The First Person and Other Stories Paperback by Ali Smith

Product Details

• Publisher: Penguin Canada (2009-12-29)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 224 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780143170488
• Item Weight: 231.34 grams
• Dimensions: 21.01 x 13.44 x 1.6 cm

In these energetic, exhilarating stories, Ali Smith portrays a world of everyday dislocation, where people nevertheless find connection, mystery, and love. In “Astute Fiery Luxurious,” a misdelivered package throws the life of a couple into disarray. A boy's unexplained illness in “I Know Something You Don't Know” drives his mother to seek guidance from homeopathic healers, with inconclusive results. In “The Child,” an unnervingly mature young boy voices offensive humour that genteel society would rather not acknowledge. And a confident older woman meets her awkward fourteen-year-old self in “Writ” but can't figure out how to guide her—or even whether she should.

As Smith explores the subtle links between what we know and what we feel, she creates an exuberant, masterly collection that is packed full of ideas, humour, nuance, and compassion. Ali Smith and the short story are made for each other.

About the Author

ALI SMITH is the author of many works of fiction, including Companion Piece, the "Seasonal Quartet," Public Library and other stories, and How To Be Both, which won the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, the Goldsmiths Prize, and the Costa Novel of the Year Award. Her work has been shortlisted four times the Booker Prize. Most recently, she won the George Orwell Prize for Fiction for Summer. Born in Inverness, Scotland, she lives in Cambridge, England.