Zadie Smith, a celebrated author known for her sharp insights and historical narratives, is joined by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, a masterful storyteller. They dive into Smith's latest novel, 'The Fraud,' exploring themes of historical authenticity and identity. Smith reflects on her London upbringing, the media frenzy after 'White Teeth,' and her evolving artistic vision. The discussion also touches on the nuanced politics in her writing, her desire for reinvention, and the challenges of merging personal narratives with broader societal issues.
Zadie Smith's novel 'The Fraud' intricately explores themes of authenticity and deception through the lens of a historical court case.
Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing both expropriation and resistance within the complex history between England and Jamaica.
Reflecting on her writing process, Smith likens creativity to dancing, suggesting that it flourishes when one adapts to the natural rhythm of thoughts.
Deep dives
Exploring Historical Fiction in 'The Fraud'
The podcast delves into Zadie Smith's new historical novel, 'The Fraud', which revolves around a real-life 19th-century court case involving a butcher who falsely claimed to be a missing aristocrat. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the story intricately weaves themes of authenticity and deception, ultimately serving as a commentary on society’s relationship with its past. Smith highlights how history can often be uncomfortable and is often sanitized in collective memory, prompting a desire for a more honest reflection. The discussion makes it clear that understanding history transcends racial boundaries, emphasizing that it is a universal human experience.
The Complexity of Identity and History
In the conversation, Smith emphasizes the complicated history between England and Jamaica, including the lack of acknowledgment of slavery within British education. She notes the importance of recognizing both the expropriation and the resistance that shaped this history, particularly through the lens of working-class activism. She specifically highlights the story of Andrew Bogle, a formerly enslaved individual who testified in the court case, showcasing how marginalized voices often play pivotal roles in historical narratives. This focus on nuanced identity showcases a broader theme of recognizing interconnected histories and the importance of inclusivity in understanding our past.
Writing Process and Inspiration
The podcast explores Smith's writing process, which she describes as an organic evolution rather than a rigid plan. She compares her writing journey to dancing, suggesting that creativity often flows naturally when one is attuned to the rhythm of their thoughts and surroundings. Her approach includes weekly sharing of chapters with close friends, which kept her motivation alive and provided an informal sounding board. This method has allowed Smith to discover deeper meanings within her characters while maintaining a careful orchestration of the narrative flow in her work.
Critique of Political Discourse in Literature
Smith critiques the current discourse around art and politics, questioning the belief that art can enact immediate societal change. She argues that while art has a role, it often exists in a separate sphere from the urgent demands of activism, noting that it is a luxury rather than a necessity. This perspective challenges the assumption that artists should constantly perform their politics within their works, advocating instead for a deeper understanding of how lived experiences shape perceptions of political realities. She underscores the need for genuine engagement over performative activism, calling for authenticity in both art and activism.
Reflections on Aging and Transformation
Throughout the podcast, Smith reflects on her journey as a writer and the inevitability of aging, suggesting that each stage in life brings a unique perspective and transformation. She revels in the joy of new writing endeavors post her father's passing, acknowledging that personal experiences influence her art in profound ways. As she discusses her evolving views, Smith expresses a continuous curiosity about what lies ahead, hinting at the excitement of future projects and personal growth. This contemplation offers a relatable view of adulthood that speaks to the universal themes of change and the passage of time.
Last fall, Zadie Smith published her prescient historical novel The Fraud. We return to our conversation with the beloved author this week, on the heels of our latest sit-down with writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner.
At the top, Smith details her most recent book(7:48), her instinctive writing process (13:37), and the role of projection in her work (20:08). Then, Zadie reflects on her upbringing in North West London (23:48), the art that influenced her growing up (26:42), and the media circus that followed the publication of her debut novel, White Teeth (31:28).
On the back-half, we discuss her desire to frequently reinvent herself as an artist as a writer (41:53), why she prioritized pleasure after her book On Beauty (45:24), her evolving relationship to humanism (48:06), the nuanced politics of her work (54:13), a striking passage from Intimations (1:01:56), and what she sees in this next generation of novelists (1:04:55).
This conversation was recorded at Spotify Studios. Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at sf@talkeasypod.com.
