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!
"White Teeth" is the very first novel by Zadie Smith. Published in 2000 when she was just 24, it is a remarkable epic which serves to remind us that London is a bubbling cauldron of different cultures: a casserole of vibrant flavours, spicy nuances and substantial ingredients.
The novel starts with a fairly graphic suicide attempt: a last-ditch effort by Archie Jones to end his dismal existence. But, he is saved (by a Halal butcher!) and lives on to enjoy another shot at his plodding life. His second act involves remarrying (a beautiful, if dentally-challenged Jamaican much younger than he); the birth of his daughter, Irie, and his best friend, Samad.
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.
"White Teeth" (and the joy of Zadie Smith's subsequent novels) is not an option: it will make you proud to be British.
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!
"White Teeth" is the very first novel by Zadie Smith. Published in 2000 when she was just 24, it is a remarkable epic which serves to remind us that London is a bubbling cauldron of different cultures: a casserole of vibrant flavours, spicy nuances and substantial ingredients.
The novel starts with a fairly graphic suicide attempt: a last-ditch effort by Archie Jones to end his dismal existence. But, he is saved (by a Halal butcher!) and lives on to enjoy another shot at his plodding life. His second act involves remarrying (a beautiful, if dentally-challenged Jamaican much younger than he); the birth of his daughter, Irie, and his best friend, Samad.
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.
"White Teeth" (and the joy of Zadie Smith's subsequent novels) is not an option: it will make you proud to be British.
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 private events, this month Home House is hosting London's most exclusive Book Club.
No comments:
Post a Comment