Concerned Literature Isn't Necessarily Good: Ali Smith vs. the Surveillance State

Der Standard offers a critical review of Scottish author Ali Smith's latest novel, "Gliff." The publication expresses disappointment, noting that despite Smith's reputation for elegant prose and insightful writing, as seen in her "Seasons" series, "Gliff" falls short. The reviewer finds the book to be a "drab reading experience," characterized by "well-intentioned platitudes and shallow doomsday warnings."

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So a long black apron/skirt thing

The review highlights a perceived shift in Smith's style, suggesting that "Gliff" adopts a "youth book flair" that doesn't align with the sophisticated literary expectations set by her previous works. The narrative, which involves siblings Bri and Rose, is described with somewhat awkward and simplistic observations, such as a mother's attire and a statue's appearance. This stylistic choice is seen as a departure from the "sensitive wisdom" readers have come to expect from the acclaimed author.

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somehow church-like

While acknowledging Smith's accolades, including the Austrian State Prize for European Literature, Der Standard's critique implies that "concerned literature" does not automatically equate to "good literature." The review suggests that "Gliff," despite its potentially noble intentions to advocate for human virtues against a surveillance state, ultimately fails to deliver a compelling or satisfying literary experience, leaving the reader feeling let down.

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Concerned literature is not yet good literature