'Porter is one of my favourite writers in the world.', <b>George Saunders</b><br />'Porter excavates through the mess and tumult of life and of a mind, leaving us with the sharp clarity of poetry, and an emotional core of tender, beauti-ful prose.', <b>Andrew McMillan</b>

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.

Max Porter's extraordinary debut - part novella, part polyphonic fable, part essay on grief - marked the arrival of a thrilling new literary talent. This stunning hardback replicates the author's personal first edition to celebrate ten years of a contemporary classic.

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Marking ten years of a contemporary classic, this hardback features unseen artwork throughout and a cover based on a facsimile of the author's own first edition.
This Independent Bookshop Exclusive Edition marks ten years of a contemporary classic, featuring unseen artwork throughout and a cover based on a facsimile of the author's own first edition.

Product details

ISBN
9780571395279
Published
2025-06-05
Publisher
Faber & Faber
Height
198 mm
Width
129 mm
Age
G, 01
Language
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Number of pages
128

Author

Biographical note

Max Porter is the author of four novels, including the Sunday Times #1 bestseller Shy, the Booker Prize longlisted Lanny, and the multi-award winning Grief is the Thing with Feathers. His work has been translated into 33 languages.