Coming in at under 120 pages, you will devour this book in an hour or two - and then want to read it all over again.
Grief is the Thing With Feathers is Max Porter's first novel. It tells the story of a grieving father, living in London with his two young sons. Told through three narratives, Dad, Boys, and Crow, it could almost read like a play or series of monologues (in fact, this year it will be adapted to the stage and star Irish actor, Cillian Murphy). Crow, a visitor who shows up one night at the front door, acts as a sort of counsellor, childminder, and friend to the family. Without giving too much away, Crow becomes an outlet for the father and sons to channel their grief. And we also get to hear Crow's side to the story too.
It is a heartbreaking read (I cried twice in one sitting), but humorous and touching. It captured grief perfectly in its personal, unique, absurd, and gut-wrenching way. It is simply a very human story.
Someone asked me if I think it's a book that would help with grief. I couldn't say, nor do I want to. However, having experienced grief - dark, bleak grief - I felt that this is a book that understands the rawness and also touches on the humour that can surface while grieving.
Regardless of personal experience, it is a beautiful book and a must-read in my opinion.