Book · 2017 · Fiction
On Beauty
- mentions
- 3
- people
- 3
- podcasts
- 2
- episodes
- 3
- recommendations
- 2
And the last one, just for fun, uh Zadeie Smith's On Beauty.
The best things said about it
If you've not read her back catalog like white teeth and on beauty and swing time I almost Envy you.
Ezra Klein The Ezra Klein Show · Sep 2024 Um I'm actually not a big fan of on beauty which a lot of people liked.
Why people recommend it
On Beauty by Zadie Smith is a contemporary novel that explores family dynamics, academic rivalries, cultural identity, and morality against the backdrop of a university town in New England. Matt Sheehan recommended the book on The Ezra Klein Show as his third book recommendation chosen purely for enjoyment. During a dedicated interview episode, Ezra Klein praised Zadie Smith's broader literary catalogue, stating that he almost envied readers who had not yet experienced her acclaimed novels, including White Teeth, On Beauty, and Swing Time. Conversely, John Williams offered a differing critical perspective on The Book Review, noting that while the novel enjoyed widespread popularity among many readers, he personally was not a massive fan of it. Despite mixed personal opinions among critics, the book remains a prominent fixture in contemporary literary discussions, celebrated for its sharp characterizations, witty social observations, and insightful exploration of the complex intersections between personal relationships, art, politics, and modern intellectual culture.
Every mention
Ezra Klein if you've not read her back catalog like white teeth and on beauty and swing time I almost Envy you 1
“if you've not read her back catalog like white teeth and on beauty and swing time I almost Envy you”
Matt Sheehan And the last one, just for fun, uh Zadeie Smith's On Beauty. 1
“And the last one, just for fun, uh Zadeie Smith's On Beauty.”
John Williams um I'm actually not a big fan of on beauty which a lot of people liked 1
“um I'm actually not a big fan of on beauty which a lot of people liked”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“I think and I know most people think of Z Smith in terms of her novels you know n w and on beauty and of course the white teeth”
“both on beauty and and W made our 10 best”