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Autumn is the first Ali Smith novel I've read. I am so happy to have, at last, made her acquaintance. Because this novel is so god damn good. It's also challenging. Or at least, I found it challenging at times. But I like this type of challenge.

Most of the time, I was just blown away by the observations and the wonderful prose. Occasionally, when the story took a somewhat esoteric, fantastic turn, I wasn't sure I was getting it or what Smith was trying to convey, but I enjoyed the ride anyway.

I've highlighted so many passages, I wanted to share them on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, but my modest Kindle touch doesn't allow me to.

This is a very complex, multi-layered novel. And it's very contemporary, some knowledge of the current British socio-politic environment would allow for a better understanding of what Smith is writing about. I like to think that most people who'd pick up a literary fiction novel are quite knowledgeable, so I shouldn't be worried. Through her characters, especially through Elisabeth Demand and her mother, we get to know about England post-Brexit.

I've highlighted entire pages.
I'll give you a taste: All across the country, people felt it was the wrong thing. All across the country, people felt it was the right thing. All across the country, people felt they'd really lost. All across the country, people felt they'd really won. All across the country, people felt they'd done the right thing and other people had done the wrong thing. All across the country, people looked up Google: what is EU? All across the country, people looked up Google: move to Scotland. All across the country, people looked up Google: Irish Passport Applications. All across the country, people called each other cunts. All across the country, people felt unsafe. All across the country, people were laughing their heads off. All across the country, people felt legitimised. All across the country, people felt bereaved and shocked. All across the country, people felt righteous. All across the country, people felt sick. All across the country, people felt history at their shoulder. All across the country, people felt history meant nothing. All across the country, people felt like they counted for nothing. All across the country, people had pinned their hopes on it. All across the country, people waved flags in the rain. All across the country, people drew swastika graffiti. All across the country, people threatened other people. All across the country, people told people to leave. All across the country, the media was insane. All across the country, politicians lied. All across the country, politicians fell apart. All across the country, politicians vanished... There's more, but I'm tired and running out of space here.

My American GR friends, this may be about contemporary Britain, but how very American at the same time, right?

There are some funny and absurd scenes as well. There is a great friendship story between a very old man, Daniel Gluck and a young, lonely, precocious girl, Elisabeth Demand. I am particularly fond of stories of friendship between the young and the old.

Autumn has a strong feminist vibe and commentary on how the art world perceives and expects female artists to be. It was really interesting to learn about the forgotten British pop artist, Pauline Boty. Her tragic story broke my heart. Kudos to Smith for giving her a voice. Of course, I had to Google images and read a little more about the 60s' artist.

There is so much in this novel that can be discussed and analyzed. It's definitely not for everybody, but what is?

So, if you like something different, smart, creative, read this, you may love it, or at least find it interesting. I personally can't wait to read more of Ali Smith's works, as I'm intrigued by her.

I've received this novel via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Penguin Books, for the opportunity to read and review this exquisite novel.

Cover: 4.5 stars