Blake Morrison

Blake Morrison is a British poet, author and journalist who emerged as a significant literary voice in the 1980s. His work spans multiple genres including memoir, fiction, poetry, journalism and literary criticism. Morrison gained widespread recognition for his memoir "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" (1993), which explored his relationship with his dying father and became an international bestseller. The book was later adapted into a feature film starring Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent. His other notable works include "As If" (1997), an examination of the James Bulger murder case, and "Things My Mother Never Told Me" (2002), a memoir about his mother's life. Morrison has served as literary editor of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, and continues to contribute regularly to The Guardian. Morrison's poetry collections include "Dark Glasses" (1984) and "The Ballad of the Yorkshire Ripper" (1987). He currently holds the position of Professor of Creative Writing at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he helps develop new literary talent.

Readers connect deeply with Morrison's honest portrayal of family relationships, particularly in "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" Many reviews cite his ability to capture complex emotions around parent-child dynamics and grief. On Goodreads, readers praise his "raw authenticity" and "unflinching self-examination." Readers appreciate: - Clear, precise prose style - Balance of personal revelation with broader social commentary - Ability to examine difficult subjects without sensationalism - Thoughtful exploration of memory and truth Common criticisms: - Some find his pacing slow, particularly in middle sections - Occasional overindulgence in detail - Academic tone can feel distant in places Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" - 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) - Amazon UK: 4.2/5 average across all works - "As If" receives lower ratings (3.4/5) with readers noting its challenging subject matter Reader quote: "Morrison demonstrates how to write about family with both love and brutal honesty" - Amazon UK reviewer

And When Did You Last See Your Father? (1993) A memoir exploring Morrison's relationship with his father during his final months of terminal illness.

As If (1997) An examination of the James Bulger murder case and its impact on British society, including analysis of the trial and media coverage.

Things My Mother Never Told Me (2002) A biographical investigation into Morrison's mother's life, revealing her wartime romance and secrets discovered after her death.

South of the River (2007) A novel following five characters in South London during the period of Tony Blair's election victory in 1997.

The Last Weekend (2010) A psychological thriller about two couples spending a weekend together, examining themes of rivalry and deception.

The Executor (2000) A novel about a literary executor dealing with a deceased poet's papers and uncovering uncomfortable truths.

Too True (1998) A collection of poems exploring personal and public themes, including family relationships and social observations.

Dark Glasses (1985) Morrison's first collection of poetry dealing with themes of identity and personal history.

We Are Three Sisters (2011) A play based on the lives of the Brontë sisters, drawing parallels with Chekhov's Three Sisters.

Two Sisters (2020) A retelling of King Lear through the perspective of Regan and Goneril, examining family loyalty and betrayal.

Alan Bennett writes memoirs and autobiographical works exploring British family life and social class dynamics. His blend of humor and poignant observation of domestic relationships mirrors Morrison's approach to family narratives.

Andrew O'Hagan focuses on memory, identity, and father-son relationships in his literary works. His documentarian style combines personal history with broader social commentary.

Richard Holmes specializes in biographical writing that weaves personal experience with historical investigation. His works examine the relationship between past and present through both research and memoir.

Will Self writes about contemporary British life through a lens of personal experience and cultural criticism. His non-fiction work explores themes of place and identity similar to Morrison's investigations of Yorkshire and family heritage.

Hanif Kureishi examines British cultural identity and family relationships through autobiographical writing. His work deals with father-son dynamics and the intersection of personal and social history.