I picked this book up a few weeks ago when I noticed a trend amongst some of the more lit-savvy people I know. Everyone (yes, Ursuline seniors, everyone) has read this book, White Teeth. I had heard certain people speak volumes about this novel but never really got on board because I didn't recognize the author. After finishing Revolutionary Road, I bought this on a whim and, let me just say, once you get past the first page there is no going back.
Set in the suburbs of metropolitan London, White Teeth follows three families over a number of months. First presented separately, the book's plot escalates as all three groups overlap to form a hysterical, coming-of-age story about knowing your roots. The novel quickly grabs readers with one page-turner of an opening scene: a man seriously contemplating suicide. This man is Mr. Archibald Jones, the patriarch of one of the central families. The first third of the book takes you on a journey through the lives of the Jones's: Archie-- everybody's favorite straight man, rolling life right off his shoulder with a smile on his face, Clara-- a Jamaican goddess and ex-Jehovah's Witness that's spent her entire life running from an extremely fundamentalist mother that, during Clara's childhood, forced her to pass out leaflets and attend protests among other riotous foolery, and Irie-- a half Jamaican, half English pistol that carries the world on her shoulders as she attempts to make her way through her adolescent years.
Next we meet the Iqbals: Samad, the patriarch, is a painstakingly reverent Muslim and fought in World War II alongside his best friend of more than thirty years, Archibald Jones. Alsana: the jaded wife of a ranting, raving, religious mad man. She longs for a husband with more room in his heart and more patience in his soul. Her frigid demeanor makes for a tense marriage. Magid-- the first born twin of Samad and Alsana, a prodigy (to put it lightly). Magid lives only a few years in England with his family. Samad decides (without Alsana's knowledge or consent) that Magid's knowledge and potential would be more greatly harnessed back in India (where Samad would rather live anyway). Millat-- only two minutes behind Magid in his birth, but a lifetime behind in maturity, intelligence, and emotional capacity. Millat is the resident bad-boy of the story. Smoking marijuana at age eleven, having sex with the girls he plays tag with during recess, and joining a radical, dangerous, fundamentalist group of Muslims at age sixteen. Millat is a lost soul in pursuit of happiness but this only wins him cheap thrills. Irie Jones grew up with Millat and Magid Iqbal. She has been in love with Millat since childhood.
And finally we have perhaps the most indescribable familial eccentricity I've seen yet, the Chalfens: Marcus-- an esteemed, scientific scholar, father, and husband. Marcus has published countless compendiums of research concerning genetic engineering (his specialty). He takes noticeable pride in his intellect and leads his family in the practice of using their last name as an adjective, verb, or regular noun (Ex: Well son, what's the Chalfen thing to do? You sure Chalfened that last Biology test! I'm not sure if I like this new girl. She doesn't strike me as a Chalfen). Joyce-- a scientific scholar in her own right, Joyce excels in the study of plants (more specifically, gardening). A household name, Joyce has published many books in which she utilizes her tactic of relating gardening to relationships (check the self-help section, if you know what I mean). She is the epitome of the Overbearing Mother. Hysterically inappropriate and oblivious, Joyce's words made me laugh out loud in my room, by myself. True story. Joshua-- the lone Chalfen child. An extremely gifted kid, unsurprisingly interested in scientific fields. At the onset of the story, Joshua is the dutiful and loyal son, determined to follow in his father's footsteps. Later on, however, he rebels full throttle and is an integral part of his father's downfall (FORESHADOWING!).
OKAY DEEP BREATHS. That was a lot. If you were kind enough to read all of that, good for you! Brownie points have been awarded to you.
A word on the author...
Zadie Smith was born Sadie Smith in London in 1975. She was born to a Jamaican mother and English father (coincidence? I think not!). In her childhood, Smith enjoyed tap dancing and musical theater. For a few years she earned money as a jazz singer as well. She joined New York University's staff this September as a Creative Writing professor (LET ME INTO YOUR SCHOOL SO YOU CAN TEACH ME!!!!!!)
For those who enjoy...
Incredibly extensive character studies; Mysteries of Pittsburgh, anyone?
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