How to Be Both

Ali Smith's 'How to Be Both' is an ingeniously structured novel that masterfully intertwines two distinct narratives, challenging conventional notions of time and perspective. One story immerses the reader in the vibrant, tumultuous world of Francesco del Cossa, a 15th-century Italian Renaissance fresco painter, exploring themes of gender, creation, and societal constraints. The other follows George, a contemporary British teenager grappling with grief and self-discovery, whose life becomes unexpectedly intertwined with the art of the past. Smith ingeniously presents these stories, with some editions even reversing their order, compelling readers to consider how perspective shapes meaning. The novel is a profound meditation on art's enduring power, the fluidity of identity, and the interconnectedness of human experience across centuries. It's a playful yet deeply resonant exploration of how life's givens can be re-examined, offering a unique literary 'double-take' on history, love, and injustice, solidifying Smith's reputation as a vitally inventive literary voice.