Hello, Stranger: Stories of Connection in a Divided World

Description

When Will Buckingham's partner of many years passed away, he opened up his house to strangers and found a path through his grief. By welcoming the unfamiliar, and caring for the needs of those he did not know, Will found himself immersed in a long and rich tradition of hosting and helping strangers. As the loneliness epidemic spirals out of control, and as the migration crisis continues, might we be able to draw on this tradition of welcoming strangers to solve the problems of our time? Charting the history of the stranger from ancient societies to modern borders, anthropologist and philosopher Will Buckingham considers the value that strangers might bring to our lives. Journeying from gifts to feasts, guests to hostages, departures, ghosts, animals and the complications of money, Hello, Stranger, invites us to open up the door, and let the world in.

Will Buckingham is a wandering academic with a PHD in a philosophy and an MA in anthropology, who splits his time between Burma and Britain. He has previously published several books including fiction, philosophy and children's books.

Following a personal tragedy, Will Buckingham propels himself out, alone, into the world, to explore what it means to be a stranger - the joys and pitfalls, the perennial truths. A glorious book, fabulously learned and funny, and filled with all manner of stirring stories * Philip Marsden, author of The Summer Isles * A treasure trove of all the possibilities strangers can be to each other. Read, learn and savour * Madeleine Bunting, author of Labours of Love: The Crisis of Care * Buckingham provides a map for others to follow, showing that when we show kindness to strangers, we may be entertaining angels unawares * John Paul Flintoff, author of How to Change the World (School of Life) * Humane and heart-warming -- Caroline Sanderson * Bookseller * A moving memoir of finding solace * Economist * Very excellent -- Reverend Richard Coles * BBC Radio 4 Saturday Live * A well-constructed, eloquent celebration of the traditions and rituals of hospitality and of opening your door to unknown guests * Mail on Sunday *