Novelist Zadie Smith discusses her historical novel The Fraud and her evolving writing process. She reflects on her upbringing, the media circus around her debut novel, and her desire to reinvent herself as an artist. They also explore the nuanced politics of her work and her evolving relationship to humanism.
Zadie Smith explores the blurred boundaries between truth and deception in her new novel, The Fraud, and emphasizes the importance of understanding history to confront unsavory aspects of the past.
Smith reflects on her ever-changing relationship with writing, her exploration of different themes and genres, and contemplates the challenges of aging and mortality.
Smith questions the connection between an artist's labor and the labor of those engaged in political activism, highlighting the distinction between art and immediate political transformation.
Deep dives
The Fraud: Exploring the Fine Line Between Fact and Fiction
Zadie Smith's new novel, The Fraud, delves into the Victorian era, centered around the trial of an imposter claiming to be a missing heir. The book examines the blurred boundaries between truth and deception, authenticity and fraud. Smith discusses the importance of understanding history, particularly the brutal realities of the plantation system in Jamaica, in order to confront and confront the more unsavory aspects of our past. She emphasizes the need for curiosity and a humanistic approach to comprehending history, rather than viewing it solely through racial or cultural lenses.
Zadie Smith's Evolution as a Writer
Zadie Smith emerged as a celebrated author with her debut novel, White Teeth, published when she was just 24. Since then, she has continued to produce acclaimed novels, essays, and short stories. Smith reflects on her ever-changing relationship with writing and her exploration of different themes and genres. She also contemplates the challenges of aging and mortality, acknowledging the inevitability of death and the need to confront it. Smith finds solace and distraction in writing, but does not see it as inherently making her a better person or guaranteeing social or political change.
The Power and Limitations of Art and Storytelling
In the midst of discussions surrounding the political efficacy of art, Smith reflects on the role of storytelling and its potential impact. She challenges the notion that art can directly and immediately bring about societal transformation. Smith acknowledges the time-consuming nature of art and the self-contained world it creates. While art can serve as a means of self-expression and offer insights into the human experience, it may not always align with or effectively address urgent political demands. Smith questions the connection between an artist's labor and the labor of those directly engaged in political activism, highlighting the distinction between the two.
Saddie Smith reflects on her writing and the impact of her books
Saddie Smith shares her experience as a writer, noting the influence of her upbringing and her curiosity about the lives of others. She discusses the expectations and projections placed upon her after the publication of her books and the challenges of being judged based on race and politics. Smith emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, even towards characters or individuals with differing views. She expresses her ongoing desire to challenge herself and explore new paths in her writing, while also reflecting on the joy she finds in connecting with readers.
Navigating fame, self-perception, and finding a sense of self
Smith reflects on her journey as a writer, navigating fame and the perceptions and expectations associated with being a successful author. She discusses the evolution of her sense of self and the challenges of maintaining a distinct identity amidst external influences. Smith shares her interest in personal transformation and the desire to continue growing and exploring new possibilities in her work and life.
Novelist Zadie Smith is one of the most acclaimed and beloved writers of her generation. Editor David Remnick has called her “a blessing not merely to The New Yorker but to language itself.” Author George Saunders has praised Smith’s work for its “heart and moral ambition.” I, too, think she’s quite good.
And so today we’re joined by Smith to discuss her prescient historical novel The Fraud (8:20), her instinctive writing process (14:06), and the role of projection in her work (20:30). Then, Zadie reflects on her upbringing in North West London (24:12), the art that influenced her growing up (27:15), and the media circus that followed the publication of her debut novel, White Teeth (33:45).
On the back-half, we discuss her desire to frequently reinvent herself as an artist as a writer (41:55), why she prioritized pleasure after her book On Beauty (45:17), the nuanced politics of her work (49:04), her evolving relationship to humanism (48:15), a striking passage from Intimations (54:00), and what she sees in this next generation of novelists (1:04:45).
This conversation was recorded at Spotify Studios.
