Zadie Smith's latest book Swingtime tells the story of two childhood friends whose upbringings are worlds apart who both dream of becoming dancers. As they grow their lives diverge, their friendship ends but it seems that neither can quite forget the other.
As the book progresses it concentrates on the unnamed protagonist, now a personal assistant to Aimee, a Madonna like superstar. When her job takes her to Africa where Aimee is sponsoring a school for girls, she begins to question many things both around and about her.
I loved Swingtime so much! It is an absorbing story beautifully told. The prose, the plot, the characterisations, all were excellent.
So many themes were expertly explored in this book - friendship, family, race, class, identity, fame, the complexities of aid and philanthrophy - the list goes on - and they were all deftly written into the story line without detracting from it in any way.
I enjoyed Swingtime so much and came away thinking of so many things that I plan to go back and read the books that I have missed by this author.
Recommended.
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