Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

From Ask Penguin by Penguin Books UK

November 6, 2025 · 56 min · Season 3 · Episode 4

About this episode

Zadie Smith discusses her literary inspirations and the generational themes in her work while the Penguin team offers book recommendations.

Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth ? Where does Zadie Smith turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your reading dilemmas - whether you're after fascinating memoirs, this year's pick of prize-winning books, or stories perfect for Autumn.  Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here Zadie Smtih is one of the most distinctive, exciting and widely loved writers of her generation: she’s the twice shortlisted, once winner of the Women's Prize, also shortlisted for the Booker and has been twice named among Granta’s Best Young British Novelists. Her debut, White Teeth , blazed onto the best-seller lists, and established her as a defining generational voice. Her follow-up work includes the critically and commercially acclaimed NW, On Beauty, and Swing Time.  Zadie Smith’s latest work is Dead and Alive: the keenly awaited new collection of essays, in which she brings her unique skills and observations to bear across a dazzling range of subjects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Penguin team

Guest: Zadie Smith

Topics covered

  • generational conflict
  • literature
  • book recommendations
  • memoirs
  • prize-winning books
  • Zadie Smith

Keywords

  • Zadie Smith
  • White Teeth
  • generational conflict
  • book recommendations
  • memoirs
  • prize-winning books

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Penguin Books UK

Books & works: White Teeth, NW, On Beauty, Swing Time, Dead and Alive

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