Swing Time
Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017
(Author) Zadie SmithTwo brown girls dream of being dancers - but only one, Tracey, has talent. The other has ideas- about rhythm and time, about black bodies and black music, what constitutes a tribe, or makes a person truly free. It's a close but complicated childhood friendship that ends abruptly in their early twenties, never to be revisited, but never quite forgotten, either.Tracey makes it to the chorus line but struggles with adult life, while her friend leaves the old neighbourhood far behind, travelling the world as PA to famous singer, Aimee, observing close up how the one per cent live.But when Aimee develops grand philanthropic ambitions, the story moves from London to West Africa, where diaspora tourists travel back in time to find their roots, young men risk their lives to escape into a different future, the women dance just like Tracey - the same twists, the same shakes - and the origins of a profound inequality are not a matter of distant history, but a present dance to the music of time.
Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith is a British author known for her insightful exploration of race, identity, and culture. Her most notable works include "White Teeth," "On Beauty," and "Swing Time." Smith's writing style is characterized by sharp wit, keen observation, and complex characters that reflect the complexities of modern society. She has made significant contributions to contemporary literature by challenging conventional narratives and pushing boundaries in terms of form and content. "White Teeth," her debut novel, is widely regarded as a modern classic and showcases Smith's talent for blending humor, social commentary, and poignant storytelling. Smith's impact on the literary genre can be seen in her ability to capture the nuances of human experience and provoke thought on important social issues.
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