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savvylit's review
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Ali Smith is a very talented writer. I appreciated her authorial voice and effortless slice-of-life writing style. Unfortunately, though, none of the stories included in Public Library were particularly memorable. (Except for one in which a rose bush grew from a woman's chest). Basically: I thought this collection was just fine.
Despite the stories underwhelming me, I did very much enjoy the memoir-like asides where Smith & her friends discussed their love for public libraries. At the time of Smith's writing this collection, libraries in her native UK were experiencing many closures and major funding cuts. As a library lover myself, it was delightful to read other folks' passionate reminders of exactly why public libraries are so incredibly important to their communities.
Ultimately, I still would like to read more of Ali Smith's fiction. Perhaps this particular collection was not the best introduction to her work. I will try again soon - this time with a full-length novel of hers!
Despite the stories underwhelming me, I did very much enjoy the memoir-like asides where Smith & her friends discussed their love for public libraries. At the time of Smith's writing this collection, libraries in her native UK were experiencing many closures and major funding cuts. As a library lover myself, it was delightful to read other folks' passionate reminders of exactly why public libraries are so incredibly important to their communities.
Ultimately, I still would like to read more of Ali Smith's fiction. Perhaps this particular collection was not the best introduction to her work. I will try again soon - this time with a full-length novel of hers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Terminal illness, Body horror, and Gun violence
penofpossibilities's review
hopeful
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: War, Violence, Gun violence, and Terminal illness
Minor: Child abuse
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