Zadie Smith
2000
Around 480 pages
I had previously enjoyed On Beauty, but didn't really click with this one. It's like going on a great first date, and then having everything fall apart on the second date. But maybe I've just had my share of complicated multi family dramas.
This is a sweeping saga about three families from three different cultures in three generations. It felt like something in the style of Martin Amis or Hanif Kureishi, with its heavy use of cultural references, self-aware plotting, and unlikable characters.
It wasn't a horrible failure by any means, but 480 pages is a long time to not gel with a story. The emphasis on comedy just didn't land for me and the ending was unsatisfactory. Next!
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
Adapted to a television series in 2002.
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