In Ali Smith’s latest novel Gliff, the acclaimed author of the seasonal quartet (Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer) crafts a haunting yet hopeful narrative that speaks directly to our contemporary anxieties about technology, surveillance, and human connection. The novel weaves together themes of resistance, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling in a near-future Britain where people are increasingly defined by their data and “verifiability.”
The Heart of the Story
At its core, Gliff follows two siblings – Briar (also called Brice) and Rose – who find themselves navigating a dystopian landscape after being separated from their mother. When their caretaker Leif leaves them in an empty house with limited supplies, they discover a horse destined for slaughter and make a daring choice that sets them on an unexpected journey. Through their eyes, Smith examines what it means to be human in a world increasingly hostile to individual complexity and difference.
Literary Craftsmanship
Smith’s prose is characteristically inventive and playful, even as it grapples with serious themes. The novel’s structure shifts between different timeframes and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry that rewards careful reading. Her use of wordplay – particularly around the Scottish word “gliff,” meaning a glimpse or sudden fright – adds layers of meaning throughout the narrative.
The author’s ability to capture children’s voices is remarkable. Briar’s fascination with words and their origins, and Rose’s direct, uncompromising wisdom feel authentic and compelling. Their relationship forms the emotional anchor of the story, even as they navigate increasingly dangerous circumstances.
Themes and Social Commentary
Surveillance and Control
Smith presents a society where people are categorized as “verifiable” or “unverifiable,” with devastating consequences for those who fall into the latter category. The “supera bounders” who mark buildings and people with red paint serve as a chilling metaphor for social exclusion and control.
Language and Power
The novel explores how language can both constrain and liberate. Through Briar’s fascination with etymology and Rose’s rejection of fixed names, Smith shows how words shape our understanding of reality and identity.
Art and Resistance
The presence of art – from cave paintings to horse sculptures – throughout the narrative suggests its role as a form of resistance against dehumanization. The story itself becomes a testament to the power of narrative in preserving humanity.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
Smith’s prose is electric, combining linguistic playfulness with emotional depth. Her ability to write from a child’s perspective while maintaining sophisticated political and philosophical undertones is masterful. The novel’s structure, while complex, serves its themes well, demonstrating how stories intersect and echo across time.
The character of the horse, Gliff, serves as both a literal presence and a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance. Smith’s decision to make this connection without heavy-handedness shows her characteristic subtlety.
Areas for Consideration
Some readers might find the narrative structure challenging, particularly in the latter sections where timelines begin to blur. While this serves the book’s themes, it could potentially distance readers looking for a more straightforward narrative.
The dystopian elements, while effective, occasionally feel familiar, echoing similar themes from other contemporary literature. However, Smith’s unique voice and focus on language and art provide fresh perspectives on these tropes.
Comparative Context
While Gliff shares some DNA with Smith’s seasonal quartet, particularly in its engagement with contemporary political and social issues, it stands as a unique work in her oeuvre. The novel might be compared to works like Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go in its examination of humanity under systematic oppression, though Smith’s approach is distinctly her own.
Impact and Relevance
Gliff feels particularly timely in our era of increasing surveillance and data collection. Smith’s exploration of how society categorizes and controls its members through technology and bureaucracy resonates strongly with current debates about privacy, identity, and human rights.
Final Verdict
Gliff is a remarkable achievement that combines literary innovation with urgent social commentary. While it may challenge some readers with its complex structure and layered meanings, it rewards careful reading with profound insights into human nature and resistance against dehumanization.
Recommendations for Readers
This book is ideal for:
- Fans of literary fiction with political undertones
- Readers who enjoy experimental narrative structures
- Those interested in dystopian fiction that prioritizes human connection over technological speculation
- Admirers of Smith’s previous works, particularly her seasonal quartet
Reading Experience
Gliff is best approached with patience and attention. Its rewards come not just from the plot but from the way Smith plays with language and meaning. Readers might want to pay particular attention to recurring motifs and words, as these often carry deeper significance within the narrative.
Conclusion
In Gliff, Ali Smith has created a powerful meditation on humanity’s capacity for both oppression and resistance. Through the eyes of two remarkable children and their horse, she reminds us that even in the most controlled societies, there remain possibilities for freedom, connection, and hope. While the novel’s complexity might not appeal to all readers, those willing to engage with its challenges will find a rich and rewarding experience that speaks directly to our current moment while transcending it.