This thread discusses the Content article: Martha and Hanwell by Zadie Smith

Haven't read anything by Zadie Smith as yet but have been meaning to. The review is quite informative. Perhaps I'll start with these stories. However this is just to say that the review has persuaded me to start reading some of her work. Have you read anything by Andrea Levy?
Thanks for your review...

Post edited by: Sharda, at: 2009/01/18 00:12

Sharda, you would almost certainly be best starting with her first novel, <i>White Teeth</i>. This is her most readable work, a good introduction to her style and themes, and an essential for anyone interested in contemporary British fiction. Her two other novels, <i>The Autograph Man</i> and <i>On Beauty</i>, are probably best avoided by the casually curious. The short stories I reviewed are too short to get a good idea of her writing.

I haven't read any Andrea Levy, but will check her out - thanks for the tip.

Thanks for the tip on starting with Smith. Will do. If you are interested in West Indian writing, there's Oonya Kempadoo who's from Guyana. And of couse Naipaul and Sam Selvon (both from Trinidad). Naila Maharaj who's also Trinidadian released a fantastic piece of work called "Just Heaven" last year. Perhaps you could check that out.