How to Be Both by Ali Smith

How to Be Both

Ali Smith

316 pages first pub 2014 (editions)

fiction contemporary historical lgbtqia+ literary challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
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How to Be Both by Ali Smith is a captivating read for readers who appreciate innovative storytelling, artistic expression, and explorations of identity, love, and social justice, particularly those interested in LGBTQIA+ themes, art, and coming-of-age narratives.

Description

MAN BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST • A novel all about art’s versatility, borrowing from painting’s fresco technique to make an original literary double-take.“Cements Smith’s reputation as one of the finest and most innovative of our contemporary writers. ...

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Community Reviews

3.8
based on 5,381 reviews

Moods

reflective: 79%

emotional: 55%

challenging: 52%

mysterious: 30%

funny: 25%

hopeful: 20%

inspiring: 20%

sad: 20%

adventurous: 11%

informative: 9%

dark: 4%

lighthearted: 4%

relaxing: 2%


Pace

6% of readers chose fast
57% of readers chose medium
36% of readers chose slow
fast
medium
slow

Plot or character driven?

14% of readers chose A mix
82% of readers chose Character
2% of readers chose N/A
A mix
Character
N/A

Strong character development?

55% of readers chose Yes
29% of readers chose Complicated
12% of readers chose No
2% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Loveable characters?

70% of readers chose Yes
19% of readers chose Complicated
9% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

55% of readers chose Yes
12% of readers chose Complicated
26% of readers chose No
5% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus?

41% of readers chose Yes
26% of readers chose Complicated
27% of readers chose No
4% of readers chose N/A
Yes
Complicated
No
N/A

Content Warnings

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