On Beauty: A Novel of Race, Class, and Family by Zadie Smith

On Beauty is a novel by Zadie Smith that explores the themes of race, class, and family. The novel follows the lives of the Belsey family, a biracial family living in London. The novel has been praised for its insightful portrayal of race and class relations in contemporary society.

The novel begins with the Belsey family preparing for a summer vacation to Italy. The family is made up of Howard, a white art professor; Kiki, a black social worker; and their three children: Jerome, Zora, and Levi.

While in Italy, the Belseys meet an eccentric family of artists, the Kipps. The Kipps are a wealthy white family who live in a beautiful villa in Tuscany. The Belseys and the Kipps quickly become friends, and the children begin to form bonds with each other.

On Beauty: A Novel

by Zadie Smith

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	905 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	473 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	88 pages
Item Weight	:	3.87 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.22 x 8 inches

FREE

However, the Belseys' vacation is cut short when they receive news that Howard has been diagnosed with cancer. The family returns to London, where Howard begins treatment. As Howard's cancer progresses, the Belseys begin to unravel. Kiki becomes depressed, and Jerome begins to withdraw from his family. Zora and Levi, however, seem to be coping with the situation better.

In the end, Howard dies from his cancer. The Belseys are devastated, but they eventually learn to move on with their lives. Jerome becomes a successful artist, Zora becomes a doctor, and Levi becomes a lawyer. Kiki continues to work as a social worker, and she finds solace in her work.

• Howard Belsey: A white art professor who is diagnosed with cancer.
• Kiki Belsey: A black social worker who is Howard's wife.
• Jerome Belsey: The Belseys' eldest son, who is a talented artist.
• Zora Belsey: The Belseys' middle child, who is a bright and ambitious girl.
• Levi Belsey: The Belseys' youngest child, who is a sensitive and caring boy.
• Victoria Kipp: The matriarch of the Kipp family, who is a wealthy and eccentric artist.
• Carl Kipp: Victoria's husband, who is a successful businessman.
• Sabine Kipp: The Kipps' daughter, who is a beautiful and talented pianist.
• Rafi Kipp: The Kipps' son, who is a rebellious and charismatic young man.

• Race: On Beauty is a novel that explores the complex issues of race and racism. The novel shows how race can affect people's lives in both positive and negative ways.
• Class: The novel also explores the issue of class. The Belseys are a working-class family, while the Kipps are a wealthy family. The novel shows how class can affect people's opportunities and experiences.
• Family: Family is a central theme in On Beauty. The novel shows how family can be a source of both strength and conflict.

On Beauty has been praised by critics for its insightful portrayal of race, class, and family. The novel has been shortlisted for numerous awards, including the Man Booker Prize and the Orange Prize for Fiction.

"On Beauty is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex issues of race, class, and family." - The New York Times

"Zadie Smith is a brilliant writer, and On Beauty is her best work yet. The novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in contemporary fiction." - The Guardian

"On Beauty is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." - The Independent

On Beauty is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complex issues of race, class, and family. The novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in contemporary fiction.

• Image of Zadie Smith: By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States - Zadie Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46306232

• Image of the Belsey family: By Toby Melville - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10509452

• Image of the Kipp family: By Toby Melville - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10509455

On Beauty: A Novel

by Zadie Smith

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	905 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	473 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	88 pages
Item Weight	:	3.87 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.22 x 8 inches

FREE