Swing time Zadie Smith

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

I am really enjoying this. About halfway through. I've read White Teeth and On Beauty but can't remember them. Anyone else reading it?

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

Really want to know the main characters/narrators name!

[Dontrocktheboat]

I read it in holiday and really enjoyed it - I especially liked the way the complex relationship between the two girls was depicted, and the details of a 1980's childhood. The bits in Africa grabbed me less, but we're still enjoyable, just less evocative. Yes it irritated me never finding out the main character's name!

[Dontrocktheboat]

On and were!

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

Just finished. So strange isn't it. I loved the main character. She just seemed to always live in the shadow of others. Her mum, Tracy then Aimee and even Hawa.

[mamaduckbone]

I'm reading it at the moment and enjoying it - I agree the childhood parts are the best. I hadn't thought about not knowing her name, but it's going to bug me now!

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

Is Aimee meant to be Madonna!

[clopper]

I enjoyed this book but thought that the childhood part was the best section.

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

Yes I agree. Some of the sections set in Africa dragged on a bit.

[southeastdweller]

Have to agree on the stuff set in Africa, but otherwise a terrific book that's one of the best novels I've read for quite some time.

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

I agree. It was so engrossing. I feel at a loss now!

[histinyhandsarefrozen]

Just finished this - after seeing the recommendations on here - and loved it.

Found it a really interesting cultural commentary, thought the characters beautifully drawn. I enjoyed all the sections.

For shame though I didn't even notice she didn't have a name. And...not sure about the ending...she's going to be a friend to Tracey? Is this what's meant here?

[TheHatOfDoom]

I didn't realise that we don't know here name until about 50 pages before the end when she meets Tracey's kids and one of them asks who she is. But I loved the book.

I enjoyed On Beauty but haven't read White Teeth - is it worth the read?

[Whatshouldmyusernamebe]

I think I liked White Teeth. Can't remember!

[MargotMoon]

I loved this book. I went to the same school as ZS (different year) and love reading her novels as they are so evocative of where I grew up/my teenage years, especially now I've left London.

Did anyone else look for the videos of any of the dances she describes? I did, and someone has put together a YouTube list - it really helped me enjoy the book http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMyInuR5cWckRCD1XIK91lBnDUMc9EV-

[Bloodybridget]

I'm just over halfway through this, was looking to see if there was a discussion here! Enjoying it so much, I haven't read anything else by her and I'm so impressed by the writing. Finding I have to read it really carefully so as not to miss any of the information she slips in so quickly.