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A review by andrewspink
Gliff by Ali Smith
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very entertaining, laughing-out-loud funny in places and you just want to keep on reading. I was half way through before I even realised that there were no speech marks. Apparently they are not necessary.
The author uses what turns out to be a very clever device. The book is written from the point of view of a boy. That means that he doesn't understand what is going on and just accepts completely preposterous things as normal. As he gradually sees what the world is really like, so we too discover the truth. Normally books with children protagonists are for children, but this is very much not so.
Not only a gripping read, but also thought-provoking.
The author uses what turns out to be a very clever device. The book is written from the point of view of a boy. That means that he doesn't understand what is going on and just accepts completely preposterous things as normal. As he gradually sees what the world is really like, so we too discover the truth. Normally books with children protagonists are for children, but this is very much not so.
Not only a gripping read, but also thought-provoking.