White Teeth

Zadie Smith, 2000

Date Read: 5/7/26

I think this is a pretty good novel. It wasn't anything special, IMHO; I don't see why it was such a huge bestseller. Maybe in Britain, where it is set? It is about second-generation British kids. I am like 800th generation American so I don't get a lot of that. I mean that I can't relate; obviously I understand what it would be like.

Anyway. I think the depiction of generational trauma was phenomenal. I don't think enough attention was paid to the trauma Millat and Magid experienced. They not only saw their parents literally beating the shit out of each other regularly, but they were separated at a young age for a long time. That has to be very traumatic for twins. And Irie also suffered trauma on her side, which wasn't really talked about. Just the trauma they inherited from their parents.

Where were Archie's parents BTW?

It is a solid read, and I didn't dislike it, but I have definitely read better novels on the list.