Title: The Accidental
Author: Ali Smith
Link: amazon

I was gripped by this book from the first page. Each of the complex characters has a unique voice which affects the style of the narration, giving each part of the book a distinctive and intense feel. The variety of different styles (even switching to poetry at one point) could easily result in a confusing and structureless story in the hands of a less talented author, but instead simply adds to the feeling of isolation each member of the Smart family struggles with.

Unfortunately, I found the ending weak and disappointing. The characters that had seemed so vivid and realistic in the start had certainly developed through the story but didn't seem to have ended up in any definite place by the end of the novel. Too many loose ends were left untied and the half-explanation of Amber's motives were unsatisfying, especially after the few tantalising glimpses we get of her past (although perhaps no explanation at all would've better suited the haunting presence she has throughout the novel).

Despite this, the innovative style of this novel definitely makes it a must read.