In this short novel by Max Porter, grief comes to a young family in the form of a peculiar and somewhat nasty Raven. He stays with the bereaved father and young children as they face the uncertainty of a future without their mother and wife.

The novel was first published a couple of years ago, but has gained more attention this year. I read it in March, then read it again later in 2017. The analogy of grief as a black, physical, somewhat obnoxious presence is poignant but meaningful.

I read recently that the work will be adapted for the stage in a work starring actor Cillian Murphy set to release in the UK early 2018. Here is an article about the adaptation:

 …the Thing with Feathers adaptation

Grief is the Thing with Feathers was the best use of metaphor that I read in 2017. Find  a local bookstore where you can buy this book:

Buy at a Bookstore near you