This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. White Teeth

   

   This novel follows the lives of two friends, a working-class Englishman and a Bangladeshi Muslim, living in London. The story explores the complex relationships between people of different races, cultures, and generations in modern Britain, with themes of identity, immigration, and the cultural and social changes that have shaped the country. The narrative is enriched by the characters' personal histories and the historical events that have shaped their lives.

   The 221st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. NW

   

   This novel follows the lives of four Londoners - Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan - as they navigate adulthood in the diverse, vibrant, and sometimes volatile neighborhood where they grew up. The narrative explores themes of identity, class, friendship, and the complex nature of urban life, intertwining the characters' stories in a way that reflects the interconnectedness and fragmentation of city living.

   The 1751st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. On Beauty

   

   This novel is a contemporary, multicultural exploration of family life, love, and identity. It follows the lives of two mixed-race families, the Belseys and the Kipps, who are linked by their shared professions in academia and a complex web of marital and extramarital relationships. The story is set against the backdrop of Wellington, a fictional New England town, and explores themes of race, class, and cultural clash. It also delves into the world of academia, examining the politics and conflicts that arise in that environment.

   The 2467th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. Feel Free

   

   This collection of essays explores a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on family, identity, and the creative process to broader cultural critiques on politics, social media, and contemporary art. The author combines sharp wit with deep insight, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of modern life. Each essay invites readers to consider different facets of freedom and constraint, encouraging a thoughtful examination of the world around us.

   The 5003rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
5. 5. Changing My Mind

   Occasional Essays

   

   "Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays" is a collection of essays that explores a wide range of topics, from literature and film to politics and culture. The author shares her thoughts and insights on these subjects, often through the lens of her personal experiences and observations. The book offers a glimpse into the author's mind, showcasing her intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and unique perspective on the world.

   The 5597th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

6. 6. Swing Time

   

   This novel follows the lives of two biracial girls who dream of becoming professional dancers. Although they both have talent, only one of them has the ambition to pursue it. As their lives diverge, one girl becomes a personal assistant to a pop star while the other lives a life of relative obscurity. The narrative explores themes of race, class, friendship, and identity, weaving a story that spans decades and continents.

   The 8344th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

7. 7. The Fraud

   

   Set in 1873, "The Fraud" follows Mrs. Eliza Touchet, a Scottish housekeeper and cousin by marriage to the declining novelist William Ainsworth. Living with him for thirty years, Mrs. Touchet is a woman of varied interests, including literature, justice, and class. She harbors doubts about her cousin's talent and questions the moral integrity of his friend, Charles Dickens. Meanwhile, Andrew Bogle, who grew up enslaved on a Jamaican plantation, becomes a key witness in the famous "Tichborne Trial" in London. As the trial unfolds, Mrs. Touchet and Bogle navigate a world filled with deception and facades, questioning the nature of truth and identity. The novel explores themes of authenticity, societal hypocrisy, and the complex interplay between truth and fiction.

   The 8639th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

8. 8. Dead And Alive

   

   Dead and Alive is a collection of essays by Zadie Smith that combines personal reflection and cultural criticism. Smith profiles visual artists, writes about film and music (including Tár and Stormzy), takes readers on a walk through Kilburn High Road, and reflects on the deaths of several writers while considering political change and the idea of “the commons.”

   The 12156th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon