Drawing you in with the immediacy of her tantalizing wit, Zadie Smith sets herself apart as a defining voice of contemporary literature. Her internationally acclaimed novel boldly and humorously bridges three London families across a cultural and generational divide.
©2000 Zadie Smith; (P)2001 Recorded Books
"The scrambled, heterogeneous sprawl of mixed-race and immigrant family life in gritty London nearly overflows the bounds of this stunning, polymathic debut novel." (Publishers Weekly)
"Superb narration"
This was one of the best audio books I've listened to. The narrator was fantastic, doing a variety of different accents really well. The story was interesting and engaging, (although at times it felt like it strayed a little too far from topic and the characters rants became a bit tedious). At times it was laugh out loud hysterical. The language is probably what set this book apart for me -- the dialects, colloquialisms, and plenty of Bengali and English cursing - just funny. But more than that...thought provoking and enlightening -- I felt like I learned a lot about what it feels like to be an immigrant, always a stranger where you live. The author does a terrific job of presenting several differing and relatively extreme viewpoints on God/religion, which I did not expect and enjoyed.
It's quite long, which I also liked - the main story covers about 20 years or so, but there is also a great deal of character history (Bengal, India, Pakistan, Jamaica) included too. It's a fun ride - worth the time.
"brilliant!"
A great overview of multicultural society. Many voices that can be heard: views of different cultures brilliantly shown to the reader and, even more so, to the listening audience of the audiobook. You actually CAN HEAR those multicultural voices and see their diversity and divergence. I downloaded the book because I thought I should read it, and then, gradually, I have been drawn into it and loved its many voices and viewpoints. It's both poignant and funny, sarcastic and understanding at the same time.
It may be long, but it is really good.
I believe a reviewer should finish a book before submitting a review. What do you think?
"A Really Good Book"
A story of a mouse with man-made tumors and the scientist who made him, twin boys (one who is irresistible to women of all ages), a Bengali family, some Jehovah's witnesses, two lesbians, a few animal rights activists, two veterans of WWII, a failed suicide, lots of recreational drug use, and more. All this in a sometimes funny and poignant story.
The narrator is very good with the various accents and he held my interest throughout.
I truly enjoyed this book and really like this author.
"Quite a listen"
I am so glad I downloaded the audio version of White Teeth because I doubt I would have gotten as much out of (or ever finished) the book. The narration adds a whole new level to the characters.
Yes, this book is long, but come on people, what a mind! Smith has a brilliant way of bringing up modern questions and concerns wrapped up in subtle humor and over the top personalities.
"Beyond Brilliant -Sense of Humor Required"
White Teeth defies description. If you have no sense of humor don't bother. Many spots will cause a giggle and broad smile to cross your face. Then there those that you will undoubtedly laugh out loud. Way fattening if it were edible.
Characters I found to be well developed and lovable. As for a plot, that didn't come clear to me til part three.
All in all this is a unique and addicting novel. Already I know that I'll be listening again, and again. Surely this penning will never grow old.
Now Ms Zadie Smith is there a follow up to White Teeth?
"Interesting... finally!"
When my book club chose this title I checked it out of my local library but couldn't get through 10 pages without falling asleep. I was thrilled to find it on Audible. While it takes forever for the plot to develop... nearly two thirds of the way into the story... I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She voiced every character so well you hardly needed to be told who was speaking! While it is a long story and it takes a while for the plot to develop, the reader and ending are worth the wait
"Clever, but crude"
I was unable to finish reading this book, so can not give an overall view of it. But I CAN say why I gave up on it.
Although I found the characters to be interesting and the narrative to be clever and funny, the constant crudity and obscenities grated on me. If crudity and obscenities bother you, this is NOT the book for you. If you like politically incorrect social satire, and don't mind a bit of crudity, I think you might like this book. :)
"Multicultural comedy of manners (and more)"
I have listened to On Beauty and loved it, but White Teeth really bites into the depth of the divide between east and west, Muslim and Christian (and atheist) with a marvelously rendered set of characters. The plot does have a long developmental arc, but that seems beside the point. The characters and the subplots are of sufficient interest in themselves. The resolution was a bit over the top, but this book isn't about realism. All of the loose ends were tied up in a not-too-tidy bundle, because this story is anything but tidy.
Jenny Sterlin does a great job with the narration.
"Great reader"
Jenny Sterlin does a wonderful job on this one. Her reading is engaging and does a great job bringing the different characters to life. Nice timing.
"Entertaining and enjoyable novel."
Colourful and entertaining! a Good read. I enjoyed the blend of cultures and religions. Zadie Smith has a good grasp of inter-race relationship between 1st generation foreigners living in London.