The Accidental

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Before writing her acclaimed novel, Ali Smith authored Hotel World, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the Man Booker Prize, along with several short story collections. Her unique style features quirky passages and historical asides that seem out of place, yet every word serves a purpose. The story unfolds when Amber unexpectedly arrives at the Smart family's rented summer cottage in Norfolk, barefoot and enigmatic. Eve Smart, a struggling author facing writer's block, mistakenly believes Amber is a friend of her womanizing husband, Michael, who typically doesn't bring his conquests home. The family invites Amber to dinner, unaware of her manipulative nature. She seduces each family member, including Magnus, Eve's troubled 17-year-old son, who grapples with guilt after a prank leads to a classmate's suicide. Just as he contemplates ending his life, Amber intervenes, leading to a mix of confusion and intrigue. As her outrageous behavior escalates, the family questions the reality of their situation, recalling events through their individual perspectives. Ultimately, Eve forces Amber to leave after a disturbing incident, prompting the family to reassess their identities and the changes brought on by this "accidental" encounter. This engrossing narrative raises as many questions as it answers.