Unapologetically sensual and forthright, Bell explores desire, loss, faith, doubt, tenderness, and violence; and sex as experience, metaphor, and magnifying lens for relationships. Bright Stainmay or may not become theSex and the Cityof poetry, but this knock-your-socks-off debut will likely inspire debate—perhaps controversy-as it inhabits some startling points of view, including those of pedophile priests, serial killers, and prison inmates. Those who miss reading these breathtaking, visceral poems won't know what their friends are raving about. | Bright Stain by Francesca Bell, Paperback | Indigo Chapters