H
Helen Macdonald
British author of prize winning "H is for Hawk"
H Is for Hawk
Synopsis
When her father dies unexpectedly, Helen Macdonald finds herself consumed by grief. She decides to train a goshawk, a fierce and wild bird, as a way to cope with her loss. This challenging endeavor, guided by the writings of T.H. White, pushes her to her limits and ultimately changes her life.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
How does T.H. White's work influence this book?
The author weaves a shadow biography of T.H. White throughout the narrative, using his 1951 book The Goshawk as a mirror for her own experiences with grief and isolation. She explores how White's own troubled life and his documented struggles to train a hawk resonate with her own journey.
What awards has this book received?
This memoir was the recipient of the 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction and the Costa Book of the Year award.
Is there a film adaptation of this book?
A film adaptation directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and starring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson was released in 2025.
