Zadie Smith presents her evocative story, 'The Silence,' exploring the powerful themes of solitude and introspection. Listeners are taken on a journey through the protagonist's reflections on life changes and memories, framed by moments of quiet. Vivid imagery underscores the complexities of human connection, showcased through symbolic encounters. Smith's reading invites deep emotional engagement, highlighting the significance of silence in fostering understanding and self-discovery.
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insights INSIGHT
Silence Transforms Communication
Silence can grow subtly and unexpectedly, transforming one's inner voice and communication habits.
It offers a deep listening ability but can also isolate a person in social contexts.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Sharon’s Unique Work Experience
Sharon’s longtime work involved helping mothers with postpartum psychosis, using her unique skills.
Her personal childhood experiences with mental health fueled her dedication though she distrusted medical professionals.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pandemic Eye Contact Connection
During COVID, Sharon used PPE which helped her connect with patients through eye contact alone.
This ability made her essential, though it coincided with deepening silence inside her.
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Swing Time follows the story of two girls who become friends at a dance class in their childhood, primarily because they are the only two brown girls there. The narrative focuses on their lives as they grow older, with one continuing to dance professionally and the other becoming the personal assistant of a pop star. The book explores themes of race, socioeconomic status, education, and personal identity, set against the backdrop of London, New York, and West Africa. Zadie Smith's writing is characterized by its beautiful syntax and deep, relatable themes, although some critics noted the narrative's non-linear and sometimes disconnected structure[1][3][5].
NW
Emmanuelle Aronson
Philippe Aronson
Zadie Smith
NW is a novel that explores the complexities of modern urban life through the lives of four characters—Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan—who grew up in the same council estate in Northwest London. The novel delves into themes of class, identity, and the challenges of adulthood in a multicultural society. It employs experimental narrative techniques to reflect the diverse voices and experiences of contemporary urban life.
The Fraud
A Novel
Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith's "The Fraud" is a historical novel set in 19th-century London, centered around the infamous Tichborne trial. The novel explores themes of identity, justice, and the power of belief in a captivating narrative. Smith masterfully weaves together historical details with contemporary social commentary, creating a compelling story that resonates with modern readers. The characters are richly drawn, and their struggles with identity and belonging are both relatable and thought-provoking. The novel's exploration of populism and the manipulation of truth is particularly relevant in today's political climate. "The Fraud" is a testament to Smith's literary skill and her ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues.
Zadie Smith reads her story “The Silence,” from the July 7 & 14, 2025, issue of the magazine. Smith, a winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, among others, is the author of two short-story collections and six novels, including “NW,” “Swing Time,” and “The Fraud,” which was published in 2023.
The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker 
