There But For The is a 2011 novel by Scottish author Ali Smith, first published in the UK by Hamish Hamilton and in the US by Pantheon,[1] and set in 2009 and 2010 in Greenwich, London.

[4] The story revolves around Miles Garth, an 'ethical consultant' who attends an ‘annual alternative dinner party’ at an upper-middle class household in Greenwich.

After the main course Miles goes upstairs, locks himself in the spare bedroom and refuses to leave indefinitely.

Eventually becoming a minor celebrity when crowds gather outside the window, Miles highlights the effects of a consumerist and celebrity-based culture as various attempts are made to capitalise on his presence within the room.

The book is divided into four main narrative parts: Upon release, There But For The was generally well-received among the British press.