The First Person: and Other Stories

In these energetic, exhilarating stories, Ali Smith portrays a world of everyday dislocation, where people nevertheless find connection, mystery, and love. In "Astute Fiery Luxurious," a fetid misdelivered package throws the life of a couple into disarray. A boy's mysterious illness in "I Know Something You Don't Know" drives his mother to seek guidance from homeopathic healers, with inconclusive results. In "The Child,"an unnervingly mature young boy voices offensive humor that genteel society would rather not acknowledge. And a woman meets her fourteen-year-old self but can't figure out how to guide her--or even whether she should in "Writ."

As Smith explores the subtle links between what we know and what we feel, she creates an exuberant, masterly collection that is packed full of ideas, humor, nuance, and compassion. Ali Smith and the short story ae made for each other.