Autumn
Autumn
Book Brief
Beta264
Novel • Fiction
England • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Autumn by Ali Smith, a friendship blossoms between Elisabeth, a young woman, and her elderly neighbor, Daniel. The novel explores themes of time, memory, and the political climate in post-Brexit Britain, reflecting on cultural and social changes. The narrative intertwines past and present, offering a poignant commentary on contemporary issues.
Reviews & Readership
83,629 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Ali Smith's Autumn has drawn praise for its innovative narrative structure and timely themes, capturing the post-Brexit British zeitgeist with wit and poignancy. Readers appreciate its rich, lyrical prose and thought-provoking exploration of time and memory. However, some find the fragmented storytelling challenging and occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's an evocative, if complex, read.
Who Should Read Autumn?
Readers who enjoy introspective, contemporary fiction with rich prose and layered themes, resembling the style of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway or Zadie Smith’s NW, will appreciate Autumn by Ali Smith. The novel’s exploration of time, memory, and identity will resonate with those interested in social commentary and lyrical storytelling.
83,629 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Autumn is often regarded as one of the first novels to react to the political changes brought about by the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom in 2016.
The publication of Autumn marked the beginning of Ali Smith's ambitious Seasonal Quartet, an innovative literary project where each novel corresponds to a different season.
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Ali Smith was shortlisted for the 2017 Man Booker Prize with Autumn, showcasing her ability to capture the contemporary zeitgeist with creativity and depth.
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264
Novel • Fiction
England • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
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