Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli
Eugen M. Bacon and E. Don Harpe
Interbac
Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Reviewed by Chris Gerrib

Eugen M. Bacon is a young Australian-based author. She’s submitted two short stories for review, “Being Marcus” and “Lapis Lazuli” (co-authored with E. Don Harpe). They are both quite enjoyable little gems. Although technically “science fiction” stories, there’s very little that’s not mainstream in either of these works.
“Being Marcus” (an Amazon Short) is the longer work, but at 10 pages that’s not saying much. The story is simple. A famous Roman has been cursed to live forever. He struggles with the loss of that curse, both in his reputation and the deaths of his loves. The story is quite striking in its tone and impact, and is a good example of the art of writing short stories.
“Lapis Lazuli” (available from Fictionwise) is only 6 pages, but also packs a punch. An alien, exiled from his homeworld, lands in a gay bar, and the unnamed narrator takes sympathy on him. It’s an interesting concept, executed well.
Both of these stories are great, quick reads. Don’t be scared by the “science fiction” classification – they are approachable by readers of any genre.