Loading ...“White teeth” by Zadie Smith
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London. Cosmopolitan London.
Many londoners will tell you that what makes London so unique is its worlwide appeal and the constant influx of immigrants from all over the world. Other londoners might tell you that what destroys London is the same thing (and I choose to disagree with them). But whatever your stance, you cannot deny the importance of immigrants on London. |
Cue in Zadie Smith’s debut novel, “White teeth”, a thick volume following the lives of Samad, a Blangadeshi born immigrant, and Archie, born and bred in England. There is a melting pot of cultures and generations represented here, and this is an homage to the make-up of many London families.
Zadie portrays all her characters with respect and emotion. Religions mix (or don’t mix), generations mix (or don’t mix), cultures mix (or don’t mix). When I take a walk down to my local shops, it feels like I am passing by Zadie’s characters.
The book was a huge success among Londoners and there is a reason why. In much the same way as Paul Auster’s books breathe New York and Brooklyn, “White teeth” breathes London. Recommended.
Links:
Claire Berlinski on Zadie Smith’s White Teeth: An Anecdote, Gypsy Scholar
A thriller in 10 chapters, The Guardian - Timeline: 1997 to 2008, a decade in books
Tags: london