NW

by Zadie Smith
NW cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 371
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9780241963487
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-09-06
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

NW, by Zadie Smith, is a masterful and intimate novel set in modern London, following four characters—Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan—who have grown up on the same council estate but have since taken divergent paths. The narrative explores their lives as they move through different social spheres, revealing how their pasts and choices intertwine and unravel in unexpected ways. The novel is praised for its rich social comedy, sharp observations, and vibrant portrayal of urban life, blending humor and poignancy with a contemporary edge. The story delves into themes of class, race, and personal transformation, particularly through Natalie’s journey from her humble beginnings as Keisha to a successful lawyer living an affluent life, and Felix’s tragic struggle with addiction and violence. The novel’s experimental style shifts between perspectives and narrative forms, capturing the vitality and contradictions of London’s NW area. Ultimately, NW is a deeply human exploration of friendship, ambition, and the search for meaning amid the pressures of modern city life.

Reviews
wordsarelife.co.uk · 2019-04-25
authentic 3.75

The novel is recognized as a character study with a focus on everyday life in NW London, emphasizing the authenticity of its characters and their struggles. It is appreciated for its realistic depiction of complex social dynamics and personal dilemmas.

The reviewer sees NW primarily as a character-driven narrative that delves deeply into the daily realities of life in a London neighborhood. The book’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of individuals navigating socio-economic challenges and personal conflicts without grandiose plot devices. The focus on character study allows readers to connect with the nuanced emotional and social experiences of the protagonists, making the novel a compelling exploration of identity and community in a modern urban setting.

Quick quotes

    It is more of a character study type of book.

    This is NW. This is what happens in NW on a day-to-day basis.

    The novel captures the complex social dynamics of the neighborhood.

LitCharts · 2019-04-25
insightful 4.20

NW is a detailed character study that explores the intertwined lives of four Londoners, focusing on themes of class, identity, and personal struggle.

This review underscores NW as a multi-faceted character study that weaves together the lives of four protagonists from the NW London area. The narrative delves deeply into their personal and social challenges, including issues such as drug addiction, identity transformation, and the tension between past and present. It highlights how the novel examines the complexity of upward mobility and the impact of environment on individual destinies, portraying a nuanced and sometimes harsh reality of contemporary urban life.

Quick quotes

    NW is more of a character study type of book.

    This is what happens in NW on a day-to-day basis.

    The novel explores themes of race, class, and gender through intertwined lives.

His Futile Preoccupations - WordPress.com · 2012-09-23
complex 4.00

NW is described as a brilliant but challenging novel that captures the vibrant, diverse lives of its characters within a socially complex London neighborhood. The narrative style is eclectic and richly layered, reflecting the social and racial intricacies of the area.

The reviewer admires NW for its ambitious and vibrant storytelling that paints a lively portrait of NW London, specifically Willesden. They note the novel’s complexity and experimental narrative style, which some readers might find difficult but rewarding. The story centers on two childhood friends whose lives diverge dramatically, raising questions about maturity and social mobility. The novel’s strength lies in its vivid depiction of class, race, and identity, conveyed through a multitude of voices and perspectives that make the setting come alive.

Quick quotes

    NW ‘brilliant but difficult’.

    A vibrant cacophony of voices and colliding lives in this exploration of class and race.

    Has Natalie matured, or is maturity just another way of describing an upwardly mobile, affluent life?

The Independent · 2012-08-30
vibrant 4.25

The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of contemporary London life, capturing the complexity and vitality of the city and its inhabitants. It presents a knotty, raucous narrative that reflects ongoing social tensions without offering easy resolutions.

This review highlights NW as a richly textured and dynamic novel that immerses readers into the diverse and challenging realities of London’s NW postcode area. The story is described as knotty and raucous, reflecting persistent social conflicts and the complexities of the characters’ lives. The narrative does not simplify or resolve these tensions but portrays them with vitality and honesty, making the novel a resonant social commentary. The reviewer appreciates Zadie Smith’s ability to convey the city’s atmosphere and the struggles of its residents with nuance and energy.

Quick quotes

    NW – her fourth novel – tells us that the quarrel goes on, as knotty and raucous as ever.

    Truce or settlement looks as far away as ever.

    The novel is brimming with vitality as the city itself.

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