Autumn by Ali Smith (2016): A Review

Title: Autumn

Author: Ali Smith

Publication Year: 2016

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pages: 264

Source: book

Genre: literary fiction, Post-Brexit

Awards: Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize

At its heart, this novel tells the story of Daniel Gluck, a 101-year-old former songwriter in his final days, and his deep, unconventional friendship with Elisabeth Demand, a 32-year-old woman who grew up as his neighbor. Their intergenerational bond shapes both their lives, with Daniel’s influence echoing in Elisabeth’s adulthood (her thesis, her career as an art history professor, and her identity and ideology. Woven through their relationship are reflections on memory, art, and the political upheaval of contemporary Britain, especially Brexit. The narrative also highlights the life and legacy of '60s pop artist Pauline Boty, whose presence lingers like a hidden thread in both Daniel and Elisabeth’s story.

Genre-wise, the novel blends realism with magical realism. The everyday bureaucracy and struggles of modern life are interspersed with dreamlike, surreal sequences from Daniel’s mind—spaces that Elisabeth also inhabits, underscoring their emotional connection. The story unfolds in fragments of memory rather than a straight line, with time and space weaving together unpredictably. Throughout, the social and political landscape of Brexit-era Britain looms large, coloring the characters’ experiences both in the real world and in the realm of imagination.

This isn’t a book to choose for a fast-paced plot or easy resolutions. Instead, expect a contemplative, quietly inventive journey through memory, art, and the messy overlaps of private and public life. If you’re open to nonlinear storytelling, richly drawn characters, and a thoughtful meditation on how politics shape our inner worlds, this novel offers a rewarding, resonant experience.

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