Companion Piece by Ali Smith
Reviewed by Daisy Young
Now, let me preface this review by saying that you don’t have to read Smith’s Seasonal Quartet to understand everything that happens in this short novel. At its heart this is a standalone piece, an additional story to the world Smith created in Quartet instead of a tied one. Like Quartet, this novel is about how a chance interaction can have an unexpected fall out –especially in the turbulent world of pandemic Britain.
The interaction is between Sandy, a bisexual artist whose father is in hospital following a heart-attack, and an old university acquaintance: Martina Pelf. Martina phones Sandy with a question “Curlew or curfew? You choose.” and thus the two women become connected.
Suddenly, Sandy’s life and quarantined bubble is thrown into turmoil when the Pelf family invades, forcing themselves into her life and reminding her why connections – in a time of forced isolation – are important. Alongside this narrative, Smith delves into the past and follows the journey of a young female blacksmith and a bird. Whether these events are real or not, as they step into Sandy’s world and back again, is irrelevant to the overall plot. For Sandy, they are influential interactions that push the boundaries that Covid restrictions put in place for many people.
The surrealism of Sandy’s journey is elevated through the writing style. It is entirely free form, lacking in speech marks and chapter titles (a common trait of Smith’s writing). Poetry analysis and references to classical literature are layered into the story, echoing the layers of artistry in the writing itself (and the painting style Sandy herself chooses). Smith has explored this style of writing in several of her other works, but it was interesting to see it portrayed so bluntly and openly. It makes for a unique reading experience and overall, a unique interpretation for every reader.
What stood out for me was how there were connections to be found around every corner. While the events of the Pelf invasion are a little over-dramatic, they are essential to Sandy rediscovering the value of being with others. Smith drives home how we need others to survive in this world and how being cut off from society, relationships, family, etc., can have a damaging effect on an individual.
I won’t sugarcoat and say this is an easy read. While I adore Ali Smith, her writing is deliberately challenging and can be confusing to read for a first-timer. However, I would say stick with it as that is ultimately part of her charm! She doesn’t want you to breeze through her stories. She wants you to stop, think and understand all the subliminal messages she hides throughout her prose. So for anyone looking for a challenge – I would highly recommend this book.
New York Through a Fashion Eye by Megan Hess
Reviewed by Marisha Puk
New York Through a Fashion Eye is part of Hess’ Through a Fashion Eye series, in which she talks about fashion in some of the most iconic cities. New York Through a Fashion Eye is set out like an illustrated guide to the most fashionable places in New York.
Hess begins with an introduction to why New York is special to her – it was where she began her career in fashion and is a place for her, like many others, which inspires her. The introduction also comes with a packing list and illustrations of the best ensembles for NYC. Hess then goes on to talk about the best locations in the city for fashion, from Central Park to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In the second section of the book, Hess goes on to show all the best stores for shopping in NYC. I particularly love the illustrations in this section as they really make you feel like you’re in the luxury streets of New York. Although it is known as the city that never sleeps, the third section shows you the best hotels if you would prefer a night’s rest. The final section is all about food and drink – Hess lists the most elegant restaurants and fancy bars that anyone would struggle not to enjoy.
This book is wonderfully aesthetically pleasing. It’s great to read and also to sit stylishly on a bookshelf or as a coffee table book. If you are thinking about taking a trip to New York City and are a lover of fashion, I would 100% recommend this book.
More than just a travel guide, the book inspires you with Hess’ adoration for the city. But even if you aren’t planning on going there anytime soon, she has covered a lot of other cities so take a look at her collection.
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