In 'There But For The', Ali Smith explores the ripple effects of one man's mysterious decision to lock himself in a stranger's room at a dinner party. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various characters interconnected by this peculiar event, each revealing their own stories and philosophies. As the story delves into themes of time, identity, and the nuances of human relationships, it invites readers to ponder the significance of presence and absence in our lives. Smith's distinctive style interweaves humor and poignancy, creating a tapestry of modern existence. This thought-provoking novel begs the question: what happens when one person’s choice alters the lives of many?
By Ali Smith
Published: 2012
""Every moment is a forever, every connection a reflection; in our stilled worlds, we find the narratives that bind us all.""
From the acclaimed, award-winning author—when a dinner-party guest named Miles locks himself in an upstairs room and refuses to come out, he sets off a media frenzy. He also sets in motion a mesmerizing puzzle of a novel, one that harnesses acrobatic verbal playfulness to a truly affecting story. Miles communicates only by cryptic notes slipped under the door. We see him through the eyes of four people who barely know him, ranging from a precocious child to a confused elderly woman. But while the characters’ wit and wordplay soar, their story remains profoundly grounded. As it probes our paradoxical need for both separation and true connection, There but for the balances cleverness with compassion, the surreal with the deeply, movingly real, in a way that only Ali Smith can.
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“"Every moment is a forever, every connection a reflection; in our stilled worlds, we find the narratives that bind us all."”
There But For The
By Ali Smith
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Ali Smith is a celebrated Scottish author known for her innovative and playful approach to narrative and time. Born in 1962 in Inverness, Scotland, she has garnered numerous accolades, including the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction and the Goldsmiths Prize. Among her notable works are "Hotel World," "The Accidental," and the seasonal quartet, which includes "Spring" and "Autumn." Smith's writing often blurs the lines between genres, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the human experience with both wit and poignancy. Her work is characterized by rich language, clever wordplay, and an acute sense of the complexities of contemporary life.
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