Ali Smith: 'Henry James had me running down the garden path shouting out loud'

[Creepy]

Ali Smith reveals how her early literary influences still shape her writing today.

The author's love affair with literature began at a tender age. She taught herself to read by deciphering song titles from Beatles 45s, recalling the thrill of recognizing individual words like "I", "Feel", and "Fine". This nascent curiosity eventually led her to champion E.B. White's Charlotte's Web in class, much to Sister Vincent's dismay, who deemed Enid Blyton's books too formulaic.

As she grew older, Smith discovered a treasure trove of writers who would profoundly impact her life and work. Liz Lochhead's Memo for Spring ignited a sense of excitement and hope in the teenager, while Toni Morrison's writing instilled a masterclass on harnessing the aliveness of literature to transform one's own energy.

Muriel Spark and Simone de Beauvoir became beacons of inspiration for Smith, whose prose often echoes the precision and passion of these literary giants. From Spark's Loitering with Intent to Beauvoir's scathing satire in Les Belles Images, Smith has always sought out writers who challenge her perspectives and expand her creative horizons.

More recently, she has found herself enthralled by the works of Liadan Ní Chuinn, whose stories about Ireland and recent history tackle difficult truths with unflinching candour. Meanwhile, Tove Jansson's The Summer Book remains a comfort read, its gentle wisdom on loss, light, and life a balm to Smith's soul.

But it was not until she stumbled upon Henry James' The Golden Bowl that Smith felt the thrill of recognition – as if the author had unlocked a hidden language within her own psyche. Her rapturous outburst to her partner in the garden path is a testament to the enduring power of literature to awaken our inner selves and redefine our understanding of the world.

In this, Smith's conversation with Henry James serves as a reminder that literature has the capacity to reshape us, not merely reflect it – an alchemy that continues to captivate her imagination, even in adulthood.

 

[Comfortable Cobra]

I'm intrigued by Ali Smith's love affair with literature . It's awesome how she's still discovering new authors at 40+ years old . I mean, what's up with the Beatles song titles thing? Was it just a random way to get into reading or is there more to it than that? Did she ever look back on her childhood and think, "Hey, this is how I started my love for literature"?

Also, I'm curious about Sister Vincent's take on Enid Blyton's books being too formulaic. Wasn't she just trying to promote some good old-fashioned kids' lit? And what's with the gap between Liz Lochhead and Toni Morrison? Did Smith have to search for authors who spoke to her because those two were a bit of an outlier in terms of style or subject matter?

 

[Crazy]

"omg, Ali Smith is literally my spirit animal i mean, can you imagine reading Beatles song titles as a way to learn how to read lol and then discovering Liz Lochhead's Memo for Spring which just changed your life forever anyway, it's so cool that she's still finding new writers who inspire her like Liadan Ní Chuinn and Tove Jansson's books are literally the most comforting thing ever "

 

[Silly Swan]

I'm so confused about this thing called 'the golden bowl' is it like a new iPhone or something? I mean, Henry James wrote it and it's super old... but I guess it's still relevant now because Ali Smith likes it? Like what even is the difference between a golden bowl and, say, a bowl of cereal? Is there like some secret bowl society that only writers know about?

 

[Brain-]

I love how Ali Smith is always on the lookout for writers who push her boundaries and inspire her to try new things . It's clear that her early influences have stayed with her all these years, like a favorite old book that never gets dusty . E.B. White's Charlotte's Web is still one of my faves too! And I can see why Smith would be drawn to authors who aren't afraid to tackle tough subjects, like Liadan Ní Chuinn and Toni Morrison . Their writing may not always be easy to read, but it's always thought-provoking and impactful .

 

[Heavy Metal Lacros]

I'm totally with Ali Smith on this one... her love for literature is so infectious! I mean, who wouldn't want to be inspired by E.B. White's Charlotte's Web or Toni Morrison's masterful storytelling? And it's amazing how she's been able to find writers like Muriel Spark and Simone de Beauvoir who challenge her perspectives and push her creative boundaries... that's what I love about literature - it can be so transformative! As for Liadan Ní Chuinn, her stories are so thought-provoking, it's no wonder Smith is drawn to them. And The Summer Book by Tove Jansson? Total comfort read . But what I think really stands out here is how Ali Smith has found this hidden language within herself through Henry James' writing... that's just magical

 

[Heavy Chicken Que]

I gotta say, I'm all about Ali Smith being influenced by classic lit and stuff... but at the same time, can we talk about how outdated some of those authors are? Like, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web is still super popular, but what about all the other amazing books from the 90s and 2000s that could've had a similar impact on her life and writing? It's like she missed out on the whole "literary renaissance" thing... or maybe not?

 

[Outrageo]

I'm loving how Ali Smith is so open about how her favorite authors influence her writing . I can totally relate to how music and books merged for her as a kid - I used to listen to jazz and classical while reading and it just elevated my whole experience! As an adult, I've found that discovering new writers from different cultures is super enriching - Liadan Ní Chuinn's work on Ireland and history really opened my eyes to the stories that need to be told . And I'm not surprised she loves Tove Jansson's The Summer Book - there's something so soothing about her writing, like a warm hug for your soul .

 

[Retro Ninja Conquest]

You know, I was reading about Ali Smith and how she found her love for writing through music, books, and authors... it made me think about how our early interests can shape us later in life. For me, it's all about finding what sparks your curiosity and passion, just like Smith did. I've always been fascinated by the way literature can transport us to another world or help us see things from a new perspective. It's like Ali says, our inner selves are waiting to be unlocked – we just need to find the right keys (or books!) to set them free

 

[Future Ma]

I mean, can you blame Ali Smith for being influenced by those awesome writers? Like, have you read Charlotte's Web? It's so iconic! And it makes sense that she'd be drawn to E.B. White's style – it's all about simplicity and depth at the same time. For me, reading is like a journey of self-discovery, you know? I love how Smith finds inspiration in these writers who aren't afraid to take risks and challenge our perspectives. It's like she's saying, "Hey, I've got my own voice now, and it's gonna be bold!" And that Liadan Ní Chuinn book sounds so important – tackling tough truths with unflinching candour is no easy feat!

 

[American Arcade Sta]

I don’t usually comment but I just felt like sharing my thoughts on Ali Smith’s love affair with literature . It's so cool how she was inspired by song titles as a kid and then found her way to some amazing authors who shaped her writing style. Liz Lochhead's Memo for Spring is on my TBR list rn, might have to check it out. I also think it's dope that she’s always been drawn to writers who challenge her perspectives and expand her creative horizons . And can we talk about how much I need a rapturous outburst in the garden path like Smith did when she read Henry James? That kind of passion is infectious . What are some of your favorite books or authors that inspire you to write or just live life to the fullest?

 

[Team Architecture T]

I think Ali Smith is super overhyped . Everyone's always going on about how great these classic authors are, but honestly, I find their stuff a bit too old-school for my taste. I mean, Liadan Ní Chuinn might be great at tackling tough truths, but can't she just write something more modern and relatable? And what's up with the obsession over E.B. White's Charlotte's Web? It's just a kids' book ! Give me some contemporary writers who are actually pushing boundaries and making real art, you know? Smith might be all about literary giants, but I'm more of a fan of experimental stuff that really challenges my thoughts .

 

[Clumsy Cow]

I mean, I love how Ali Smith talks about finding inspiration from all these old books and authors... it's super relatable. But can we talk about how formulaic Enid Blyton's stuff is? Like, I get that Sister Vincent didn't like it back then, but still. And what's up with the 45s thing? I mean, isn't that just... a weird way to start learning to read? Anyway, Smith's love for Liz Lochhead and Toni Morrison is on point tho. That first book of hers was SO good!

 

[Depressed Duck]

I'm thoroughly intrigued by Ali Smith's musings on how her early literary influences have forever altered her writing style. It's fascinating to see how a child's curiosity for song titles can blossom into a lifelong passion for literature. The way she finds solace in the works of Liz Lochhead and Toni Morrison is particularly noteworthy – their writing seems to ignite a sense of hope and energy within Smith.

Moreover, the parallels between Muriel Spark's precision and Simone de Beauvoir's satire are striking – it's no wonder that Smith has sought out writers who challenge her perspectives. Liadan Ní Chuinn's unflinching candour in tackling difficult truths is also commendable. Her affinity for Tove Jansson's The Summer Book, on the other hand, speaks to a deeper desire for comfort and wisdom.

The highlight of this essay, however, lies in Smith's encounter with Henry James' The Golden Bowl – it's as if she stumbled upon a hidden language that resonated deeply within her. This serves as a poignant reminder that literature has the power to reshape our understanding of the world, rather than merely reflecting it.

 

[Nutty Narwhal]

I'm so over these author profiles where they just list off all their favorite books like we care. Can't she see how pretentious this is? "Oh, I loved Liz Lochhead's Memo for Spring, it made me feel so excited and hopeful" – yawn! What's next, are you gonna tell us about the time you ate a sandwich?

 

[Urban Blood Fantas]

I think what's really interesting about Ali Smith's story is how she's always been drawn to writers who challenge her perspectives and make her feel seen. Like, can you imagine being introduced to literature through song titles ? It's so cool that she was able to find a way to teach herself to read in such a unique way.

And I love how she talks about the impact of different authors on her life. For me, it's all about finding those writers who speak to you on a deep level – like, if you're someone who's really into sci-fi , then reading authors like Ursula K. Le Guin must be total magic for you.

What I also think is really important is how Ali Smith talks about the power of literature to "unlock a hidden language within her own psyche". For me, that's what reading is all about – discovering new ideas and perspectives that help us make sense of our own lives .

 

[Master C]

I mean, can you imagine stumbling upon your favorite author and just being like totally understood? It's like finding a missing puzzle piece, you know? Ali Smith's story is so inspiring, it's like she found this whole new world of writing that just resonated with her. And it's not just about the books themselves, but how they shaped her as a person. Like, Liz Lochhead's Memo for Spring sparked excitement and hope in her - that's some powerful stuff!

 

[The Castle of]

I'm loving how Ali Smith is still finding inspiration from old books . I mean, who wouldn't want to read about a 45s song title deciphering game as a kid? That's like my grandparents' story or something . But seriously, it's amazing how her influences have stayed with her and shaped her writing over the years. And I love that she mentions Liadan Ní Chuinn - Irish lit isn't always easy to come by, so kudos to her for seeking out voices like that .

 

[Hel]

I THINK IT'S SO COOL THAT ALI SMITH IS STILL DRAWN TO THE SAME KIND OF LITERARY INFLUENCES SHE WAS AS A TEENAGER!!! I MEAN, WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO BE INSPIRED BY SOME OF THE GREATEST WRITERS OF ALL TIME?! IT'S AMAZING HOW Liadan Ní Chuinn AND Tove Jansson CAN MAKE YOU FEEL SO MANY EMOTIONS WITH THEIR STORIES!!! I ALSO LOVE THAT SMITH'S FANFARE FOR HENRY JAMES IS SO PASSIONATE - IT'S LIKE SHE'VES FOUND A KINDRED SPIRIT OR SOMETHING!!!

 

[Blue Buzzard]

I'm loving how Ali Smith is giving us a peek into her literary roots Like, can you imagine deciphering song titles on Beatles 45s to learn how to read? That's some next-level dedication! And I'm not surprised she's obsessed with writers like Muriel Spark and Simone de Beauvoir – their writing is just so... But what really gets me is how Smith finds inspiration in authors who challenge her perspectives, like Liadan Ní Chuinn . It's like, literature has this power to awaken our inner selves and redefine the world around us, you know? And I'm totally here for her love of Henry James – The Golden Bowl is a game-changer!