Literary Fiction· United Kingdom
White Teeth
by Zadie SmithAggregate Editorial Score37/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 2000528 pagesEnglish
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Zadie Smith's White Teeth (2000) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. The lives of two wartime friends—the Englishman Archie Jones and the Bangladeshi Samad Iqbal—and their families are braided together across decades of multicultural London. Smith's debut was one of the most celebrated first novels of its decade. Themes of multiculturalism, London, identity run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 2000.
Book Details
About the Category
📖 Literary Fiction
Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.
Explore all Literary Fiction books →Country of Origin
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United Kingdom →Editorial Assessment
First published in 2000, Zadie Smith's White Teeth is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with multiculturalism, London, identity, friendship gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 2000. Its aggregate editorial score of 37/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
Readers coming to White Teeth for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of multiculturalism, London, identity, friendship is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at.
Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Zadie Smith occupies a significant position. White Teeth is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
200012
Zadie Smith is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.
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