A boy is poisoned by the chemicals used in a cornfield. Whales die due to plastic pollution. Ladies tie themselves to a fence to protest. Nuclear weapons. People and bombing. A dog in a space capsule dies after a week of orbiting the earth. World's threatened resources. War wounded, mentally or physically. Shakespeare, Christmas Carol. Rhymes, lullabies, songs. The book is a kaleidoscope of events happening in the world. Ali Smith weaves so many issues into this novel. She plays with words, full of puns. Art discussions, sculptor.
YOU DON’T WANT GERMS IN YOUR WHEATGERM: WHEATGERM; GERMS, GRAVITY; GRAVENESS. I enjoyed these funny comparisons. She has come up with witty rhymes too.
If one is not used to her style of writing, it can be difficult to read but once you get used to it, it's fun. Winter is the story of Sophia and her son Arthur, fondly called Art. Sophia is a retired businessperson and Art is a blogger. They meet for Christmas which also includes his estranged aunt, Sophia’s sister Iris and Arthur brings Lux along, asking her to pose as his girlfriend Charlotte. Sophia has some mental illness due to which she sees stuff.
More than a story, it’s a playful rendition of words, a mixed salad of funny, and serious events, and an exploration of songs, rhymes, lexicology, and puns.
Though this novel comes second in the seasonal quartet, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy fun with words, this is your book!