A review by syafa
How to Be Both by Ali Smith

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Kinda difficult to understand in the beginning, which mirrors the experience of the first person POV so it works. You get the hang of how to read it eventually but at the same time some sentences are half-finished and structured unconventionally which requires some focus when reading. Interesting themes though the writing usually makes you work to articulate your thoughts yourself vs giving you a pretty, punchy sentence. The first part (ironic given they're both "one") feels a lot less direct and since it's in a more unfamiliar setting to the reader, requires more thought work to understand. I think I preferred it to the second half though, a more interesting life because of its unfamiliarity. Funny in a sardonic kinda way (also ironic because that's how she's described in the book)