Fourth and final installment in Ali Smith's seasonal quartet, and my favorite of the series. The finale continues the author's biting commentary on current events, adding Covid to previous themes of Brexit, global warming and the UK immigration crisis.
The author's steam of conscious style is unique and takes some adjustment; the benefit is prose that paints a visual story rich with imagery. This book also brings back characters from Winter (my prior favorite) and Autumn, deftly weaving together the narratives, historical references and seasonal themes. The earlier books are not a prerequisite to enjoying "Summer" but would probably enhance context and depth of the characters to read in order. Despite the sarcastic note throughout the series, the book ends on an upbeat note with hope for the future.
"Forgiveness is the only way to reverse the irreversible flow of history." ― Hannah Arendt
The author's steam of conscious style is unique and takes some adjustment; the benefit is prose that paints a visual story rich with imagery. This book also brings back characters from Winter (my prior favorite) and Autumn, deftly weaving together the narratives, historical references and seasonal themes. The earlier books are not a prerequisite to enjoying "Summer" but would probably enhance context and depth of the characters to read in order. Despite the sarcastic note throughout the series, the book ends on an upbeat note with hope for the future.
"Forgiveness is the only way to reverse the irreversible flow of history."
― Hannah Arendt