When Zadie Smith published her very first novel, The Washington Post hailed her as "a postmodern Charles Dickens" What an enormous pair of shoes Smith had to fill!
Now the name Charles Dickens, much like the maligned Shakespeare, may fill you with horror and dread (depending on your English teacher, I presume!) but, whatever your reaction, it is a fact, cast in concrete, that both of these men were damn fine story tellers. Their characters are rich, complex and totally fascinating; their plots carrying you along in a whirlwind of see-saw emotions, more often than not, sprinkled with a liberal dash of heartening comedy. In addition, both Dickens and Shakespeare have left behind tales tightly entangled in our history, culture and heritage dynamic glances into a world that is simultaneously foreign and yet all too familiar. Two great writers to cherish and reverenow, let me add a third!
Zadie Smith, like Dickens, invites us to share the uniquely diverse lives of Londoners in both her first novels, published when she was only 24. In "White Teeth", set in North London, she expertly inter-weaves three families as diverse as the city itself.
The protagonist, Archie Jones, has given up on his tiresome, plodding, failure of a life. But even his attempt at suicide is a failure. Happily for the reader, Archie is afforded another go at life. And it is this 'second chance' that we are invited to share. A beautiful Jamaican wife (Smith is herself is half Jamaican) is introduced as is a daughter, Irie. And so we have the melting of cultures and the resultant concoction brings with it a fascinating read, much laughter and a deep sense of sorrow once the novel is finished.
Amad Iqbal, Archie's best friend, is a Muslim who must marry the spirited Alsana in an arranged marriage. Twin boys are born: Magid and Millat who, ironically, are as dissimilar as summer and winter. The addition of the middle class Chalfens family completes the cast: a cast which raises a plethora of themes including heritage, class, culture and gender. The novel is a genuine success with its accurate account of our modern potpourri society. It is quite clear that Smith sees her characters as old friends and she invites you, unhesitatingly, to share their lives complete with all of their suffering and their laughter.
Considering Zadie Smith wrote this novel while studying for her examinations at Cambridge University; considering the fact that she has won a list of literary awards as long as my arm; considering her remarkable testimony to the richness of London I have the audacity to agree with The Washington Post: like Dickens, she is one of the most foremost writers of all time!
A great way to keep on top of what is popular in the novel stakes is to join a book-club near you. I regularly attend Home House's monthly book-club, which is where I got the inspiration to write about White Teeth. I'm already looking forward to May's book, which will be Oscar & Lucinda by Peter Carey.
Now the name Charles Dickens, much like the maligned Shakespeare, may fill you with horror and dread (depending on your English teacher, I presume!) but, whatever your reaction, it is a fact, cast in concrete, that both of these men were damn fine story tellers. Their characters are rich, complex and totally fascinating; their plots carrying you along in a whirlwind of see-saw emotions, more often than not, sprinkled with a liberal dash of heartening comedy. In addition, both Dickens and Shakespeare have left behind tales tightly entangled in our history, culture and heritage dynamic glances into a world that is simultaneously foreign and yet all too familiar. Two great writers to cherish and reverenow, let me add a third!
Zadie Smith, like Dickens, invites us to share the uniquely diverse lives of Londoners in both her first novels, published when she was only 24. In "White Teeth", set in North London, she expertly inter-weaves three families as diverse as the city itself.
The protagonist, Archie Jones, has given up on his tiresome, plodding, failure of a life. But even his attempt at suicide is a failure. Happily for the reader, Archie is afforded another go at life. And it is this 'second chance' that we are invited to share. A beautiful Jamaican wife (Smith is herself is half Jamaican) is introduced as is a daughter, Irie. And so we have the melting of cultures and the resultant concoction brings with it a fascinating read, much laughter and a deep sense of sorrow once the novel is finished.
Amad Iqbal, Archie's best friend, is a Muslim who must marry the spirited Alsana in an arranged marriage. Twin boys are born: Magid and Millat who, ironically, are as dissimilar as summer and winter. The addition of the middle class Chalfens family completes the cast: a cast which raises a plethora of themes including heritage, class, culture and gender. The novel is a genuine success with its accurate account of our modern potpourri society. It is quite clear that Smith sees her characters as old friends and she invites you, unhesitatingly, to share their lives complete with all of their suffering and their laughter.
Considering Zadie Smith wrote this novel while studying for her examinations at Cambridge University; considering the fact that she has won a list of literary awards as long as my arm; considering her remarkable testimony to the richness of London I have the audacity to agree with The Washington Post: like Dickens, she is one of the most foremost writers of all time!
A great way to keep on top of what is popular in the novel stakes is to join a book-club near you. I regularly attend Home House's monthly book-club, which is where I got the inspiration to write about White Teeth. I'm already looking forward to May's book, which will be Oscar & Lucinda by Peter Carey.
About the Author:
The city is home to many, but Home House is unique private members club in London. It's 'home' to people from all walks of life, and the perfect hangout for a working day and a buzzing social hotspot come nighttime. Among its many other exclusive events, this month Home House is hosting London's book club discussing White Teeth.
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