Her first novel, “Showing Teeth,” made Zadie Smith famous worldwide. In the interview, the author explains why historical truth is more important to her than political correctness. And clears up a misunderstanding about her new book.
Zadie Smith has been considered a brilliant observer of the present. Her first historical novel is now available. In “Fraud” Smith retells one of the most famous scandals in British judicial history. In the 19th century, a rude man poses as the son of the rich Lady Tichborne, who has been missing for ten years. The court case surrounding the impostor pits rich against poor.
The star meets Zadie Smith in a historic villa in Berlin Grunewald – under meter-high, wood-paneled ceilings with gold ornaments, lit by huge chandeliers. Smith is tired from the flight, collapses into a leather chair and orders some tea.