On Beauty

Zadie Smith

A good fat readable story full of interesting characters, black white English Caribbean Mexican and American. Set here and the USA. Very funny about American campus life and Glee Club singers. Strongly recommended.
Doreen 9/10/05

This book was far too long. Gill took a long time to read it and did not think it worthwhile. It is beautifully written with some humour; people and places are described well, but the plot is weak and unoriginal.
Gill 11/12/05

The whole book is based on the story of Howard's End, although it is set in New England, which Andrew liked. The E.M. Forster link almost put Andrew off it, but it turned out that it was not necessary to know anything about his book to enjoy this one. The characters were likable and Andrew thought the book was "OK".
Andrew 11/12/05

In what must be a record Christine gave up after the first page!
Christine 5/2/06

There’s not much of a plot and Bob didn’t like it. The novel sets up a conflict between two families but it never really gets anywhere. Page after page nothing happens and Bob just wished it would end.
Bob 9/4/06

By the same author

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.