This one seems to massively split the Goodreads community but I fell very much on the ‘loved it’ side of the fence. I think if you go into it expecting a clear, linear narrative, you’re going to be disappointed. I also don’t think the marketers have really done themselves any favours by presenting this as ‘the post-Brexit’ novel because it sets a very specific expectation that Autumn only meets in quite an obscure way.
What is this book about? The divisions highlighted by Brexit definitely plays a part alongside the (sometimes ridiculous) bureaucracy that continues on regardless, the relationship between a young girl and her elderly neighbour, the historical silencing of women, society’s tendency to ignore or disavow uncomfortable truths, the dishonesty of politics, life and death and love and loss and everything in between. The prose is beautiful, elegant and jarring and the narrative, if you’re willing to look a little beyond the surface, really does have a lot to say. I was utterly transfixed. If you’ve read it, let me know what you thought below, it’s definitely the kind of book that really lends itself to discussion.