This interdisciplinary study offers a fresh perspective on Ali Smith’s fiction, exploring her unique stylistic choices and engagement with a wide range of contemporary issues. Through close readings of her novels and short stories, the author reveals the intricate connection between Smith’s ethical and aesthetic concerns
Arvustused
This study offers an exceptionally engaging and informative guide to the literary and ethical value of Ali Smiths fiction. This is the book that at last brings to the fore Smiths constant use of literary and artistic forms to convey her central aim of intervening in current culture and politics.
Susana Onega, Emeritus Professor, University of Zaragoza, Academia Europæa
José Igor Prieto-Arranz offers a valuable and detailed overview of the multiple modes of solidaritybetween individuals, cultures, environments, and forms of artthat are brought about in Ali Smiths works.
Merja Polvinen, Senior Lecturer, University of Helsinki, Finland
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Becoming acquainted with Ali Smith
3. Smiths dramatis personae
4. A portrayal of the age of distraction
5. Land of my soul: national and environmental concerns
6. Magical interventions
7. Intertextual encounters with art
8. Ekphrastic moments
9. Other artistic encounters
10. The transformative power of art
11. By way of conclusion. Solidarity through dialogue
Index
José I. Prieto-Arranz is Associate Professor of English at the University of the Balearic Islands (Spain). He has conducted research at the intersection of applied linguistics, semiotics, sociology and cultural studies. His work has examined the construction and expression of national identity in cultural phenomena and products like language acquisition, translation, tourism promotion and advertising, popular music, television, film and, more recently, literature. Focusing on how literature addresses contemporary nationalism and social fragmentation, he has pioneered the study of neo-historical fiction, including authors like Hilary Mantel and CJ Sansom. His book Ethics and Aesthetics in Ali Smiths Fiction provides the first holistic study of Smiths oeuvre.
