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The Big Books of Summer 2025
Kristen Boelcke-stennes asked this question about White Teeth:
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?
Cynthia Arrieu-King I listened on audiobook as well, and I felt that the feeling towards the characters was both positive or warm with some "this is how this person goes …mǰI listened on audiobook as well, and I felt that the feeling towards the characters was both positive or warm with some "this is how this person goes wrong." Everyone is kind of careening through their lives and feelings about each other, and there's something very humorous (to me) about how these people have taken on each others' cultures or adapted or absolutely have not adapted. It makes sense to me that Smith claims Dickens as a model. She also claimed she didn't care for this book so much. I guess from the point of view of a person of color, there is much humor, as empire's ambitions end up being evicerated. "The British: who else steals from you and also wants to teach you something?" But their ultimate dreams not coming to fruition sounds sad to me. I can see how the accents would rub one the wrong way (I'm from the USA).(less)
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White Teeth
by Zadie Smith
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