Reviews

White Teeth by Zadie Smith

scohen_'s review against another edition

3.0

More like 3.5… amazing characters, but windy/jumpy plot and it was all sometimes too overdone for me. Can’t believe she was 21 when she wrote this. On Beauty up next

its_charlielewis's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lauraborkpower's review against another edition

4.0

I don't want to sound like a traitor to my gender, but I really wish that there were more female writers publishing literary fiction as strong as this. Although it took me a while to get through (not for lack of interest, but lack of free time) Smith kept me reading every night with a book packed full of wonderful characters and tight, interesting language. She has a sense of humor that is similar to Tom Robbins, though more feminine (not in a girly way, but in a less sweaty sex-focused way [though there is sex in here (some sweaty), don't worry]). She also reminded me, at times, of D.F. Wallace, with the sprawling plot, odd characters, and slightly absurd dealings with reality. These are two of my favorite authors, and I'm happy to make such comparisons. I've heard (from Angie) that her second book isn't as good, but even if that's the case, I'll read it.

shadylane_00's review against another edition

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jessicaw8's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mothmans_mum's review

The Chalfens were too annoying, and also the book did not live up to my memories of the television adaptation 

sophieflora's review against another edition

funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

loucille's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jimbowen0306's review against another edition

3.0

I'm sorry, but I really struggled to get into this book.

It's about 2 families (the Jones's and the Iqbals). Archie Jones is married to a Black woman much younger than him (Clara). Samad is his (originally from) Bangladeshi friend. The met during WWII, but they're late bloomers. The book (mostly, with the aid of flashbacks) follows their family lives through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

I'm not sure about the book. I found it all slightly depressing. With 1 or 2 exceptions, not a huge amount happens that we haven't seem in other books, and what does, while occasionally funny, left me feeling blah as the book drew to a close.

millyreaderx's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0