On Beauty [Paperback]

Zadie Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007

Set in New England mainly and London partly, "On Beauty" concerns a pair of feuding families - the Belseys and the Kipps - and a clutch of doomed affairs. It puts low morals among high ideals and asks some searching questions about what life does to love. For the Belseys and the Kipps, the confusions - both personal and political - of our uncertain age are about to be brought close to home: right to the heart of family.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Zadie Smith was born in north-west London in 1975, and still lives in the area. She is the author of White Teeth, The Autograph Man and On Beauty.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Group(CA); First Printing edition (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014101945X
• ISBN-13: 978-0141019451
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #478,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Zadie Smith was born in North West London in 1975 and continues to live in the area. She is currently working on a second novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Story of Contrasts, October 23, 2011

By 

Alley2000 (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Beauty (Kindle Edition)

This is the story of two families, the Belseys and the Kipps. One based in London, the other in the States. One conservative and Christian and the other liberal and 'god-aversive'. The patriachs of each family are academics and take opposing views on artworks of Rembrant resulting in an 'academic fight' that encroaches on other areas of college life and is further intensified when their families become entwined through relationships between their children and wives.

The story is not only about the obvious clashes in viewpoint but a close examination of academia - the high morals, competitiveness, a critique of sorts of the meritocracy and the strange closeted environment of colleges.

Initially I found the story slow and was wondering what was the point, but the story really hits a home run in the last quarter.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Zadie Smith Forever!, February 28, 2011

By 

Katherine L. Holzman - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Beauty (Paperback)

I love this book- thought I couldn't love anything as much as White Teeth, but I was wrong. Such a clever story of two families, so honest and sad and funny and perfect.

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book I purchased, November 16, 2009

By 

Melissa S. Carmean (Fort Wayne IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Beauty (Paperback)

I loved it! The book was in wonderful shape (as described) and it turned out to be an amazing read. The price was reasonable even with the shipping charge. It appeared to have barely been touched let alone read! The only complaint that I have is that it took way too long to receive. I would say I didn't get the book until a week and a half after I placed my order. I wish it would have cone fasterm though I suppose I should try a different mailing option other than 'standard' so that was probably my fault, athough the book was supposed to be sent out within two business days after the order was placed and it certainly was not shipped until I would say four or five days.

Otherwise I was completely thrilled. I am happy that i went through this seller- they are very competent. I would gladly wait a week to get a book in such great condition as this instead of one that is all torn up. I am overall very pleased and will probably order from this seller again.