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There but for the
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See more'There once was a man who, one night at a dinner party, went upstairs and locked himself in one of the bedrooms of the house of the people who were giving the dinner party...'. As time passes by and the consequences of this stranger's actions ripple outwards, touching the owners, the guests, the neighbours and the whole country.
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Description
A warm, joyful novel that fizzes with humanity and love of language – by the bestselling author of The Accidental.
There but for the begins: 'There once was a man who, one night between the main course and the sweet at a dinner party, went upstairs and locked himself in one of the bedrooms of the house of the people who were giving the dinner party . . .'
As the hours turn to days, to weeks, to months, and the consequences of this stranger's actions ripple outwards, touching the owners, the guests, the neighbourhood, then the whole country, Ali Smith draws us into a beautiful, strange place where everyone is so much more than they at first appear.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
There but for the by Ali Smith has been praised for its whimsical and devastating nature, blending humour with serious themes in a profoundly clever and affecting manner. The book is described as remarkable and surprising, offering a brilliant and joyful reading experience. Reviewers commend Smith's writing for being eccentric, adventurous, and full of empathy, showcasing a fresh perspective filled with kindness and compassion.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141025193
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 July 2012
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 199.0mm
Weight: 269g
Pages: 384
Collections
About the Author
Ali Smith was born in Inverness in 1962. She is the author of Free Love and Other Stories, Like, Other Stories and Other Stories, Hotel World, The Whole Story and Other Stories, The Accidental, Girl Meets Boy, The First Person and Other Stories, There but for the, Artful, How to be both, and Public library and other stories. Hotel World was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Orange Prize and The Accidental was shortlisted for the Man Booker and the Orange Prize. How to be both won the Baileys Prize, the Goldsmiths Prize and the Costa Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Man Booker and the Folio Prize. Ali Smith lives in Cambridge and her next novel is forthcoming in 2016.
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