In the following essay, Bakerman draws comparisons between Smiley's Duplicate Keys and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, including the tension between the characters’ Midwestern values and city life in the East.

Oates is the author of several novels, including Man Crazy. In the following review, she asserts that while there are some well-written individual scenes in Smiley's The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton, the novel does not work as a whole.

In the following review, Bauer praises Smiley's presentation of political commitment in The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.

In the following review, McAlpin lauds Smiley for how she deals with both personal relationships and complex political ideas in The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.

In the following review, Messud lauds the variety and wit of Smiley's Moo.

In the following review, Rubin praises Smiley's ambition in presenting a multitude of characters and subplots in Moo, but complains that she fails to fully develop them.

In the following review, MacLachlan lauds Smiley's conversational style in the novellas of Ordinary Love and Good Will.

In the following review, Forster lauds Smiley's Barn Blind.

In the following review, Carlson presents an unfavorable assessment of Smiley's Moo.

In the following review, Charles provides a favorable assessment of Smiley's The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.

In the following review, Toth offers reserved praise for Smiley's Moo.

In the following review, Grant praises Smiley's creation of the character of Lidie Newton in The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton, but complains that the historical details get in the way of the story.

In the following review, Pressley offers reserved praise for Smiley's The Greenlanders.

In the following review, Taylor lauds Smiley's use of humor in her presentation of university life in Moo.