Gliff

Ali Smith had me dumbfounded and flummoxed more than once as I read 'Gliff'. I found this to be a good thing! The story is set in the not-too-distant future. There are dystopian layers and places where the reader can dive into hope during some turmoil.

Two sisters become adventurers in search of their mother and a home. The two journey through a world of dry rot and dreams avoiding the onslaught of re-education centres. There are the DDCS to avoid (Designated Data Collectors) enumerating strangers. There is a divine spark found in open fields and in the warmth of animals. One animal is Gliff. I will leave it to the reader to identify Gliff. The creature is a gem and a quiet presence with the sisters as they wander. Boundaries matter in this novel. Moreso the crossing and erasure of divisions?

I recommend this novel with open eyes and a nod to rivers. as Smith writes " The water warnings are still pinned up everywhere. But it's a river. That means source. . .. There'll maybe still be birds there. There'll be trees."