There but for the by Ali Smith

By Eithne Farry  on Tuesday 31 May 2011

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A witty tale of an odd dinner guest who outstays his welcome at a party, to the bewilderment of his hosts.

A witty tale of an odd dinner guest who outstays his welcome at a party, to the bewilderment of his hosts.

At the centre of Ali Smith's novel is melancholy Miles, a sweet, funny vegetarian who's invited to a dinner party on the off chance by a random acquaintance. Between the main course and the dessert he heads upstairs, locks himself in a bedroom and refuses to come out. Surviving on wafer thin slices of ham and turkey slipped under the door by the uncomprehending, grumpy hosts, the recalcitrant Miles is saying nothing. The guests speculate on his motives, revealing snippets of their own hopes and dreams, and their connections with Miles, as outside his action becomes a cause celebre.

*Visit marieclaire.co.uk/goodbookclub to find out how to buy this book for £6.79 at Amazon.co.uk, saving 60 per cent on the RRP (code ALISMITH).

£16.99 Hamish Hamilton

Review by Eithne Farry

Release date: Tuesday 31 May 2011

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