H is for Hawk tells Macdonald's story of the year they spent training a Eurasian goshawk in the wake of their father's death.

[3][4] On May/June 2015 issue of Bookmarks, the book received a (4.5 out of 5) based on critic reviews with a summary saying, "Already well on its way to classic status, H Is for Hawk reminds us that "transformation of our docile or resigned lives can be had if we only look up into the world" (Washington Post)".

[10] Kevin Jackson, writing for Literary Review, drew further comparisons between Macdonald and White, in that she resembles him "in her gluttony for words both homely and exotic, their associations and histories.

[12] The film rights for the memoir were acquired by Lena Headey in April 2015, with intentions to star and produce in the adaption in conjunction with Plan B Entertainment.

[13][14][15] In February 2024, it was announced Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson were cast in the film, along with Philippa Lowthorpe named as the director and Emma Donoghue as scriptwriter.