Notes on On Beauty by Zadie Smith

I LOVED this book from the first page to the last. Smith's writing is a cozy experience -- like warming your fingers around a mug filled with spiced, steaming coffee, cocooned in a merlot plush throw on cushy vintage floral sofa in front if a frosted window with a fresh snow draping a forest scene outside -- this feeling persists even when she's telling these crude, heartbreaking, infuriating tales.

Without even considering the plot, her scene descriptions fill me with nostalgia for things I haven't even experienced. In particular, the passage where the stories of the photographs along the staircase are told , and every sentence when Smith outlines a wintry environment. Dreamy.

Now, this all seems a bit out of place considering the various plots of each character; Smith touches on a wide range of social issues like racism and sexism, and a number of relationship issues like cheating and divorce. These narratives are gritty but realistic; Smith doesn't shy away from topics surrounding adultery, religion, or feminism.

Anyway, I can’t say enough about this book -- I wish I had the time to, but I don’t (It took me six months after finishing the story to write this!). Ultimately, a lovely read for any occasion. There's no doubt that this book is 5 stars -- I will definitely be seeking out more from Zadie Smith.

Of course, On Beauty passes the Bechdel Test.