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The Accidental
The Accidental
Author: Ali Smith
A chance encounter forever alters a family’s understanding of itself. An exhilaratingly inventive, thought-provoking novel from the author of Hotel World.  — Barefoot, thirtysomething Amber shows up at the door of a Norfolk cottage that the Smarts are renting for the summer. Amber doesn’t know them, but she talks her way i...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780375422256
ISBN-10: 0375422250
Publication Date: 1/10/2006
Pages: 320
Edition: Unabridged
Rating:
  • Currently 2.2/5 Stars.
 18

2.2 stars, based on 18 ratings
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

esh712 avatar reviewed The Accidental on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
I've found that people either really love this or really hate it. I fall into the group that liked it. Sometimes the prose seemingly rambles, but the cleverness is that it fits so well with the particular character's voice that she pulls it off. The subtle humor was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. I do have to say that I didn't feel anything when I finished the book - maybe the ending wasn't compelling enough for me, but I think that it suited the story just right. Just like the mysterious visitor, this book sort of came and went, but while I was reading it, it had me in its grip.
haddad avatar reviewed The Accidental on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Very unusual, very intelligent book. The style takes some getting used to--it has limited punctuation and a stream-of-consciousness style. But if you can get past that, it is a rewarding read.
reviewed The Accidental on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book was a complete waste of time.
reviewed The Accidental on + 224 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a really unusual and original book. I found it at times to be too much work to figure out who was talking and the point in time. I have MANY questions, not sure if the author just didn't finish certain "stories" or if I missed something. I would recommend it but don't assume it will be just a breeze to get through.
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justbucky avatar reviewed The Accidental on + 17 more book reviews
Personally I loved this book and decided to put in our Book Club reads. I was not majority in my opinion.
I enjoyed the story of a modern day family completely disconnected from each other and how an interloper changes not only their connections to each other, but the direction of their lives.
I believe The Accidental hits a little too close to home for some people and hence the self introspection that ensues is uncomfortable.
I highly recommend this book. Cheap therapy session!!
reviewed The Accidental on + 13 more book reviews
"The Accidental" was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize. She writes about a complicated family and a complicated visitor, who causes them to look at themselves in a new way and in consequence alters their lives. It's playful and imaginative.


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