59 pages • 1 hour read
Swing Time
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
London, New York • 1980s-2000s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Swing Time by Zadie Smith explores the complex lives of two mixed-race girls, narrated by an unnamed protagonist, and their evolving friendship from childhood to adulthood, shaped by their passion for dance, their differing family dynamics, and their encounters with racial and social issues. The novel addresses sensitive topics including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and the usage of racial slurs.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
82,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Zadie Smith’s novel, Swing Time, has garnered both praise and criticism from reviewers. Positives include compelling themes of race, identity, and friendship, as well as Smith’s lyrical prose. However, some find the narrative structure disjointed and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s acknowledged as an ambitious but polarizing work.
Who Should Read Swing Time?
Readers who enjoyed White Teeth or Beloved will find Swing Time engaging. The novel appeals to those interested in complex female friendships, cultural identity, and the vibrant tapestry of London life. Fans of rich, character-driven narratives and insightful social commentary will appreciate Zadie Smith's intricate storytelling.
82,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tracey
Tracey
The narrator’s childhood best friend from dance class, of mixed-race background, whose ambitious personality and life choices significantly impact the narrator's perception of success and self-worth.
Aimee
Aimee
A confident and ambitious white pop superstar who employs the narrator as her personal assistant, highlighting the disparity in privilege and social status.
The Narrator’s Mother
The Narrator’s Mother
A Jamaican immigrant to London who becomes an elected official and activist, serving as a model of intellectual success and independence for the narrator.
464
Novel • Fiction
London, New York • 1980s-2000s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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