Max Porter

Max Porter trained as an art historian but his career took him in to the world of books. He previously managed an independent bookshop and won the Young Bookseller of the Year award in 2009. Max joined Granta and Portobello Books in 2012 as Commissioning Editor and after working with authors such as Man Booker prize-winner Eleanor Catton and Masha Gessen, he has now written his own book.

Grief is the Thing with Feathers is a story of a father and two young boys in the weeks following the death of their mother. In this moment of despair they are visited by Crow - antagonist, trickster, healer, babysitter. This self-described sentimental bird is attracted to the grieving family and threatens to stay until they no longer need him. As weeks turn to months and physical pain of loss gives way to memories, this little unit of three begin to heal.

Part novella and part essay on grief, Grief is the Thing with Feathers is sensitive and affecting and offers light relief with unexpected humour.