Ali Smith’s Autumn is a beautifully written exploration of time, memory, and human connection. Often described as the first post-Brexit novel, it’s far more than a political commentary—it’s a symphony of memories, weaving together personal and collective histories to remind us of the fragile threads that tie lives together.

Smith masterfully captures how forgotten experiences shape the present, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of memory. Through the poignant relationship between Elisabeth and Daniel, the novel meditates on the idea that once a person is gone, their unshared memories vanish with them. It’s a haunting reflection: eventually, all of us will be forgotten.

Although the season of autumn isn’t mentioned constantly, its essence is deeply felt throughout the novel—in both its themes and its writing. Like autumn itself, the book is reflective, melancholic, and imbued with a sense of transition, decay, and quiet beauty.

The narrative also interrogates aging, deftly revealing how a brilliant past can fade into the margins when one is old, overshadowed by societal disregard. Yet, Smith offers hope in her portrayal of the bonds between people—connections that transcend time and history.

Autumn is a thought-provoking, tenderly crafted novel that lingers long after the last page, reminding readers of the fleeting, yet profound, beauty of life.