The debut poetry anthology written by a 23-year-old Saffron Walden poet remains in the top 20 of an Amazon bestsellers chart since its release in July.

The self-published book, Mad Man Modernity, by Jess Dickinson, is ranked 20th in Amazon’s women’s poetry chart and the former Friends’ School student’s work deals with life, death, family and friends.

She said: “It’s about the crazy, technological modern world that we live in. The book begins quite light hearted but becomes more emotionally charged as it goes on. I wanted it to feel like a journey for the reader, just as I went on a journey writing it.”

Jess began writing at a young age and cites her dad as one of her biggest influences.

“My dad was a very inspiring English and drama teacher at Friends’ and always encouraged me to be creative. I was also lucky to have a number of great teachers at school who looked after my passion and pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

Jess performed some of her poetry at a fundraising gig for the refugee crisis at Saffron Walden Town Football Club on Saturday (October 10), which was organised by musician James White.

She said: “I know James from Saffron Walden circles and I was delighted to be involved when he asked me. It’s a really important cause.”

Jess said she is currently writing some new poetry as well as a play, which she hopes to complete in the coming months.

Mad Man Modernity is available from Amazon with one third of the profit from the book going to Pursuing Independent Paths – an organisation that supports young adults with learning disabilities. Find out more at www.piponline.org.uk