CULCHETH-based author Chris Vobe has released an ambitious new anthology, combining free verse poetry, a brand new cycle of lyrics, a selection of short stories, and even photographs taken in some familiar Warrington locations.
The Ten People You Meet and Other Writings is steeped in the landscape of the author’s North West hometown, with both poetry and prose entries set against the backdrop of some notable Warrington landmarks.
Throughout the text, readers will find themselves transported to Sankey Valley Park, the Halliwell Jones Stadium, St Elphin’s Church, Woolston Weir, and the Georgian scene-set Bewsey Street.
And eagle-eyed fans will also be able to spot some iconic locations in the village of Culcheth (a place Chris was determined not to leave out!) which are depicted through several examples of artistic photography.
Divided broadly into three sections, The Ten People You Meet is a delicately constructed, thought-provoking collection which offers a powerful and fresh exploration of familiar motifs. Through the eyes of its diverse cast of characters, themes such as love and loss are re-examined with a generous honesty, blending sorrowful reflections and candid narratives with the author’s customary humour and endearing optimism. Each study is painted large across an original and authentic canvas, upon which we find a carefully crafted series of still lifes.
Also included is The Gospel – a unique, interconnected cycle of lyrics encompassing meditations on faith, distance, remorse and redemption – featuring Conversations with God, Ascension and the breath-taking Amor.
Incorporating poetry, prose, and a selection of Chris Vobe’s own photographs, The Ten People You Meet defies the traditional conventions of, and seeks to redefine the nature of an anthology, delivering a commanding, immersive portrait of life, death and our relationship with God.
Also featured are the short stories The Christmas Bauble, The Wolf and Fishing – a brand new tale set in Little Bassington featuring the characters Adam Chapman and Clarissa Clements from Chris Vobe’s 2023 debut novel, The Water Tower.
Commenting on his latest book Chris said: “I’m really proud of The Ten People You Meet. It is an intricate tapestry of a work which talks about life, death, faith and love – all the subjects that really drive me as a writer. But I wanted to set those conversations against the backdrop of my home town. The first section of the book is rooted in Warrington – we go walking through Sankey Valley Park in the rain; a man whose name we never learn makes a life changing decision outside the Halliwell Jones Stadium; and we close a chapter of one couple’s story on a bench overlooking Woolston Weir. I wanted to write something that wasn’t autobiographical, but was really reflective of the place I grew up, and the people who live here.
“The anthology is designed to resonate differently with different people. To that end, it can be whatever you want it to be. You can read it from cover to cover, or just dive in and take pot luck. However people choose to engage with it, I really hope they enjoy it, and find something fulfilling within.”
Chris, a former local councillor, is already at work on his next novel, which he anticipates will be released towards in early 2026. He promises readers a “North West novel” which tells a “dark story”.
The Ten People You Meet and Other Writings is available now worldwide from booksellers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Angus & Robertson, Apple, Google Play and more.
Chris Vobe’s author page: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisVobeAuthor/
