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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Reading this almost two years after it was published and seeing references to banana bread was certainly a throwback to that weird time where we were all living through more-or-less the same thing...yet this was far from tiresome to read. A standout essay for me was 'Contempt as a Virus', in which she compares Covid to the contempt that plagues the UK govt as they manipulated us throughout the pandemic. She also analyses power structures in the US, such as the officer who killed George Floyd believing he would have 'herd immunity' from the virus of contempt as a white police officer protected in the structurally racist system. However, as someone who enjoys reflections on everyday life as well as discussions of wider topics, I also loved Smith's detailing of various characters she interacted with in New York just before or after lockdown. Something is holding me back from giving five stars; maybe the short length of it/how quickly I read it? But any longer may have felt like too much, considering the subject matter (no one wants to hear too much about lockdown...) Nonetheless I would recommend this if you're a fan of Zadie Smith or just want a short read of contemplations about life and how the pandemic changed it for us.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I didn't care for this. Maybe I just don't mean with Zadie Smith.
A really interesting and thoughtful small collection of essays written during the pandemic. Insightful observations on the meaning of making art during this time, reflections on the idea of contempt and racism as a virus in America, rounded out by personal miniatures and character studies that end up being quite moving. A slim volume definitely worth a read.
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5. Thank you putting forward your royalties to charities.
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced