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tanyawestley 's review for:
Gliff
by Ali Smith
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was my first Ali Smith, and I absolutely loved it.
Smith does an excellent job of creating a world that isn’t quite our present, but a near-future that feels unnervingly plausible given today’s political, economic and social climate.
The first third of the book is filled with humor, thanks to our narrator, Briar, and her sister, Rose. Their witty exchanges and sharp observations had me laughing out loud, but even in these moments, a sinister undertone lingers.
Around 100 pages in, there’s a scene that marks a distinct shift in tone. From this point on, the humor begins to fade, replaced by a growing awareness of the world these kids are forced to navigate. We start to see the beginnings of found family and continuing signs of resistance.
We follow our characters over a number of years and while it is bleak, sad and scary it also offers a glimmer of hope and I cannot wait to read the related story Glyph when it comes out later this year.
Smith does an excellent job of creating a world that isn’t quite our present, but a near-future that feels unnervingly plausible given today’s political, economic and social climate.
The first third of the book is filled with humor, thanks to our narrator, Briar, and her sister, Rose. Their witty exchanges and sharp observations had me laughing out loud, but even in these moments, a sinister undertone lingers.
Around 100 pages in, there’s a scene that marks a distinct shift in tone. From this point on, the humor begins to fade, replaced by a growing awareness of the world these kids are forced to navigate. We start to see the beginnings of found family and continuing signs of resistance.
We follow our characters over a number of years and while it is bleak, sad and scary it also offers a glimmer of hope and I cannot wait to read the related story Glyph when it comes out later this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual violence