Grief Is the Thing with Feathers cover art

Grief Is the Thing with Feathers

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Grief Is the Thing with Feathers

By: Max Porter
Narrated by: Jot Davies
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About this listen

In a London flat, two young boys face the unbearable sadness of their mother's sudden death. Their father, a Ted Hughes scholar and scruffy romantic, imagines a future of well-meaning visitors and emptiness.

In this moment of despair they are visited by Crow - antagonist, trickster, healer, babysitter. This sentimental bird is drawn to the grieving family and threatens to stay until they no longer need him.

As weeks turn to months and the pain of loss gives way to memories, the little unit of three starts to heal.

In this extraordinary debut - part novella, part polyphonic fable, part essay on grief - Max Porter's compassion and bravura style combine to dazzling effect. Full of unexpected humour and profound emotional truth, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers marks the arrival of a thrilling new talent.

©2015 Max Porter (P)2016 Audible, Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Grief Feel-Good Heartfelt Tear-jerking Scary

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Critic reviews

"An agile, life-affirming account of mourning." ( Sunday Times)
"Utterly astonishing. Truly, truly remarkable." (Nathan Filer)
"A blast and a breeze and, strangely, a delight." (Jonathan Gibbs, Independent)
All stars
Most relevant  
I was at first unsure on whether to get the audiobook because I didn't know if this book could be read aloud in a way that fit. I can safely say now, it's perfect.
The book itself is a masterpiece. A monumental study of grief, family and all things Crow. Any fan of Ted Hughes will love Max Porter. Any fan of a good book will love this. Go Crow!

A Study of Grief

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Brilliantly narrated and I liked the style, but I finished the book undecided about whether I liked it or not. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed reading it -- I think the narration brought it to life effectively.

While I think it is perhaps an acquired taste / you need to be in the mood for listening, I would recommend giving it a go.

Unsure

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took me time to get into the crow pieces. got better with listening. appreciation if Yed Hughes a distinct advantage.

interesting, mixed feelings

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I am ambivalent, the concept and story was good, the performance as well but I just couldn't focus and follow with enthusiasm.

very experiment style

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So emotional and uplifting at the same time. I cried and laughed throughout this beautiful book

It was so beautifully written

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The narrator brought the book more alive than when I tried to read it. It is just over three years since my mum died, and this novel resonated more with me through oration than reading. The crow is a tough character to get your head around; perhaps that's the point.

Processing Grief

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After losing my Mum recently, I needed to hear about the comedy, the frustrations, the quiet but deep sadness, and the twists and turns of someone else's loss...just to check-in on how I'm doing myself... I've saved it to hear it again a year from now. It's beautifully written and rings genuine.

I needed to hear this

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this is gut punchingly beautiful. Unless you don't mind crying in public, listen to this at home.
Very poetic narration with the perfect pace and pauses.

tender and beautiful

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This is both heartbreaking and hilarious. And really rings true... thank you very much Max Porter

Blimey!

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if you've ever suffered from grief or loss this story will speak to your soul

sublime

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