On Beauty

by Zadie Smith
On Beauty cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 680
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780141920160
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2006-07-06
  • Formats: 50
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99

From the celebrated author of 'White Teeth' and 'Swing Time,' 'On Beauty' is a brilliant and moving tale that delves into the intricacies of love and family dynamics. Set between New England and London, the novel follows the Belsey and Kipps families as their personal and political confusions collide, bringing the uncertainties of our age right to the heart of their relationships. The story is filled with humor, generosity, and contemporary sparkle, asking profound questions about what truly makes life beautiful. Praise for 'On Beauty' includes its ability to 'thrum with intellectual sass and know-how' and being 'satirical, wise, and sexy.' The novel has been recognized with prestigious awards and accolades, including being shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and winning the Women's Prize for Fiction.

Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader · 2018-07-18
Thought-provoking 4.20

The book is thought-provoking and sparks great conversations, making it a perfect choice for book club discussions.

The reviewer at Saturday Nite Reader finds 'On Beauty' to be a thought-provoking read that lends itself well to book club discussions. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the complex relationships explored in the novel. While not a light summer read, the reviewer suggests it's a great book to cozy up with and delve into its rich narrative. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and cultural differences is seen as particularly compelling, making it a memorable and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    It's a thought-provoking read and made for some good conversation at book club.

    It's not a summer vibe read, but may be a good read cozied up in ...

    The novel's exploration of family dynamics and cultural differences is seen as particularly compelling, making it a memorable and engaging read.

A Little Blog of Books · 2017-07-02
Intriguing 4.00

The characters may not be likeable, but they are intricately drawn and the novel's themes are thoughtfully explored. It's a book that rewards careful reading.

The reviewer appreciates the complexity of the characters in 'On Beauty', noting that while they may not be particularly likeable, they are deeply human and flawed. The novel's exploration of beauty, both aesthetic and moral, is seen as its strength. The reviewer also highlights the wit and intelligence that permeate the book, making it a rewarding read despite its challenges. They suggest that readers who take the time to engage with the text will find much to appreciate in Smith's storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The reviewers who awarded 'On Beauty' one star on Amazon seem to have missed the point that while the characters are not particularly likeable, ...

    It's a book that rewards careful reading.

    The novel's exploration of beauty, both aesthetic and moral, is seen as its strength.

The Guardian · James Lasdun · 2005-09-09
Witty 4.50

The novel is expansive and witty, with clear echoes of E.M. Forster's work, but it stands firmly on its own merits.

James Lasdun from The Guardian finds 'On Beauty' to be a witty and expansive novel that skillfully echoes E.M. Forster's work while carving out its own distinct identity. He praises Smith's ability to blend humor and depth, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Lasdun also notes the richness of the characters and the nuanced exploration of themes such as beauty, love, and family dynamics. The reviewer enjoys the novel's multicultural perspective and its modern take on classic literary themes.

Quick quotes

    James Lasdun enjoys echoes of Forster in Zadie Smith's expansive and witty new novel, On Beauty

    The novel is expansive and witty, with clear echoes of E.M. Forster's work, but it stands firmly on its own merits.

    He praises Smith's ability to blend humor and depth, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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