I read On Beauty not long after I discovered E.M. Forster (somewhere around 2007?). I picked it up because I was interested in how it was inspired by Howards End, and I couldn't stop finding it lacking in comparison. I've never read another Zadie Smith but I should!
I also look back at my taste from my twenties and chuckle. Although, my youthful snobbiness kept me from a lot of bad sitcoms. Great review! I've read several short stories (you can read a few free every month from the New Yorker online) by Smith along with White Teeth. Her writing is accessible without losing the deeper themes. I remember a bit of a pacing issue with WT but looking back I'm glad to have read it.
I really enjoyed On Beauty but also Swing Time. I didn't get in with NW and haven't yet read White Teeth or The Fraud but I intend to, I think her writing style makes it worth giving them all a go.
I am similar, I re read White Teeth recently and was underwhelmed but overall I enjoyed On Beauty and Swing Time, but not so keen on NW. The Fraud I didn't mind as a fun romp but not as a significant literary achievement.
I read Swing Time recently and it was a 4.5/5 novel for me. Thank you for your video. Actually I thought On Beauty was a non-fiction. I'm looking forward reading it soon.
Uuh I read this in maybe about 2010? when I was pretty young (early 20s). I think I didnt pick up on many of the jokes, or subtleties in general, I really should reread it. (English is my second language so I'm not familiar with english/american culture other than through media). I remember little about this book but from what I recall I had a similar feeling about it as you .
I DNFed White Teeth exactly because of the pacing. I was so invested at points & then sooo bored so had to drop it. Everything I have heard about her other works suggest that she might not be for me. Great review, thank you☺️
I am another one who is otherwise pretty well read, and has somehow not managed to get to a single Zadie Smith. I've actually been less keen lately, as even though earlier I'd heard nothing but good things, with her new novel I've noticed a bunch of people saying they've never gotten on with her. 🤔 So I've been trying to decide if I should get to her sooner... or later... or not... I don't think you mentioned, but isn't this book a retelling of/riff on Howard's End? (yes, even though I've never read any of her stuff, still seem to have picked that idea up somewhere...?)
@@rororeads Have you read Howard's End, and if so, what do you make of the two works in conversation? (I'd seen two film adaptations, but only got around to reading HsEnd last year...)
This is the only novel I've read by Zadie Smith and I really enjoyed it - nothing spectacular but gives insight into the regular lives we live.
I read On Beauty not long after I discovered E.M. Forster (somewhere around 2007?). I picked it up because I was interested in how it was inspired by Howards End, and I couldn't stop finding it lacking in comparison. I've never read another Zadie Smith but I should!
I also look back at my taste from my twenties and chuckle. Although, my youthful snobbiness kept me from a lot of bad sitcoms.
Great review! I've read several short stories (you can read a few free every month from the New Yorker online) by Smith along with White Teeth. Her writing is accessible without losing the deeper themes. I remember a bit of a pacing issue with WT but looking back I'm glad to have read it.
I really enjoyed On Beauty but also Swing Time. I didn't get in with NW and haven't yet read White Teeth or The Fraud but I intend to, I think her writing style makes it worth giving them all a go.
I am similar, I re read White Teeth recently and was underwhelmed but overall I enjoyed On Beauty and Swing Time, but not so keen on NW. The Fraud I didn't mind as a fun romp but not as a significant literary achievement.
I read Swing Time recently and it was a 4.5/5 novel for me. Thank you for your video. Actually I thought On Beauty was a non-fiction. I'm looking forward reading it soon.
Uuh I read this in maybe about 2010? when I was pretty young (early 20s). I think I didnt pick up on many of the jokes, or subtleties in general, I really should reread it. (English is my second language so I'm not familiar with english/american culture other than through media). I remember little about this book but from what I recall I had a similar feeling about it as you .
I DNFed White Teeth exactly because of the pacing. I was so invested at points & then sooo bored so had to drop it. Everything I have heard about her other works suggest that she might not be for me. Great review, thank you☺️
I think NW was my favorite followed by Swing Time, White Teeth and On Beauty in that order, but very little space between them.
I did not care for Fraud but you convinced me to give Zadie Smith another try.
I am another one who is otherwise pretty well read, and has somehow not managed to get to a single Zadie Smith. I've actually been less keen lately, as even though earlier I'd heard nothing but good things, with her new novel I've noticed a bunch of people saying they've never gotten on with her. 🤔 So I've been trying to decide if I should get to her sooner... or later... or not...
I don't think you mentioned, but isn't this book a retelling of/riff on Howard's End? (yes, even though I've never read any of her stuff, still seem to have picked that idea up somewhere...?)
Just looked it up. Zadie smith wrote on beauty as a homage to Howard’s end :)
@@rororeads Have you read Howard's End, and if so, what do you make of the two works in conversation? (I'd seen two film adaptations, but only got around to reading HsEnd last year...)
@@erinh7450 I’ve only seen the film. And that was over 20 years ago.
Great book...