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There but for the

By Ali Smith
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
There but for the by Ali Smith is an intriguing exploration of human connections and societal observations. The novel begins when a guest at a dinner party locks himself in a stranger's spare room and refuses to leave. Through a series of interconnected characters and stories, the book delves into themes of isolation and community, blending wit and poignant insight.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy witty and thought-provoking narratives that explore human connections and the complexities of modern life. Ali Smith's masterful use of language and unique storytelling style offers a captivating experience filled with humour and insight, making it an engaging read for fans of contemporary fiction.

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There but for the

'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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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.

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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

Ali Smith Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

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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