David's Reviews > The Accidental

It's official: Ali Smith's writing fascinates me and I will always look forward to surrendering myself to her unique way of exploring the contemporary world.

This novel was, for me, a study in self-absorption. Michael's narcissism, Eve's obsession with career success, Magnus's overwhelming guilt and shame, and Astrid's search for answers to existential questions leave them isolated from one another but desperate for acceptance. They are a pretty miserable quartet. Until, that is, Amber walks through the door and they each become entirely focused on her instead.

It turns out that a little self-absorption isn't such a bad thing after all; in fact it can be protective. Each member of the Smart family suffers loss and must eventually find a path to recovery, striking the right balance between self-reflection and concern for others along the way.

I found Eve's final section unsatisfying. The ending felt contrived and calculated to provide symmetry to the story; a strange choice given how important unpredictability and surprise were to the rest of the novel. But I enjoyed the ride right up to those final ten pages, and the terminal disappointment did nothing to diminish my appreciation for such a fine writer.