Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and ocean vistas surrounding her family cottage in South Devon, Christabel Lancing’s debut poetry collection, Beside a Stranger, delves into the depths of human emotion.

Reflecting on personal experiences of love and loss, pain, longing, and joy, this collection explores the paradoxical nature of isolation and connection.

The titular poem, “Beside a Stranger,” was born from the tragedy of 9⁄11 and its anniversaries. It offers a poignant reminder of the emotions of those who perished alongside strangers, a spirit-driven memory that mirrors events and narrates, in parallel themes, the love for someone never met.

This is an emotive and often metaphorical journey into human feelings and reactions. It resonates deeply, sometimes stirring profound emotion.

Beside a Stranger invites readers on an intimate exploration of emotional and natural landscapes. Each poem builds upon the last, creating a tumultuous, compelling, and ultimately restorative narrative.