Picture an English storyteller who turned grief into a poetic masterpiece with a talking crow—meet Max Porter! Born in 1981, this literary alchemist blends prose, poetry, and myth into stories that linger like a haunting melody. From his breakout debut to his genre-defying novels, Porter’s work captures the raw beauty of human emotion with a playful, innovative twist.
Once a bookseller charming customers at Daunt Books, Porter’s journey to literary stardom is as captivating as his writing. His unique voice, shaped by personal loss and a love for Ted Hughes’ poetry, has made him a standout in contemporary literature, earning awards and inspiring stage and screen adaptations.
The Making of Max Porter
Born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in 1981, Max Porter grew up with a complex family dynamic, marked by the loss of his father at age six. This early brush with grief would later fuel his writing, infusing it with raw emotional depth. After earning an MA in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute, Porter dove into the book world, managing Daunt Books’ Chelsea branch and snagging the Young Bookseller of the Year award in 2009. His time as an editor at Granta Books sharpened his literary instincts, but it was his passion for poetry—especially Ted Hughes’ Crow—that sparked his own creative fire.
Max Porter’s Unforgettable Stories
Porter’s debut, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers (2015), is a genre-bending marvel. This slim, poetic novel follows a grieving widower and his sons, visited by a mischievous crow inspired by Hughes’ work. Blending prose, poetry, and play script, it won the International Dylan Thomas Prize and was adapted into a play starring Cillian Murphy. Its title, a nod to Emily Dickinson, captures its lyrical exploration of loss and healing.
In 2019, Lanny enchanted readers with its tale of a gifted boy in a rural English village, weaving myth, community, and ecological themes. Longlisted for the Booker Prize, it’s set to become a film with Rachel Weisz. The Death of Francis Bacon (2021) dives into the artist’s final days, using visceral, fragmented prose to mirror Bacon’s raw paintings. Porter’s latest, Shy (2023), tracks a troubled teen’s chaotic night, blending 1990s nostalgia with psychological depth. His style—compact, rhythmic, and emotionally charged—defies convention, making each work a fresh adventure.
Why Max Porter Matters
Max Porter’s impact lies in his fearless innovation. By fusing poetry, prose, and myth, he’s carved a niche in contemporary literature, inspiring writers to break free from traditional forms. His exploration of grief, masculinity, and human connection resonates globally, with translations in over 30 languages. Collaborations with artists like Cillian Murphy and festivals like Sounds From A Safe Harbour show his versatility, while his work as a mentor and festival curator amplifies new voices. Porter’s stories don’t just entertain—they challenge us to feel deeply and think boldly.
- Born: 1981, High Wycombe, UK
- Key Works: Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, Lanny, The Death of Francis Bacon, Shy
- Awards: International Dylan Thomas Prize, Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year
- Fun Fact: He’s a 2025 Southbank Centre Associate Artist
Snag Grief Is the Thing with Feathers and dive into Max Porter’s poetic, heart-stirring world!