Zadie Smith's NW. Shall I persevere?

[Kemmo]

I'm about 1/4 of the way through and really struggling. Finding it surprisingly hard work.

Is it worth it?
If you loved it (as some clearly do), did you love it frm the start or is it a grower?

[WeAreSix]

I just couldn't get through it. I didn't like it from the start and gave up quickly.

Our book club is only 6 people, but we all gave it a thumbs down. Our most avid reader persevered but hated it.

[SkipandTink]

Ooh i loved it! I did struggle at the beginning and wondered what the point of it all was, but was intrigued enough to keep going and soon i couldn't put it down. i can honestly say that when I had finished it I put it down and went "wow". But I do know other people who had been less impressed. I just found it so clever and insightful and different. It all ties together and is very emotive. I would say keep going!

[drwitch]

I got 2/3rds of the way through and then gave about a year or so ago and then started reading it again recently. Much better the second time around. I think it helps if you have an eclectic taste in music. There are a few passages which seem really odd but then you realise they are simply song lyrics

[Polpotsbabyteeth]

I loved it but it did feel like walking through treacle at times.

[Kemmo]

Ok. So I'm going to have to keep trying then...

Thanks.

[sammisatt]

I loved it. I didn't love it immediately but I found it quite intriguing and knew I'd finish it. Stick with it. You might not love it but it's quite compelling and although not very plot driven, does accelerate in the end.

[prissyenglisharriviste]

I persevered. I'm glad I did, in that sort of 'gee, I'm jolly well read and if anyone asks I can say I read it' way, but in all honesty there were flashes of interest in places and I thought I was going to get into it, but then my interest waned again. I wouldn't particularly enthuse over it.

I can't even remember how it ends, to be honest, it meant that little to me. Shame, because I do like Zadie Smith. Bit too try hard.

[Southeastdweller]

I just finished it. Definitely a book I admired rather than liked. She captures London life very well but I couldn't engage with the characters much.

[Louise1956]

I think life is too short to keep reading something you're not enjoying. I did enjoy White Teeth, but didn't like The Autograph Man so much, I don't know if I will bother with NW.

[fromparistoberlin]

its OK, but I did not "get" the first character (the white girl), what was her issue exactly??

I actually liked the character of her friend alot more, but then I stopped understanding her too when she got into the weird group sex stuff

someone needs to explain !!

I used to live there so read alot for that reason TBH