Catching up on reviews months after reading the books is never a good plan, so I apologise for my somewhat disjointed and distant reviews of late.
The Accidental was my first taste of Ali Smith's writing. An unusual novel, it follows a disjointed family on a holiday in Norfolk (somewhat close to home!); mother Eve, with writer's block; children Astrid, obsessed with videoing everything, and Magnus, depressed that he may have been responsible for a friend's suicide; and step-father, Michael, who is a little too friendly with his university students. One evening, Amber enters their home and their lives, mistaken by each family member to be there on another's invitation, until she well and truly settles with them. Each member of the family becomes entranced by Amber, who never reveals who she really is or why she is there.
Written in three sections, fittingly entitled the begining, middle and end, The Accidental follows the family over the several weeks with Amber, and then their return to their lives at home. 12-year old Astrid was by far my favourite character, and the chapters dedicated to her story held my interest the most. With a voice most original and captivating, Astrid's representation of a 12-year old's world felt so real, it was as if a child had wrote it.
The stream of consciousness style of writing is certainly not for everyone, but I found each character's voice unique and with their own vulnerabilities. Perhaps the only negativity I felt for the book is Amber herself. I just never connected with her, could never bring myself to care enough about her. But thankfully this book was not about her alone, but each character had their part, their tale to tell. Thanks to Ali Smith's skilful writing, the story had come full circle by the end. I will admit that I did not fall instantly for Smith's unusual style, but it has intrigued me enough that I shall be reading more of her work, especially Girl Meets Boy, her contribution to the Canongate Myths.
Other blog reviews:
Valentina's Room
Rhinoa's Ramblings
Things Mean A Lot
(have i missed yours?)
5 comments:
I have read one Ali Smith book and really liked it. I want to read more but my library doesn't have anything by her! So, I will buy eventually!
I'm glad to hear you'll be reading Girl Meets Boy - it's such a beautiful book! Her short stories are also excellent.
This sounds interesting, I hadnt heard of this before.
Even if you didnt connect with Amber's character, it sounds like a good read.
Great review.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I'm intrigued.
Kailana - I would definitely read her again. She seems to be very readily available around here, perhaps its a local thing!
Nymeth - Your reviews convinced me!
Naida - The Accidental was huge when it first came out in the UK, but the cover never appealed to me so I didn't pick it up. Shame on me!
Michelle - I think its worth a read!
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