so much soul and sufference yet deep joy to be found again, in that album, I feel I can almost touch the feelings in it and often even make them my own. To me it is an absolute masterpiece.