Two startling, quirky and wry novellas that present allegorical worlds around life, death and art. Graphite presents an otherworldly tale of a man in search of the source for the world's most perfect graphite lead cores, turning up a revelation profoundly altering his life. In Brighter, Jano Gambon, a decadent art dealer reveals events that led him to his honor and horror during his final days.

"This is a journey of quirky surprises, startling wit and softly engulfing magic. Like Calvino, Kafka and even Roald Dahl, Michael Horvath takes us into a dream."

--Elizabeth Mitchell, Three Strides Before the Wire