Thomas Lynch

Thomas Lynch is an accomplished poet, essayist, and fiction writer whose works explore themes of mortality, memory, and the human condition. He is the author of five poetry collections, one story collection, and four books of essays, including "The Undertaking," a National Book Award finalist. His other notable works include "Still Life in Milford," "Booking Passage," "Apparition & Late Fictions," and "Walking Papers." Lynch's writing has been featured in prominent publications such as Granta, The Atlantic, Harper’s, and various international editions of the Times.

Balancing dual careers, Lynch works as a funeral director in Milford, Michigan, while also teaching at the Bear River Writer’s Conference. His unique perspective on life and death informs his writing, blending lyrical precision with profound philosophical inquiry. Many of his essays and poems reflect his experiences in funeral service, offering meditations on grief, ritual, and the passage of time. Lynch divides his time between Milford and West Clare, Ireland, a duality that often surfaces in his exploration of place and identity.

Widely recognized for his literary contributions, Lynch has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. His ability to intertwine personal narrative with universal themes has earned critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Whether through poetry, fiction, or essays, his work continues to resonate with audiences seeking depth and authenticity in storytelling.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 No Prisoners 2025
Short Story Collections
# Title Year
1 Apparition & Late Fictions 2010
Collections
# Title Year
1 The Depositions 2021
Poetry Collections
# Title Year
1 Skating with Heather Grace 1987
2 Grimalkin & Other Poems 1994
3 Still Life in Milford 1998
4 Walking Papers 2010
5 The Sin-Eater 2011
6 Bone Rosary 2021
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 The Undertaking 1997
2 Bodies in Motion and at Rest 2000
3 Booking Passage 2005
4 The Good Funeral 2013
5 Whence and Whither 2019
Thomas Lynch Anthologies
# Title Year
1 New Poems from the Third Coast: Contemporary Michigan Poetry 2000
2 Body 2000
3 The Best American Spiritual Writing 2004 2004
4 Touchstone Anthology of Contemporary Creative Nonfiction 2007
5 The New Guard literary review 2010
6 Bob Seger's House and Other Stories 2016