Multi award-winning author Zadie Smith discusses her new novel 'The Fraud', her personal transformations, leaving the country, the impact of children on her life, uncovering hidden history, exploring Kilburn, and her desire for self-improvement and meaningful impact.
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Quick takeaways
Having children can transform one's understanding of freedom, emphasizing the joy and meaning that comes from being connected to others.
The speaker highlights the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive education to understand the complexities of historical narratives, particularly in relation to England's history with Jamaica.
Deep dives
The Importance of Family and Freedom
The podcast episode explores the significance of family and the concept of freedom. The speaker reflects on how having children has transformed their understanding of freedom, highlighting that being connected to others can bring joy and a sense of meaning. They emphasize the importance of relationships and the liberation that comes from caring for others, challenging the idea that domesticity and responsibilities are oppressive. The speaker also discusses the impact of historical narratives, particularly in relation to England's history with Jamaica, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive education to understand the complexities of the past.
The Evolution of Writing Style
The podcast episode delves into the personal journey of the speaker as a writer. They discuss their experience of literary fame and the pressure of being a public figure. The speaker reflects on the changes they've undergone in their writing career, emphasizing the importance of writing from a genuine urge and the need for a story to be told. They also touch on the frustrations and challenges that come with being a writer and the evolution of their perspective on the art of living.
Unveiling the History of Kilburn
The podcast episode delves into the historical significance of Kilburn, a neighborhood in northwest London. The speaker connects their personal experiences growing up in Kilburn to the broader historical context, exploring the transformation of the area and its connection to England's history. They highlight the impact of gentrification and the displacement of longtime residents. The speaker references their research for a novel set in Kilburn, which led them to discover the hidden history of the neighborhood, challenging their previous perceptions and deepening their appreciation for its rich past.
The Desire for Personal Change
The podcast episode concludes with the speaker sharing their personal aspirations for change. They express a desire to let go of narcissism and focus less on themselves. The speaker reflects on the challenges of societal pressures and personal insecurities, highlighting the belief that making a difference in the lives of others is more fulfilling than chasing superficial ideals. They emphasize the importance of shifting the focus from the self to meaningful connections with others.
We are starting series 10 with a bang. Described as the “voice of the 21st Century” by the Sunday Times, the multi award winning author Zadie Smith is back with a brand new novel, ‘The Fraud’. Zadie's first historical novel, the book is inspired by a legal trial dividing Victorian Britain looking at truth and fiction, Jamaica and Britain. It’s a great excuse to get Zadie back on Changes to talk about her biggest life changes and the changes she'd like to see. Zadie Smith became famous and hugely praised aged 24 for her debut novel ‘White Teeth’. She is also the author of ‘The Autograph Man’, ‘On Beauty’, ‘NW’ and ‘Swing Time’, among others. Two years ago, Zadie appeared on Changes in lockdown, around the release of her collection of short stories ‘Intimations’. Then, she talked about the major changes from the pandemic and moving from New York to London during that time. In this episode, we go back to the start as she shares personal stories from her time at school and University, talks openly about her childhood and family, what freedom means and looks at the reasoning and history behind her incredible new novel ‘The Fraud’.
As with her writing, Zadie has an encapsulating and wise way of speaking that you can’t help feeling reassured by. She is a voice of reason and makes you look at life in a whole new way.
‘The Fraud’ is out on Thursday 7th September. You can pre order / buy the book here: