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mike___

The Accidental - Ali Smith

20 years ago

This was a strange enigmatic novel from this years Booker Shortlist, strange because it starts with the main character yet never really examines this character at all she remains an enigmatic person on the edge of the main story. It's a little hard to follow in places as it paints a picture of a dysfunctional family who are visited by a mysterious stranger who appears to make herself at home and inveigles her way into all their lives. The narrative is a little hard to follow and it's not till quite late in the novel that it becomes even slightly clear what the author wants. It's full too, of contemporary references that whilst I knew what they were may puzzle others and will leave non-UK readers baffled. In 10 years time these same references won't make any sense at all. It seemed to get going then come to a stop again as we took on another character - that said its quite entertaining if not puzzling. It has some funny references to modern CCTV and life in general but it is hard work to get the best out of this novel. Worth a look , not least for something a little more unusual from the regular novel.

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