Reviews

Autumn by Ali Smith

averyerm's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

meaghankd9's review against another edition

4.0

This was definitely one of those books where I had a decent enough time reading it (the writing is lovely, and while the "plot" is all over the place, I thought the relationships between Elisabeth and Daniel/Elisabeth and her mother built really well despite very little explicit description of their relationships, and I enjoyed being immersed in each little vignette as it came along), but I often felt like there were deeper layers or connections I wasn't quite grasping, and came away feeling like I was missing something. Basically, I liked it, but I don't think I'll rush to read the remaining books in the quartet.

anna6carnegie's review against another edition

5.0

I LOVED IT

maisiesmom's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

emmabeckman's review against another edition

3.0

I'll say this probably is at more like a 3.5 level for me. I give it a lower rating because Ali Smith's style isn't quite my cup of tea, but I did enjoy it and I do want to continue with the series. I definitely think this book invites people to think about the world that we live in, but I think it could have been stronger in its exploration of refugees and immigration. Also at times, I felt like I was too young to be reading this book as I didn't understand a lot of the cultural references so my eyes kind of glazed over any time the author mentioned Christine Keeler, for example, because I don't know who she is. But overall, I'd recommend it as a quick read for people.

I will say that this book took me WAY longer to read than it typically would have because I'm currently under the 10-ton boulder that is university again after 8 months away so I'm doing a ton of reading for class that doesn't really get counted in my overall reading time. If I were reading this over the summer, I would have been able to read it in a single sitting.

heffalumpwoozle's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elenareads's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

kangaci's review against another edition

challenging funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

laura_sotillos's review against another edition

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

I did not understand this book at all, I have the feeling I don’t even understand why I didn’t understand it. Absolutely dumbfounded. Original, yes, I appreciated the prose, but I’m not sure what happens, why or what the message is. I guess some people might say that sometimes there is no message. I disagree, there is always a message no matter how obscure the book, or how many prizes it wins. Sometimes that’s the only thing you get. Not here. I’m not trying to be cruel, it can be an enjoyable book but jump in ready to be confused. 

andreaedman72's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I had a hard time getting into this book. I thought the writing was beautiful at times but I really struggled to understand the plot and where things were going. I found my mind drifting because the story wasn't holding my attention.