Zadie Smith: "NW: A Novel"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-09-12/zadie-smith-nw-novel
Willesden Green in northwest London, England.
Image used under Creative Commons from Flickr user satguru
Twelve years after the publication of her award-winning first novel "White Teeth," Zadie Smith returns to the racially mixed, multicultural northwest sector of London where she grew up in the 1970s and 1980s. Her newest novel is titled simply “NW.” It took more her than seven years to write, and she has likened it to a “problem play.” The plot revolves around four people in their 30s who come from the same subsidized housing project. Through their eyes, she explores the complexities of the class system in London and how people from similar backgrounds can come to have vastly different destinies.
Guests
Zadie Smith
author of "White Teeth," "The Autograph Man," and "On Beauty.
Comments
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The author has such a wonderful voice, and a true gift of perception and insight! This is my first exposure to her and I look forward to learning much more about her work very soon. Thank you for having her on today.
I too enjoyed listening to her "view" of the world and how it works. The intricacies of human interaction are facinating and define who we are. The topic is both deep and simple at the same time. Many levels. Fascinating. I encourage the author the continue to uncover the little truths that define our existence.
In regards to how women are viewing motherhood, I add my own viewpoint.
I am a professional violinist and mother of four. While expecting my first child, I worried about not having time to practice and perform the art I love. Could I love children as much as music? I actually feared this transition more than labor. Two weeks after the baby was born, I resumed practicing. Holding the violin in my hands again felt wonderful--like quenching a hidden thirst. Then, my baby son began to cry, so I set my violin down and picked him up, cradling him in my arms. I was immediately flooded with joy. Though it had felt fulfilling to play music again, it was nothing in comparison to the love and fulfillment I felt in soothing my child. For me in that moment, motherhood became sacred--the most compete and beautiful art form. I would trade my professional life in a minute for those magical moments and relationships with my children.
In regards to how women are viewing motherhood, I add my own viewpoint.
I am a professional violinist and mother of four. While expecting my first child, I worried about not having time to practice and perform the art I love. Could I love children as much as music? I actually feared this transition more than labor. Two weeks after the baby was born, I resumed practicing. Holding the violin in my hands again felt wonderful--like quenching a hidden thirst. Then, my baby son began to cry, so I set my violin down and picked him up, cradling him in my arms. I was immediately flooded with joy. Though it had felt fulfilling to play music again, it was nothing in comparison to the love and fulfillment I felt in soothing my child. For me in that moment, motherhood became sacred--the most compete and beautiful art form. I would trade my professional life in a minute for those magical moments and relationships with my children.