The fraud zadie smith

Inspired by a real-life extraordinary court case, The Fraud by Zadie Smith examines the acceptable lies we tell ourselves in order to survive.

The White Teeth author on authenticity, literature, and making connections.

The historical fiction novel centers on a real-life Victorian Era trial. Smith says she doesn't look back on the past with a sense of superiority: In her view, human life is "a continued struggle."

As is characteristic of Smith’s writing, the book invites the reader to question what it means to be human by asking us to question who is telling the truth.

This well-researched book brings to life the odd case of Sir Roger Tichborne and those around him.

After 17 years abroad, Zadie Smith has returned to her literary stomping ground of north London. She talks about fame, therapy and finding inspiration for her new historical novel on her doorstep

Narrated by the author, this story of a Victorian author and his housekeeper cousin, who is obsessed by the Tichborne claimant, explores the lies people tell themselves

We discuss sensationalism, the malleability of truth, and the currentness of her fiction.

Zed contributors review the latest hot novels from vaunted writers like Ann Patchett, Zadie Smith, Justin Cronin and Emma Cline

The author reads her latest novel about literary prestige, empire and a case of false identity that captivated 19th-century England.