A review by nadia
Spring by Ali Smith

challenging reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I was hesitant to go into this book as I wasn't sure I was in the mood for it. I know that Ali Smith's books are more on the experimental end and I didn't think that I had the patience for something that wasn't straightforward.

Turns out this was my favourite of the three I've read so far (including Autumn and Winter; I'm reading them in publication order). Most of the time, I found it surprisingly digestible. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the links between them and I loved the interlude chapters that served as impactful commentary on certain parts of British society and culture today.

This would have been a 4 star read except for the fact that I still was not completely sure what the reader is meant to have understood as having happened come the final scenes. I had to look up a plot summary to double-check and that always takes away a little bit from the experience.

I am looking forward to Summer, though it doesn't seem to be a fave amongst fans of the Seasonal Quartet!