Ali Smith is a Scottish writer I discovered in England years ago with her novel Hotel World. I have read her other collections over the years, such as The Whole Story and Other Stories.
This group of short stories is named The First Person and Other Stories, and I found them a treat ~ intimate and entertaining.
I have an "Uncorrected and Unpublished Proof - Confidential" (!), on which Alain de Botton calls her "a genius". Shall I quote from it directly when they asked me not to, or divulge the enclosed National media marketing plan?
I found my favourite pieces were Present (a conversation between a barmaid, a man at the bar and the narrator, waiting for her pub supper, straying into unusual territory), and No Exit (where the narrator recalls a cinema whose fire escape is a locked trap). Now that I look at the cover of the book however, there is a weird and interesting story about a mysterious parcel called Astute Fiery Luxurious... And then there is another I just flipped to, called the Second Person... Actually, the whole thing is a gem. You should just read it, you'll like it.
She has a style in characters that sounds like you are eavesdropping on the conversation and are right there, a silent character in the room. As light and entertaining these stories are, I can see the skill behind them, making them seem deceptively easy to write. With their flights of fancy and pared down dialogue, they are easily accessible, enjoyable, and witty.
She has been shortlisted for the Booker prize, and now writes for the Guardian, The Scotsman and the Times Literary Supplement.
If you enjoy short stories, Ali Smith has a unique voice and I recommend all her collections.
2009 / Tradeback / 192 pages
Comments