White Teeth 鈥� Reader Q&A

Questions About White Teeth

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about White Teeth, please sign up.

Answered Questions (9)

I have read thousands of books but this is one of only 2 books that i just could not finish as it irritated and bored me in equal measures. I asked all of my friends and colleagues and they have all told me that they did not finish it either!! Please help - what is the summary of the book? Please don't make me read it !

Edwin Blair I cannot wrap my head around on how a person who read 'thousands' of books could not grasp its essentials, (which are not new to literature nor life) 鈥辞谤别I cannot wrap my head around on how a person who read 'thousands' of books could not grasp its essentials, (which are not new to literature nor life) presented in this book. I will concede that it was somewhat, of an over-ambitious undertaking for a writer's first novel. But the motifs were there very clearly, early and often. The main theme being CHANGE, freedom from the old outdated beliefs & traditions etc; with the intentions to find one's own identity, by escaping the labels and limitations placed on them through social constructs such as race, religion, social class, and status. The youth wanted to change, and so did the 'damaged' and in opposition, there was the traditionalist, the staunch religious and so on, who failed to see and accept that change is the only inevitable constant. These were all characters of very different backgrounds, of varying religions, and race in a country where it doesn't matter if you were born in it, they will still feel like foreigners and struggle with identity issues because of this leading them to seek change; forms to reinvent themselves to somehow fit in. Zadie Smith is one of these people, being multi-racial in the UK. She possesses an uncanny understanding of human nature and the human psyche which she expresses with humor, wit and refreshing insight. This is why pre-skimming even works of fiction are extremely useful and have always been suggested. You'll gain some understanding and direction of the work, and if you decided to read it, you'll do so with a purpose. And we all know its almost impossible to be bored at, lose focus of anything approached with a sense of purpose and preview of what you are about to engage in.(less)

flag

I'm considering assigning this as an option for an independent reading assignment for a class of high school sophomores (all girls). Does anyone have thoughts on whether this novel would be appropriate and accessible for that age group? Thanks!

Chris Keightley if I was forced to read a book like this in high school I would have scratched my eyes out. A bit like I did when I was forced to read the old man and鈥辞谤别if I was forced to read a book like this in high school I would have scratched my eyes out. A bit like I did when I was forced to read the old man and the sea.
(less)

flag

There were many things to love about this ambitious book. I felt the author was disdainful of most of the characters (with the exception of Clara and maybe Irie). However, I listened to this on audio book. So I am wondering if this was the tone used by the narrator. What were others' impressions, those who read the book?

Sage I didn't think that the author was disdainful of most of the characters, with the exception of maybe Joyce Chalfen. My interpretation was that the aut鈥辞谤别I didn't think that the author was disdainful of most of the characters, with the exception of maybe Joyce Chalfen. My interpretation was that the author was trying to portray characters with many flaws and eccentricities. Some of the characters are stupid, or scheming, or stuck in the past, but I could say the same of some members of my own family.
I've listened to audio books where the reader does effect the tone of the novel, so my guess is that's why you felt the characters were treated with disdain, but then maybe we just interpreted the story differently. (less)

flag

This is probably a British person question. Does anyone know what she means when Archie says "That's why he never went anywhere without a tenpence coin" when he's talking about second opinions? Also, when she is talking about the Catholic school she says an "overexcited pustule could send you to Coventry" Is that a reference to the bombing? Like a pimple would destroy you down to dust?

Stacey Mckeogh He uses the coin for 鈥榟eads or tails鈥� to make decisions.
And 鈥榯o be sent to Coventry鈥� is a phrase to say you鈥檝e been shunned or ignored. 鈥辞谤别He uses the coin for 鈥榟eads or tails鈥� to make decisions.
And 鈥榯o be sent to Coventry鈥� is a phrase to say you鈥檝e been shunned or ignored. (less)

flag

I have found a wide range of reviews (* to ) for this book. Some have loved it and others have despised. Can you please suggest how good this really is? I have not read Zadie yet.

Sandra It is disrespectful, vulgar, vile, racist, and I honestly couldn't seem to find a purpose or a plot to make it acceptable to recommend it to students 鈥辞谤别It is disrespectful, vulgar, vile, racist, and I honestly couldn't seem to find a purpose or a plot to make it acceptable to recommend it to students to read. I would be horrified if one of our young teens had been asked to read it. As for the author's writing ability, I guess it does show writing skill as far as the development of characters, etc.
(less)

flag

Load 4 more questions