I reckon you need to read Ali Smith’s How To Be Both at least twice.

The first time, because it’s Ali Smith, obviously. She’s a genius, and should be read by everyone.

The second time, because it’s a fabulous novel, but one that requires revisiting to truly master it, and appreciate its richness of theme, and the duality of its narrative—split between 16-year-old George in the present day (well, 2014…) and 15th-century painter Francesco del Cossa.

And then I imagine there’ll be a third time, and a fourth, when everything has clicked, and you’ll just want to admire its craft. Honestly, the only reason I haven’t re-read her Seasonal Quartet is because I’ve still got so much unread Ali Smith on my shelf.

I find Smith’s work challenging. Her novels reward careful, attentive reading. Lose focus, and you risk disorienting yourself. I feel immense satisfaction in navigating their complexity. This year, I intend to read her complete oeuvre.