NW (novel)
 First UK edition cover | |
| Author | Zadie Smith |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | novel, experimental novel |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton, London |
Publication date | 27 August 2012 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 304 pp |
| ISBN | 0-241-14414-0 |
NW is a 2012 novel by British author Zadie Smith. It takes its title from the NW postcode area in North-West London, the setting of the novel. The novel is experimental and follows four different characters living in London, shifting between first and third person, stream-of-consciousness, screenplay-style dialogue and other narrative techniques in an attempt to reflect the polyphonic nature of contemporary urban life. It was nominated for the 2013 Women's Prize for Fiction.
Plot summary
Reception
The novel was widely praised by critics, and in particular by James Wood, who criticised Smith's early work for its tendency towards what he called hysterical realism. Wood included the novel in his 'Best Books of 2012' and commented that "underneath the formal experimentation runs a steady, clear, realistic genius. Smith is a great urban realist... the best novel she has yet written." [1] Writing in The Daily Telegraph Philip Hensher gave the novel five stars, describing it as "a joyous, optimistic, angry masterpiece, and no better English novel will be published this year, or, probably, next." [2] Award-winning novelist Anne Enright reviewed the book for the New York Times, arguing that "the result is that rare thing, a book that is radical and passionate and real." [3]
References
- ^ James Wood's Books of the Year Article by James Wood
- ^ NW by Zadie Smith: review Article by Philip Hensher
- ^ Mind The Gap: NW by Zadie Smith Article by Anne Enright
External links
- [1] A review by K. Thomas Khan on The Millions.