I was floored by how much I enjoyed this book. In the way of most contemporary fiction, I can’t easily articulate why I enjoyed this book. I found myself immersed in the drama of the Belsey family, and loved watching the dynamics play out between the characters. This was a family which felt fully realized in all their love for each other and history and flaws. Smith shines in her portrayal of not only what makes each character tick, but the way their lives fit alongside one another and everything which influences the state of their relationships to each other.

This is a gorgeously rendered, and dynamically exciting and dramatic story of a family in flux. Though heavily focused on the characters, the plot of this novel clips along, dropping bombshells that will leave no one unchanged. I can't wait to read more Zadie Smith.