Autumn by Ali Smith (2016) – A Review

Ali Smith’s Autumn, the first novel in her Seasonal Quartet, is a brilliant exploration of time, love, and politics set against the backdrop of the Brexit referendum in the UK. The novel captures the sense of dislocation and uncertainty that pervades contemporary Britain, using personal stories to comment on the larger political shifts of the era. With its inventiveness, wit, and lyrical prose, Autumn is a deeply political novel that is both a snapshot of a moment in history and a meditation on human connection.

The Brexit Backdrop: A Portrait of a Divided Nation

Autumn is set in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum, and the novel uses this moment of national division as a backdrop for its exploration of personal and political relationships. The narrative is interwoven with the aftermath of the referendum, which reflects the deep divisions in British society. The characters in Autumn navigate this political landscape, with their personal lives marked by the same uncertainty and fragmentation that characterize the wider national conversation.

Through the lens of the Brexit referendum, Smith reflects on the divisiveness of contemporary politics, exploring themes of unity and separation, the past and the future, and the emotional toll of living in a world where everything feels in flux.

Time and Memory: The Fluidity of the Past and Present

One of the most fascinating aspects of Autumn is its exploration of time. The novel moves fluidly between past and present, blurring the boundaries of memory and experience. The central relationship between the elderly Daniel and the young Elisabeth is characterized by both a personal history and a shared experience of time passing. Their relationship reflects the ways in which time shapes not just the individual but society itself.

Smith’s prose is fragmented and impressionistic, reflecting the fractured nature of time in contemporary life. The novel asks how we understand time, how the past influences the present, and how the future feels uncertain in a world that seems increasingly unpredictable. In this way, Autumn is both a love story and a meditation on the state of the world.

The Themes of Love, Loss, and Art

At its core, Autumn is about the complexities of human relationships—especially love, loss, and art. The relationship between Daniel and Elisabeth is tender and transformative, shaped by their mutual respect for one another and their shared love of art. Daniel, an artist, imparts to Elisabeth his passion for creativity, which becomes a theme that runs throughout the novel.

The novel also explores the idea of art as a way of connecting people, transcending political divisions and personal struggles. In a world marked by uncertainty, Smith’s characters find solace in the beauty and meaning that art brings to their lives.

Conclusion: A Contemporary Meditation on Love, Politics, and Time

In conclusion, Autumn is a remarkable and timely work that uses personal stories to reflect on the political and social upheaval of contemporary Britain. Ali Smith’s inventive writing captures the fragility of time, the complexity of human connection, and the emotional consequences of living in a divided world. Through its exploration of love, loss, and art, Autumn offers a poignant reflection on the ways in which individuals navigate the challenges of their era.