It certainly is a bit of a coincidence for me that Jane Davis’ latest novel focuses on families of victims of a contemporary, fictional disaster, when the last book I read (On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell) also had to do with survivors, albeit of a historically true disaster. Both books look back at their respective tragedies through the perspective of time, and both dredge up the painful memories of the events. Also, in both books, one character finds themselves in the unique situation where they can connect the dots, as well as others involved. However, that is where almost all the similarities between them seem to end. In Blackwell’s case, it is the survivor journalist who pulls the other survivors together. In Davis’ novel, we have the husband of one of the victims who has been creating art out of the pain the incident caused him. When he is given the opportunity to show his works at the Tate Modern, he decides to offer the loved ones of others who died to contribute to his exhibition. Into this mix Davis also brings two people who were students reading the law at the time of the accident, who, despite having no real personal connection to the incident, end up helping prove that the victims were not to blame.

Through this, Davis builds up not only portraits of some of those who died, but also what the lives of these people are like because these loved ones are now gone. But it is more than just this, really. Davis also uses the exhibition and the artist to connect these people together in a way that goes far beyond their mutual losses and opening their old wounds. You could almost say that these characters end up with very special type of camaraderie that doesn’t require them to be in constant contact with each other; call it an invisible bond, if you will. That the two students get woven into this fabric, only amplifies the concept that I think Davis was aiming at, that being that in situations like this, the victims of such a tragedy aren’t just the dead, or the injured, or even those who were families or even friends of the victims. The art exhibition, of course, is what really pulls this all together in this; not only are the people with direct contact with those who died effected by such an incident, but also those who have no connection to either the event or the people involved. This is an extremely powerful message, particularly today, when we are witness to so many tragic events every day.

With this, Davis brings again her deceptively simple language that captures the reader from the very start. Davis has a way of subtly developing each character, which ultimately endear them to her readers. This is enhanced by the story line, which Davis builds through mostly chronological chapters, interspersed with scenes of relevant characters from just prior to the accident, which help increase the tension that builds until the opening of the exhibition. Aside from this, I have to say that Davis not only builds her plot with almost surgical precision, but she also seems to have an extensive grasp on highly effective modern art and how it can have an emotional impact on an audience. I can tell you right now that if there actually was a real exhibit at the Tate Modern like the one Davis invents for us here, I’d make sure to go see it the next time I visited London, because although it sounds frightening, it also sounds amazing.

There were, however, two things that I was unsure of in this book. One of these was the London Underground employee who was the supervisor at the station where the incident occurred. Davis never tells us exactly what happened to her, leaving it to our imaginations, but I think that while we can probably assume how she died, I don’t think Davis gives us enough about her to totally understand it (sorry to be cryptic, but anything more would include a spoiler). The other aspect was regarding the victim who remained unidentified. While Davis gives us a poignant scene about this unknown person at the opening of the exhibition, I think it might have been even more emotional for the reader if she had added a few more references to him throughout the book, even while she kept his identity a mystery. Despite this, Davis had me welling up a couple of times and finally evoking real tears near the conclusion of the book. For all of this, I can certainly highly recommend this book.

I have read Smash all the Windows by Jane Davis twice. The first time I read it was as a beta reader for Jane, so I wasn't reading the finished product and was more intent on finding any errors/inconsistancy. However, I knew then what a good book it was going to be. When it came up on Amazon to pre-order, I bought a copy for my Kindle with the intention of re-reading it and to give it a review.

I am so surprised that Jane Davis is not yet an everyday household name as she is a master of her craft. She has such a way with words that draws you in to her books. You get thoroughly immersed in them. Smash all of the Windows is about the lead up and aftermath (spanning 15 or so years) from a dreadful accident (fictional) that occurred in London and the people caught up in it, the victims and family. The characters, all well developed, react in many different ways, some somehow getting on with their lives as best they can, others not coping so well.

I do not want to give away any spoilers to this novel and would urge you to purchase it and see for yourself how well it is written. To say I would highly recommend it is an understatement! It shows how in a split second your life can be changed forever.

One bit that is in the book, near the end, without giving away anything, poses the question 'Victim' or 'Survivor?' To me this was thought provoking and I felt that the author was asking the reader which one they would be? Before reading the book I feel that you will view that question one way e.g. 'victim' someone who died in the event, 'survivor' as someone who escaped with their life. I challenge you to review that thought after you have finished reading this book.

I do hope you enjoy this book as much as I have (and if this is the first book you have read by Jane Davis, then you will go out and order the rest of her books. They are all quite different. All thought provoking and extremely well written.)

Jane Davis has quickly become one of my favourite authors and this book confirms exactly why!
The story begins 20 years after a tragedy and the victims are finally absolved from causing their own deaths...and Davis takes you on a beautiful, albeit sad journey with those left behind and how they cope (or not) with the losses. It weaves seamlessly between the past and present and you feel every emotion along with the characters.

This is a powerful, beautifully written and complex novel that documents the emotional turmoil of five families who have lost loved ones in a major public disaster. At once emotional and gripping it is also a joy to read thanks to Davis' effortlessly beautiful writing style. In my view, this really is Booker Prize material. The other reviews here say it all and I would urge you to read them if in any doubt about buying this book.

I bought the print copy of this book from Jane Davis at its launch at London Book Fair l. More fool me for waiting so long to read it!

I have loved all of Jane Davis’s novels, and Smash all the Windows is no exception. This story starts twenty years after a terrible disaster, which I could easily visualise occurring in our times. It explores it effects on different people, and helps us to imagine how we might be equipped, or not, to cope with, and survive, such tragedy.
As usual, the author tells the story from the viewpoint of several excellently-portrayed characters, her remarkable observational skills making us identify and sympathise with each character.
I enjoyed every character, admiring some more than others. Some simply struggle to get through each day as best they can. Others constantly search and dig, others lose their childhood during the years of grief. Jules was probably my favourite though, a poignant character; an artist able to pick apart the wreckage and rubble, and create something incredibly beautiful and defined. An exhibition entirely fitting for the Tate Modern art gallery in London.
Weaving between the past and the present, Smash all the Windows manages, somehow, to be both heartbreaking and hopeful. It does not give the reader resolution, but it does offer acceptance and the ability to attain a certain type of harmony with the tragedy.
I cannot recommend Smash All The Windows highly enough!

I’ve read and enjoyed all of Jane Davis’ novels. So when I saw this was due out, I pre-ordered and received my hard copy ahead of formal publication date. I love this book so much I ordered a further 3 copies for birthday gifts. As usual with a Jane Davis novel, this tells a story, and does so from a number of viewpoints. The story in Smash All The Windows is the journey of various people affected – directly and indirectly - by a disaster; the kind of disaster most of us can barely imagine being touched by.
At times this made me laugh, but mostly it made me think; it felt particularly relevant given the recent spate of UK events that occurred or were reported over on the past few years - I’ve been very fortunate and never been personally impacted by loss of anyone close, so when something such as Grenfell happens, I can only imagine.

Smash All The Windows did an exceptional job of helping me do this. It manages to be heartfelt, heartbreaking (there were tears) as well as incredibly uplifting. I really don’t have the words to say how affecting and relevant and human this novel is. It’s a brilliantly observed and beautifully written tale of the journey from tragedy to, no not resolution or closure; but peace and acceptance.

Every character is clearly, convincingly, sympathetically portrayed. The tragedy is a constant backdrop, but despite it being what has come to define each of the characters, it doesn’t (I have no idea how this was possible to achieve) dominate over the personalities. Some of them I liked more than others, some I admired and most I loved. Eric (with the support of the indomitable Sorrel) digging, researching and some more digging to develop the ‘sequence’ that results in the final inquest. Donovan getting through each day as best he can, knowing that he is marked by all who know him. Gina barely coping as Tamsin supports her, losing her childhood in the process. Maggie whose starling is on the cover and Jules, an artist who creates beauty and meaning from detritus. The concept of the final exhibition is proper genius, worthy of the Tate Modern.

I cannot recommend Smash All The Windows highly enough.

One of the most powerful pieces of fiction I have ever read, and even now, when walking the streets of London, certain moments return.
It's about grief, sudden loss, public tragedy and personal reactions and the steady, relentless reminder of absence. I read everything Jane Davis writes and often buy her books for friends because I know she has an epic imagination and high standards.
This, however, is my favourite of all her works. An incredible achievement, huge cast, intense detail and sweep of emotions. It deserves more than five stars.