🔝 Bestselling books by Zadie Smith of 2023: our choice

On Beauty: A Novel by Zadie Smith is an incredibly thought-provoking and entertaining read. It follows the lives of two families, the Belseys and the Kipps, who live in the same town and are connected by marriage. The Belseys are a liberal, intellectual family, while the Kipps are conservative and religious. As their lives become intertwined, the characters must confront their own beliefs and prejudices, as well as the clash between their two cultures. The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is sharp and witty. Smith captures the nuances of the characters’ relationships and the complexity of the issues they face. The novel is full of humorous moments, as well as moments of deep emotion. On Beauty is a powerful look at the complexities of race, class, and culture, and how these issues can affect relationships. Smith’s writing is masterful and her characters are so real and relatable. On Beauty is an engaging and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. Highly recommended.

Swing Time: A Novel by Zadie Smith is an emotionally powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of race, identity, and friendship. Smith’s writing is lyrical and her characters are vivid and engaging. The story follows the two main characters, Tracey and the unnamed narrator, as they navigate their childhood friendship, their diverging paths, and the racial and class differences that separate them. The story is told in flashbacks, and Smith masterfully weaves together moments of joy and sorrow, love and loss, and ultimately, an exploration of identity. The narrator’s journey to find her own identity is especially poignant, as she struggles to reconcile her past and her present. Smith’s writing is beautiful and her characters are fully realized. She also explores the role of art in our lives, and how it can both reflect and shape our identity. Overall, Swing Time: A Novel is a powerful and thought-provoking book. Smith’s writing is lyrical and her characters are vivid and engaging. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race, identity, and friendship.