July 19th: Today's Feature

July

Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith, born on October 27, 1975, in London, England, is a renowned British author celebrated for her exploration of themes such as race, religion, and cultural identity within her works. Her novels are distinguished by their quirky characters, sharp wit, and engaging dialogue, establishing her as a prominent figure in the literary realm. Smith gained widespread acclaim following the release of her debut novel, White Teeth, in 2000, which propelled her to literary stardom.

In September 2010, Zadie Smith achieved a significant milestone in her career when she was appointed as a tenured professor in the Creative Writing faculty at New York University. This prestigious position solidified her reputation as a respected literary figure and provided her with the opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise with aspiring writers and students. Smith's contributions to the field of Creative Writing have been widely recognised and celebrated by both critics and readers alike.

Zadie Smith's literary works continue to captivate audiences around the world with their insightful commentary on contemporary issues, complex characters, and engaging narratives. Her writing style is often praised for its depth, wit, and emotional resonance, making her a highly influential figure in the world of literature. As a prolific author and educator, Smith's impact on the literary landscape is undeniable, and her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of Creative Writing is sure to endure for generations to come.

Early Life & Education

Zadie Smith, born on 25 October 1975 in Willesden, London, comes from a diverse background. Her mother, Yvonne Bailey, is Afro-Jamaican and her father, Harvey Smith, is English. Interestingly, there is a significant age gap between her parents, with her father being 30 years older than her mother.

During her teenage years, Smith made a significant decision to change her name from Sadie to Zadie. This change marked a new chapter in her life and allowed her to establish her unique identity. Growing up, Smith experienced the separation of her parents, leading to her having a half-sister, a half-brother, and two younger brothers. One of her brothers, known as Doc Brown, is a well-known rapper and stand-up comedian, while the other, Luc Skyz, is also a rapper.

Smith's mother, who was raised in Jamaica, immigrated to England in 1969. This cultural background and the experiences of her family have undoubtedly influenced Smith's perspective and writing. As a child, she developed a passion for tap dancing, showcasing her artistic inclinations from an early age. In her teenage years, she even contemplated pursuing a career in musical theatre. However, her interests expanded, and while studying at King's College, Cambridge, she discovered her love for English literature.

During her time at university, Smith explored various avenues to support herself financially. She found work as a jazz singer, showcasing her talent and passion for music. Additionally, she aspired to become a journalist, demonstrating her ambition and desire to engage with the world through writing. Despite facing some challenges, such as an unsuccessful audition for the Cambridge Footlights, Smith persevered and graduated with upper second-class honours, dispelling a misconception that she had achieved a double First. Her determination and dedication to her studies laid the foundation for her future success as a renowned author.

White Teeth

Zadie Smith embarked on her journey of writing her debut novel, White Teeth, during her time at Cambridge University. At the young age of 21, she boldly submitted around 80 pages of her work to an agent, sparking a fierce competition among publishers. Eventually, the book found its home with Hamish Hamilton. Despite the initial buzz, Smith took her time to meticulously craft the rest of the novel, which was finally released to critical acclaim in 2000.

The narrative of White Teeth unfolds in the gritty, working-class neighbourhood of Willesden in northwest London, focusing on the intertwined lives of Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal. Archie, a struggling white Englishman, and Samad, a Bengali Muslim grappling with his identity in British society, form the core of the story. Over a span of five decades, the novel delves into the complexities of their families, drawing comparisons to the legendary Charles Dickens by some astute critics.

The impact of White Teeth was profound, earning Zadie Smith accolades such as the prestigious Whitbread First Novel Award in 2000. The novel's rich tapestry of characters and themes resonated with readers and critics alike, leading to nominations for esteemed literary prizes like the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Orange Prize (now known as the Women’s Prize for Fiction). Smith's masterful storytelling and insightful exploration of multiculturalism cemented her status as a rising literary star in the early 21st century.

Personal Life

Smith and Nick Laird's love story began at Cambridge University, where they first crossed paths. Their connection grew stronger over time, leading them to tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony held at King's College Chapel in Cambridge in 2004. The significance of this location added a touch of historical charm to their special day, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Smith's affection for Laird is evident in her literary works as well. In her novel On Beauty, she dedicated the book to her beloved Laird, showcasing the depth of their bond. Furthermore, Smith subtly references him in her acclaimed novel White Teeth, describing him as one of the attractive men who have unfortunately died away. This demonstrates how Laird's presence has influenced and inspired her creative endeavours.

Zadie Smith, a self-proclaimed "unreligious" individual, did not grow up with any religious beliefs. However, she maintains a deep curiosity about the role that religion plays in the lives of others. In her exploration of humanist and existentialist perspectives on death and dying, Smith describes her own worldview as that of a "sentimental humanist". This term encapsulates her compassionate and empathetic approach to understanding the human experience, even without the framework of religious beliefs.

When it comes to literature, Smith holds Middlemarch by George Eliot in high regard. In an interview with Eleanor Wachtel for Brick, A Literary Journal, Smith expresses her admiration for this novel, considering it an extraordinary achievement. She highlights the novel's remarkable diversity and vastness, with its concentration spread across various aspects. Middlemarch is not only a social novel, which England has always aspired to produce, but it also stands as a profound philosophical work, akin to its counterparts on the continent. Smith's appreciation for Middlemarch stems from its ability to encompass multiple dimensions and offer profound insights into society and human existence.

Other Works and Honours

Smith's literary contributions are vast and diverse. Not only has she edited and contributed to the captivating short-story collection, The Book of Other People (2007), but she has also showcased her thought-provoking essays in Changing My Mind (2009), Feel Free (2018), and Intimations (2020). Her talent extends to the realm of fiction as well, with the release of Grand Union (2019), a mesmerising volume of her own short stories. Smith's creativity knows no bounds, as she ventured into playwriting with The Wife of Willesden, a remarkable reimagining of The Wife of Bath's Tale from Geoffrey Chaucer's timeless masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales.

Smith's literary prowess extends beyond adult literature, as she and her husband, Nick Laird, have ventured into the world of children's books. Their collaborative effort resulted in the delightful and imaginative Weirdo (2021) and The Surprise (2022), captivating young readers with their enchanting stories.

In addition to her remarkable literary achievements, Smith has also made a name for herself in the realm of criticism. Her insightful review of the film Tár in The New York Review of Books earned her a spot as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Criticism. This recognition speaks volumes about her ability to analyse and articulate her thoughts on various artistic mediums. Furthermore, in 2023, Smith's contributions to the arts were acknowledged when she was elected to the esteemed American Academy of Arts and Sciences, solidifying her status as a respected and influential figure in the literary world.