49 pages • 1 hour read
Zadie SmithNW
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In NW by Zadie Smith, the intertwined lives of Leah Hanwell and Natalie Blake, childhood friends from northwest London, unfold as they grapple with issues of social class, race, gender, education, career aspirations, and family life. Their narratives are accompanied by Felix Cooper's story, focusing on his struggle to overcome addiction, all set against the complex and diverse backdrop of London. The novel employs innovative storytelling techniques, including shifts in perspective and experimental elements, to explore themes of self-identity and modern urban existence. Topics such as addiction, mental health struggles, and casual sex appear in the narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Zadie Smith’s NW is lauded for its inventive narrative structure and vivid depiction of London’s diverse neighborhoods. Critics praise its complex characters and social commentary. However, some find the fragmented storytelling and abrupt shifts in perspective challenging. Overall, NW is acclaimed for its ambitious and insightful portrayal of modern urban life.
Who Should Read NW?
A reader who would enjoy NW by Zadie Smith appreciates contemporary, urban narratives that explore issues of identity, class, and cultural diversity. Fans of White Teeth by Smith herself or Brick Lane by Monica Ali will find similar themes and rich, character-driven stories that are both thought-provoking and engaging.