A review by maecaitlin
The Fraud by Zadie Smith

emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Very Dickensian style of writing that made it difficult for me to get into, but I can appreciate how others would be drawn to this style. Smith utilises this style in quite a clever way for her narrative with her take being much more inclusive and critical of wider systemic oppression. 

As someone with no prior knowledge of the Tichborne Trial, I was fully immersed in the complexities and scandal. Having read some of Smith’s Grand Union stories, I enjoyed her switch to historical fiction.

This was a freebie, but I would recommend to anyone with an interest in Victorian literature.
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