Zadie Smith's latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, offers a thought-provoking exploration of our anxious age, tackling topics from social media to the politics of creativity. In these pieces, Smith masterfully distills complex ideas into accessible language, yet often struggles with the vernacular of younger generations.
One of the most striking aspects of her work is its ability to evoke a sense of disconnection, particularly in her observations on how childhood memories have given way to the "anxious, permanent now" of social media. In this era where our online presence is ever-present, even Smith herself feels alienated from her own experiences.
Smith's critiques of cultural commentary are biting and insightful, yet often marred by an awkward tendency to invoke youthful slang, which can feel like a contrived attempt to appear hip. Her identification with the protagonist of Todd Field's Tár serves as a powerful metaphor for existential anxiety, but some readers may find her self-pity tinged with elitism.
When it comes to discussing cultural appropriation and identity, Smith strikes a sensible middle ground, advocating for minority artists to be allowed "to make work without shame." Her emphasis on the complexity of human relationships is a welcome respite from the reductive pieties that often dominate the cultural conversation.
In her thoughtful analysis of James Baldwin's writing process, Smith reminds us that creativity is about submitting oneself to one's consciousness and then exploring what that might mean for our conscience. This advice is beyond reproach, though some readers may find it slightly commonsensical.
However, when it comes to actual politics, Smith's positions are less assured. Her 2024 New Yorker op-ed on the war in Gaza was criticized for being equivocal, and she has since added her signature to an open letter acknowledging Israel's actions as genocidal. This episode raises questions about Smith's ability to navigate complex issues with precision.
In a broader sense, Smith's nostalgia for analogue-era television is poignant, yet feels like a nostalgic fantasy in the age of algorithms. Her assertion that stories have value over soundbites feels like an article of faith, and one that may be difficult to reconcile with our current reality.
Ultimately, Dead and Alive feels like a book by Zadie Smith – both brilliant and flawed, with moments of stunning insight and awkward missteps. As we navigate the complexities of our anxious age, her essays offer a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be alive in this moment.
One of the most striking aspects of her work is its ability to evoke a sense of disconnection, particularly in her observations on how childhood memories have given way to the "anxious, permanent now" of social media. In this era where our online presence is ever-present, even Smith herself feels alienated from her own experiences.
Smith's critiques of cultural commentary are biting and insightful, yet often marred by an awkward tendency to invoke youthful slang, which can feel like a contrived attempt to appear hip. Her identification with the protagonist of Todd Field's Tár serves as a powerful metaphor for existential anxiety, but some readers may find her self-pity tinged with elitism.
When it comes to discussing cultural appropriation and identity, Smith strikes a sensible middle ground, advocating for minority artists to be allowed "to make work without shame." Her emphasis on the complexity of human relationships is a welcome respite from the reductive pieties that often dominate the cultural conversation.
In her thoughtful analysis of James Baldwin's writing process, Smith reminds us that creativity is about submitting oneself to one's consciousness and then exploring what that might mean for our conscience. This advice is beyond reproach, though some readers may find it slightly commonsensical.
However, when it comes to actual politics, Smith's positions are less assured. Her 2024 New Yorker op-ed on the war in Gaza was criticized for being equivocal, and she has since added her signature to an open letter acknowledging Israel's actions as genocidal. This episode raises questions about Smith's ability to navigate complex issues with precision.
In a broader sense, Smith's nostalgia for analogue-era television is poignant, yet feels like a nostalgic fantasy in the age of algorithms. Her assertion that stories have value over soundbites feels like an article of faith, and one that may be difficult to reconcile with our current reality.
Ultimately, Dead and Alive feels like a book by Zadie Smith – both brilliant and flawed, with moments of stunning insight and awkward missteps. As we navigate the complexities of our anxious age, her essays offer a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be alive in this moment.
. She's speaking from her own experiences & emotions, which makes her words feel so authentic 
. The part about social media making us feel disconnected is SO relatable 
. I also appreciate her emphasis on creativity being about exploring our consciousness - it's a great reminder to be more mindful of how we make art 
. But yeah, she does use some slang that can feel a bit forced 
. Overall, though, Dead and Alive feels like a powerful reflection of our anxious age 
. I'm definitely adding this one to my reading list ASAP 
I mean, I get why Zadie Smith's trying to speak to younger gen but sometimes feels like she's phoning it in with that slang thing... 
and yeah, her op-ed on Gaza was a bit meh... 
still, her thoughts on identity and creativity are so relatable! 
can't wait to dive into Dead and Alive myself! 
but sometimes she comes across as out of touch with younger people's language and experiences 
still, her insights on cultural commentary and identity are super valuable 
only wish she was more nuanced in her politics 
and I gotta say, she's like a sister who's also your oldest sibling - you love her but sometimes she just doesn't get it 
. Her take on social media is so spot on, I've been feeling like I'm drowning in a sea of curated perfection 
. And her advice to submit to one's consciousness? Yeah, that's the stuff 
. Like, where's the fire? You feel me? Still, overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who's anxious or just trying to figure out what's going on in this crazy world 
.
. I mean, can you blame her? Social media is like, literally, the only thing everyone cares about anymore 
. Her thoughts on cultural appropriation are everything and more - so glad she's speaking out about that 
. Just wish the rest of her essays were a bit less...safe