Max Porter

Max Porter is a British author known for his innovative and genre-defying works, including 'Grief is the Thing with Feathers' and 'Lanny'. His writing often blends poetry, prose, and elements of the surreal.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Grief Is the Thing with Feathers

    In this poignant and lyrical novel, a grieving father and his two young sons are visited by a mysterious, shape-shifting crow following the sudden death of their wife and mother. The crow, embodying both chaos and comfort, becomes an unconventional guide through their mourning process, offering wisdom, humor, and a unique perspective on loss. As the family navigates the turbulent waters of grief, the narrative weaves together elements of poetry, folklore, and raw emotion, ultimately exploring the transformative power of love and memory in the face of profound sorrow.

    The 9256th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Shy

    The Novel

    Set in the 1990s, this poignant narrative delves into the tumultuous life of a troubled teenager grappling with his inner demons and societal expectations. As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, he finds himself at a boarding school designed for boys who have struggled to fit into conventional molds. Through a series of introspective moments and interactions with fellow students and staff, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting his fears and insecurities while seeking solace and understanding in an often unforgiving world. The story is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the quest for identity.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Lanny

    The novel weaves a haunting and lyrical tale set in a small English village, where the boundaries between reality and folklore blur. It follows the story of a young boy named Lanny, whose imaginative and free-spirited nature captivates the local community and draws the attention of an ancient, mythical figure known as Dead Papa Toothwort. As Lanny's presence stirs the village's hidden tensions and secrets, the narrative unfolds through a chorus of voices, exploring themes of creativity, connection, and the interplay between the natural and supernatural. The story builds to a poignant and mysterious climax, leaving a lasting impression of wonder and introspection.

  4. 4. Tuga Je Pernato Stvorenje

    Set in a world where grief takes on a tangible form, the narrative explores the profound impact of loss on a family through the lens of a father and his two young sons. As they navigate the aftermath of their mother's sudden death, they are visited by a mysterious crow, a symbol of their sorrow and a guide through their mourning process. The story unfolds in a poetic and fragmented style, capturing the raw emotions and the gradual journey towards healing, blending elements of magical realism with deep psychological insight.

  5. 5. The Death Of Francis Bacon

    A feverish, fragmentary meditation on a dying painter’s final days in a Madrid clinic, where shards of memory, painterly commands, and art-historical echoes blur with hallucination and bodily decline. Across seven charged vignettes, images of flesh, violence, and tenderness collide as he revisits his work, spars with language and desire, and weighs love, shame, and legacy. The result is a compressed, lyrical deathbed monologue that captures the brutality and beauty of making art at the very edge of life.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org