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.
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.
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book was a complete waste of time.
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.
"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.
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!!
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!!
I really enjoyed the creative way the author used voice & punctuation to specify characters.
I liked the idea of this book much more than the book itself. I liked the way each character sort of retold events in their own voice with their own perspective. However, it was billed as being "wickedly humorous" and I didn't really find it very funny at all. I actually thought it was rather sad. Maybe the British humor was lost on me. I also wasn't impressed by the ending...or lack there of.
