Before We Go Any Further

Tristram Fane Saunders' first collection, Before We Go Any Further, explores the ways we try to communicate with each other across real and invented distances, using ingenious forms and wry humor to explore darker themes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Tristram Fane Saunders' debut collection, Before We Go Any Further, presents a poet whose ingenious forms captivate while delving into darker themes. Employing delectable and unconventional rhymes and rhythms, the book conjures a contemporary London, vividly mapping the ways we attempt to connect with one another across both real and imagined distances. Within these poems, Sphinxes, sea creatures, sleepwalkers, and surrealists wander, exploring themes of art, friendship, and love. While these poems strive for affection, they cannot help but grapple with the delicate line between truth and honesty, eliciting a wry sense of humor in their struggle.

Intriguing Forms and Darker Themes:
Saunders' debut collection showcases his mastery of poetic form. The poems are characterized by their intricate rhymes and rhythms, which add a layer of complexity and charm to the text. While the themes explored may be dark, Saunders' use of language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and intrigue, keeping the reader engaged and captivated.

Contemporary London as a Metaphor:
Before We Go Any Further takes the reader on a journey through contemporary London, serving as a metaphor for the complexities of human connection and communication. Saunders skillfully weaves together real-life landmarks and cultural references with invented landscapes, creating a vivid and immersive portrayal of the city. This urban backdrop adds depth and context to the poems, allowing the reader to connect with the characters and their experiences on a more personal level.

Exploring Themes of Art, Friendship, and Love:
The poems in Before We Go Any Further cover a wide range of themes, including art, friendship, and love. Saunders explores the complexities of these relationships, examining the ways in which we communicate, connect, and struggle with vulnerability. Through his poetic lens, he offers insights into the human condition, highlighting the complexities and nuances of our interactions with others.

Wry Humor in the Struggle:
One of the standout features of Before We Go Any Further is its wry humor. Saunders' ability to inject humor into even the most serious subjects creates a sense of levity and relatability. The poems often depict the struggles and complexities of human relationships with a touch of irony, allowing the reader to find humor in the challenges we face.

The Thin Line Between Truth and Honesty:
A central theme of the collection is the delicate line between truth and honesty. Saunders explores the ways in which we try to conceal our true selves from others, often resorting to lies or half-truths. Through his poetry, he challenges the reader to confront their own biases and assumptions, encouraging them to be more authentic and honest in their interactions.

Conclusion:
Tristram Fane Saunders' debut collection, Before We Go Any Further, is a testament to his poetic prowess and his ability to explore complex themes with wit and insight. Through his inventive forms and vivid imagery, Saunders invites the reader to engage with the darker aspects of human experience while finding moments of humor and connection. Before We Go Any Further is a must-read for anyone who appreciates poetry that challenges and inspires.

Dimension: 216 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800173255