Zadie Smith

Swing Time | Zadie Smith | Literary Roadhouse Bookclub Ep 14

Discussion Notes: Swing Time

Next month’s novel: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

Rated: Clean

On today’s show, Anais, Gerald, and Tamara discuss Zadie Smith’s Swing Time, a vibrant story about race, class, and long-term friendship. All three hosts gush about the novel’s characters and prose, and marvel at how astutely Smith draws her characters. When it comes to discussing plots, opinions diverge. Stay for nuanced recommendations about why to read this story, and for a discussion on what we want from fiction.

We’d like to hear from you

Did we miss something? Let us know what you think of the novel in the comment section below. Or, if you prefer, leave a voicemail by clicking on the feature to the right. By the way, we may play your voicemail on our next show, so tell us if you would prefer we did not.

Please leave an iTunes review! It helps us attract a wider audience and keep growing.

We (try to) air the first Friday of every month, and discuss the books on Twitter between shows using #LRHBookclub.

Martha, Martha | Zadie Smith | Literary Roadhouse Ep 96

Discussion Notes: Martha, Martha

Find this week’s story here: Martha, Martha by Zadie Smith.

Next week’s story: Kilifi Creek by Lionel Shriver.

Rated: Clean

The week, Gerald, Maya, Rammy, and Anais discuss Martha, Martha by Zadie Smith, a story which left everyone but Maya initially underwhelmed. While all the hosts agreed that the prose and the characterizations deserved praise, the plot left some guests wanting. However, it turned out that the story served up excellent fodder for discussion. Themes of racism, immigration, and culture underscore every interaction in the short story, drawing a poignant picture of what it means to arrive in America and strive.

This podcast also features the most divisive game of 20 questions you’ve ever heard. Don’t worry, we’re all still friends.

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below!

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

Lastly, your reviews on iTunes help us grow. Please search Literary Roadhouse in iTunes and leave reviews for all of our shows.

Escape from New York | Zadie Smith | Literary Roadhouse Ep 71

Discussion Notes: Escape from New York

Find this week’s story here: Escape from New York by Zadie Smith.

Next week’s story: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel García Márquez.

Rated: Clean

Gerald is still soaking up the sun on his annual summer road trip.

www.lovelynbettison.com

Lovelyn Bettison

Lovelyn Bettison, author of Perfect Family and The Box, joins us to discuss Zadie Smith. She is an avid reader of magical realism, which influences her work. You can buy her books on her website: lovelynbettison.com.

This week Maya, Rammy, Anais, and Lovelyn discuss “Escape from New York”. This story portrays a celebrity urban legend. Shortly after 9/11, rumor had it that Michael Jackson, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor escaped NYC together by driving west.

Surprisingly, all four hosts enjoyed the story! In particular, Maya appreciated the gallows humor. Meanwhile, the celebrity cast of characters tickled Rammy. Regarding plot, Anais loved the absurdity of the celebrity narcissism in the midst of a national tragedy. Lovelyn found the prose and understated humor to be reflective of Smith’s style.

The New Yorker also hosts an audio recording of the story as read by Zadie Smith. What’s funnier than Zadie Smith doing as Michael Jackson impersonation? Anais impersonating the Smith impersonation! Tune in to hear it.

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

Also your reviews on iTunes help us grow. Please search Literary Roadhouse in iTunes and leave reviews for all of our shows.