NPR's Book of the Day In Ali Smith's 'Gliff,' two children flee capture in an authoritarian near-future
Feb 11, 2025
Ali Smith, a celebrated novelist and playwright, discusses her compelling new work, 'Glyph,' which centers on two children marked 'unverifiable' in a dystopian world devoid of libraries. She explores the implications of living in a society rife with authoritarianism and government surveillance. Smith delves into the appeal of authoritarianism, drawing parallels to her former life in advertising and the potent influence of slogans. The conversation also touches on the erosion of knowledge and the hopeful resilience of youth amidst oppressive circumstances.
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Libraries vs. Information
- In Ali Smith's Glyph, an authoritarian society loses libraries, valuing information over knowledge.
- Smith contrasts this with libraries' democratic access to dimensional knowledge.
Appeal of Authoritarianism
- Authoritarianism initially appears attractive and safe because someone seems in charge.
- However, this appeal fades when the authority's rules clash with individual desires.
Smith's Advertising Past
- Ali Smith, besides being a novelist, worked as an advertising copywriter.
- She wrote copy for Scottish banks and Patterson Bronte Biscuits, even composing poems for them.
