Bishop Paul’s new collection of poetry marks a successful departure into narrative verse. His first story, The Strange Story of Samuel Parker Eatwell, is set in an English market town in the 1800s, and tells of a boy wrongly accused of poaching rabbits and sent, along with a young pickpocket called Snatcher, to the gallows. What happens there is a small miracle and a message of hope for everyone - except the judge!
Alexia is set in 1200 and concerns a mysterious coffin full of stones, a strange wandering lady who does good works, and a greedy Bishop intent on keeping control of his flock.
These ‘historical’ poems are complemented by the devotional verses familiar to fans of Bishop Paul, focusing as they do on practical theology, the natural world and the perceptions of children. The Family of Deer is particularly touching, and indeed has a topical message. As usual, Bishop Paul draws useful parallels and contrasts between the innocence of the animal kingdom and the troubled state we’re in as human beings. but there’s always someone we can turn to if we wish.