Zadie Smith launched her new novel, The Fraud (Hamish Hamilton) at the Victoria Rooms last week, as part of an event with Gloucester Road Books and in discussion with Bristol English's own Professor Madhu Krishnan. Sixty Bristol English students across the foundation year, undergraduate, and MA programmes were able to attend for free with support from the Department, and relay their experiences below:

Zadie Smith is my favourite author of all time, so it was a massive honour to hear her talk about her new book, which I’m really looking forward to reading, and to meet her at the end! The conversation was lively, funny, and intelligent, and she made some fascinating points about hidden stories in Victorian Britain, as well as her opinions on the idea of ‘recolonising the curriculum’. I absolutely loved it. 

Saskia Kirkegaard

As someone who has grown up reading Zadie Smith's work, listening to her intellectual wisdom and creative process in person was an inspiring experience. What struck me was her dedication to in-depth research surrounding the Tichborne Case, bringing to life these historical individuals with her witty dialogue and detailed descriptions.

Lara Lippin

Zadie Smith is an icon, the way she is able to respond to any question with wit and intelligence. She said something that really stuck out about narrative, as a reader when you’ve got stuck into a non-linear book with fragmented structure that’s when you can say you can read! 

Mia Flook

Dr Leighan Renaud has also reviewed The Fraud for The Conversation.