Zadie Smith on The Fraud

The Fraud: A Novel Popping Between Centuries

Zadie Smith's new novel, The Fraud, explores fiction that seamlessly transitions between two centuries, bringing in elements of Victorian literature while also addressing contemporary themes. The novel delves into the author's professional and literary ancestry, as well as her personal connections to English and Jamaican cultures. It reflects on the notion of fraudulence in storytelling and examines the complex relationships between writers. The book intertwines different plots, including the story of an imposter in 1870s London reminiscent of Donald Trump, and features characters like Charles Dickens and George Eliot. Smith also explores the control and puppeteer-like nature of certain novelists, questioning the dangers of such power and manipulation. The novel tackles themes of political activism and the responsibility of writers in addressing social issues, drawing parallels between the historical cruelty of the British Empire and the current environmental crisis. It highlights the importance of taking action and creating just systems to counteract these injustices. The Fraud ultimately serves as a rallying cry for writers to use their voices to speak the truth and challenge dominant narratives.