In her latest collection of essays, “Dead and Alive,” Zadie Smith pays homage to her late friend Martin Amis, reflecting on his significant influence on English literature. During a heartfelt eulogy at his memorial, she described Amis as “England’s only living writer,” a figure who transformed the English novel by moving it beyond the confines of traditional settings. Smith’s tribute to Amis is a blend of humor and emotion, but it notably overlooks his prowess as an essayist, an area where many critics now argue he excelled even beyond his novels.
As Smith delves into her own writing journey, she acknowledges that while she has penned six novels since her debut, “White Teeth,” at the age of 24, her essay collection is rapidly expanding, now reaching its fourth installment. She feels a hint of embarrassment regarding the ease of essay writing, stating, “Essays are easy; fiction is hard,” yet her mastery in the form is evident throughout the thirty essays comprising this collection.
The essays tackle a wide range of topics, from art criticism and film reviews to reflections on major global issues like Trump, Gaza, and the Labour Party. Personal narratives, such as a humorous tale of her teenage clumsiness and an accidental fall from a window, add charm and relatability to her insights. With the freedom for readers to engage at their own pace, some essays resonate more than others, particularly pieces that address the complexities of representation in fiction.
Smith’s essay “Fascinated to Presume: In Defence of Fiction” stands out as a thoughtful exploration of whether authors can authentically portray experiences vastly different from their own. Despite acknowledging the concerns surrounding racial stereotypes, she argues that fiction inherently requires imagining lives outside one’s personal experiences. She emphasizes the bonds that link various human conditions, noting, “Husbands know a great deal about wives, after all, and wives about husbands.”
Throughout the collection, Smith critiques the impact of smartphones and algorithms on creativity, advocating for a deliberate unplugging from technology to nurture imagination. She offers practical advice for budding writers: “Protect your consciousness,” encouraging them to step away from their devices to foster deeper thoughts and creativity.
The essays also provide a glimpse into Smith’s personal interactions, such as a memorable encounter with Hilary Mantel, showcasing her candid reflections and the innocence of early literary admiration.
In this enlightening collection, Zadie Smith invites readers into her reflections and critiques, revealing the playfulness and thoughtfulness behind her writing process. “Dead and Alive” stands as a tribute to friendship, literary evolution, and a call to embrace authenticity in both writing and life. This collection captures the essence of Smith’s voice, assuring her status as one of the most compelling literary figures of our time.