Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter (2015): A Review

Title: Grief Is the Thing with Feathers

Author: Max Porter

Publication Year: 2015

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetic Prose, Postmodern

Source: Book

Opening Sentence:

There’s a feather on my pillow. 

Pillows are made of feathers, go to sleep.

Max Porter is a unique author known for his distinctive style and structure, which he showcases in his debut novel, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers. This short novel, written in poetic form and narrated like a drama, explores the process of grief and loss through the eyes of a father—a scholar of Ted Hughes—and his two sons, along with a crow.

The narrative is deeply poetic and symbolic, which may initially leave you feeling confused about its meaning. The crow's parts may seem elusive, as if its language is beyond your understanding. However, each mythical monologue, dream, and dialogue resonates profoundly, subtly touching your heart without you even realizing it. While this is not an easy read, it is undeniably beautiful. Understanding the various allusions and references can enhance your experience, revealing new layers to the story and its themes.

Despite its dark subject matter, the ending offers a sense of hope. I can’t express enough how much you need to experience it for yourself—I’m planning to re-read it!

As a bonus, it has been adapted into a movie titled The Thing with Feathers, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch.