Reviews

Public Library and Other Stories by Ali Smith

andotherworlds's review

3.0

3 // This was okay. Certain stories stuck out more than others, but if I am to be completely frank, the interview portions regarding real stories surrounding public libraries were the best snippets. I think I would have actually preferred this if it were just interviews.

stephibabes's review

3.0

I liked this a lot, but only in parts. During the COVID-19 pandemic I have utilised my local libraries a lot. Their eBook collections have helped me reignite my love of reading and helped ground me during family members scary diagnoses, caring at end-of-life and into carrying heavy lonely bereavement. So being able to access stories and other worlds has meant a great deal.

The little snapshots of what libraries meant to others made me fall in love with them even more. Some of the short stories I found captivating, yet quite a few left me cold, unresolved and confused. A mixed bag, but a nice audiobook overall when doing the dishes or hoovering.

sreyasreya's review

3.0

3.5

drusmilford's review

2.0

Really wanted to like this book. You know how important libraries are to me! However, very disjointed. Kept thinking if I read I would find stories that really spoke to me about reading, public libraries .....

rayamoon's review

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

bealmg's review

funny hopeful

3.0

I love Ali Smith's writing, but I think it works its magic much better in longer formats. (I might be biased because I'm not the biggest fan of the short story format). 

chblackmon's review

hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.25

motherofladybirds's review

1.0

I enjoy Ali Smith's novels and I love libraries, but I still can not get on with short stories. My bad.

ingeborg_frey's review

Hmm... usikker? Jeg ville veldig gjerne like den. Skal lese noe annet av Ali Smith før jeg bestemmer meg helt hva jeg syns om skrivestilen hennes.

rebeccarjallen's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I do think this got a higher star rating because I listened as an audiobook - I don't usually have much joy with short story collections, but I did enjoy this as an audio experience, especially given that it is narrated by Ali Smith herself. I particularly enjoyed 'The Poet', and have even made a note of it so I can return to it at a later date - something I very rarely do. It really reminded me of my Grandma in a nostalgic, slightly sad, but quite tantalising way. Unsurprisingly, I also really enjoyed the meditations on library-based experiences. On the whole these made me quite angry as I consider the fate of libraries in this day and age...