Grief is the thing with feathers

by Max Porter
Grief is the thing with feathers cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1076
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780571323777
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2015-09-15
  • Formats: 40
  • Reviews: 4

In a London flat, two young boys and their father struggle to cope with the sudden death of their mother. Their father, a Ted Hughes scholar, finds solace in the unexpected presence of Crow, a mystical and mischievous bird who becomes an unlikely companion in their grief. This debut novel, praised for its emotional depth and originality, marks the arrival of a significant new literary talent. 'Grief Is the Thing with Feathers' is a captivating blend of poetry and prose, offering a fresh perspective on loss and the healing process. The novel's unique narrative style and unexpected humor make it a standout work in contemporary literature, earning numerous accolades and critical acclaim.

Reviews
Write Out Loud Blog · 2024-02-26
painful 3.50

The book resonates deeply with those who have experienced grief, capturing its painful and sometimes ugly realities.

The reviewer finds that the book will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced grief, as it captures the painful and sometimes ugly realities of loss. They appreciate how the characters' experiences are portrayed in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The reviewer also notes that the book's emotional impact is significant, making it a powerful read for those dealing with similar experiences.

Quick quotes

    If you have experienced any kind of grief then you will have some degree of empathy with the characters here.

    It is painful, sometimes ugly and ...

    The book's emotional impact is significant.

Bright Star Book Blog · 2019-09-26
devastating 4.50

This book is described as one of the most accurate accounts of grief, praised for its honesty and miraculous portrayal.

The reviewer finds this book to be an incredibly honest and devastatingly accurate portrayal of grief. They describe it as miraculous and an absolute marvel. The way the book captures the raw emotion and complexity of grief is noted as exceptional. The reviewer also highlights how the book manages to make the abstract concept of grief feel tangible and deeply personal.

Quick quotes

    It is, frankly, one of the most devastatingly accurate accounts of grief I have ever come across.

    It is honestly miraculous.

    An absolute marvel.

The Book Binder's Daughter · The Book Binder's Daughter · 2016-06-20
powerful 4.00

This short, powerful book poetically describes the gaping hole that the absence of a loved one leaves in our life.

The reviewer finds this book to be a powerful and poetic exploration of grief. They appreciate how it vividly describes the emptiness left by the loss of a loved one. The reviewer also notes the book's emotional depth and its ability to convey the complexities of mourning in a concise yet impactful manner. They believe it is a moving and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    This short, powerful book poetically describes the gaping hole that the absence of a loved one leaves in our life.

    It is a book that will make you feel the weight of grief in a way that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.

    The language is poetic and evocative, making it a deeply emotional reading experience.

The Guardian · 2015-09-18
moving 4.00

A deeply moving book about death and grief, emphasizing love and art as consolations, with a unique and scattered text format.

The reviewer appreciates the book's deep emotional impact and its exploration of death and grief. They note that the book's format, which appears scattered, effectively conveys the fragmented nature of grief. The reviewer also highlights how the themes of love and art provide consolation and hope amidst the pain. The book is seen as a profound and moving exploration of loss and healing.

Quick quotes

    This deeply moving book about death and its grief-stricken consolations – love and art – appears to be no more than a scattering of text, ...

    It is a deeply moving book about death and its grief-stricken consolations.

    The book's format effectively conveys the fragmented nature of grief.

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