This is a collection of essays written over the last ten years or so by Zadie Smith, grouped under some rather optimistic headings. It’s a varied collection!

The first thing to say about them is that Zadie Smith writes an awful lot of good sense and that, in itself, is refreshing in a world where prejudice, misogyny and dodgy claims about the world are common.

The second thing to note is that she writes extremely well. The writing flows, is unpretentious and clear. And, the third thing is that she knows her subjects and is knowledgeable and well informed. It’s necessary to say these things because they can’t be said about a lot of social commentary these days!

Her themes, perhaps understandably, relate predominantly to multiculturalism, racism, women and culture so that’s a wide area! You can find essays on Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth in here as well as one on Kilburn!

If you know something about the topic, she can be relied upon to offer a new perspective or tell you something you did not know. Some of the other essays make you want to go and read more!

It’s a great collection. Keep it on the bedside table and dip into it when you think that the world is going even madder than it already is!