The Accidental by Ali Smith

'1 Book, 2 Courses, 3 Hussies'

 

 

 

What? only 1 Hussy read the whole book ???

....  This month the book group met in +Artisam, a small Chinese restaurant centrally located in the busy village of +Corbridge.  Our number depleted by circumstances beyond our control, we enjoyed a well chosen two course meal. We ordered a starter followed by a main course called 'four seasons' which was like having your own mini banquet!  Generous tasty portions, although quite expensive at £25 a head ( no wine this time!). The service was, on the whole, good. We didn't complain when the waiter forgot the soup, ignored a request for water and prematurely turned the heating off! After all we were enjoying ourselves! 

 

                                                                        
....  Only of the group actually read  +Ali Smith's  'The Accidental' to the end, although one read all but the last chapter. The other two bailed out in the early stages, so  discussions were slighty limited. The book introduces us to a family on holiday in Norfolk who find a stranger in their midst. Smith's depiction of the Smarts caused some discussion on what constitutes a 'normal family'.  Were the Smarts normal or dysfunctional? The teenage children were struggling with the effects of bullying, one, Astrid, having been bullied, the other, Magnus (previously perfect) having become a bully, with dire consequences. Their mother Eve is a writer with writers block who seems disconnected from the world around her. She is aware of her husband Michaels' repeated infidelities but doesn't seem to care. Michael is the children's stepfather and is portrayed as a sexaholic. Amber a mysterious stranger appears at their holiday cottage and doesn't leave. The whole family fall under her spell, never questioning why she is there. Its an interesting read although not a page turner. Smiths later work +'There But For The..' is very good and covers a similar theme of an uninvited guest. 'The Accidental' leaves the reader wondering what happened? might be worth re- reading as it is multi-layered. Readers of a certain age will relate to Smith's lists of music, movies and world events.

....  Our next book is a crime thriller from America

 

 

GONE GIRL by GILLIAN FLYNN

 

 

 

 

Join us next time for reviews of this 'said to be' Outstanding Thriller!

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                        February 2013