Autumn
SHORTLISTED for the Man Booker Prize 2017
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:31st Aug '17
Should be back in stock very soon
This novel explores the intertwined lives of Daniel and Elisabeth against a backdrop of societal division, capturing love, loss, and hope in a changing world. Autumn is a profound reflection on life.
In Autumn, Ali Smith weaves a rich tapestry of love, time, art, and politics, exploring the complexities of modern life through the lens of two contrasting characters. Daniel, a century-old man, reflects on a lifetime of experiences, while Elisabeth, born in 1984, is eager to embrace the future. Their intertwined narratives unfold against the backdrop of a divided United Kingdom, capturing the essence of a historic summer that feels both familiar and transformative.
The novel delves into themes of hope and despair, illustrating how love can be both a source of joy and a cause of heartache. As the seasons change, so too do the characters' lives, mirroring the cyclical nature of existence. The writing is described as both elegant and playful, showcasing Smith's ability to blend humor with profound insights, making Autumn a compelling read.
Critics have hailed Autumn as one of the best works of the 21st century, praising its boldness and brilliance. With its intricate storytelling and deep emotional resonance, the book invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them, reminding us that while seasons may change, the human experience remains timeless.
I love Ali Smith's writing, and I've been keeping Autumn for an end-of-book holiday treat * Val McDermid, 'The Observer' *
In a country apparently divided against itself, a writer such as Smith is more valuable than a whole parliament of politicians * Financial Times *
Bold and brilliant, dealing with the body blow of Brexit to offer us something rare: hope * Jackie Kay *
Humour, grace, solace...A light-footed meditation on mortality, mutability and how to keep your head in troubled times * The Guardian *
Transcendental writing about art, death and all the dimensions of love. It's not so much 'reading between the lines' as being blinded by the light between the lines - in a good way * Deborah Levy *
The novel of the year is obviously Ali Smith's Autumn, which managed the miracle of making at least a kind of sense out of post-Brexit Britain * The Observer *
Autumn is a beautiful, poignant symphony of memories, dreams and transient realities * The Guardian *
Experimental, thematically complex, associative, time-juggling, powered by a crazed and energetic curiosity * Sunday Times *
Pure literary magic * Mail on Sunday *
Puckish, yet elegant; angry, but comforting. Long may she Remain that way * The Times *
ISBN: 9780241973318
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 17mm
Weight: 191g
272 pages