Zadie Smith's On Beauty is praised for its sharp wit, complex characters, and exploration of cultural and personal identity. Critics admire its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and the clash of liberal and conservative ideals. Some find its pacing uneven and its conclusion lacking resolution. Overall, it is lauded as a thought-provoking and richly textured novel.

A reader who would enjoy On Beauty by Zadie Smith likely appreciates complex family dynamics, sharp social commentary, and rich character development. Fans of E.M. Forster's Howards End or Jeffrey Eugenides's Middlesex will find similar themes of cultural clash and identity. The novel appeals to those who enjoy exploring race, class, and aesthetics in modern society.

On Beauty by Zadie Smith follows the Belsey family, dealing with internal and external conflicts involving race, identity, and personal relationships. Howard Belsey, an art historian, and his wife Kiki navigate marital strife, while their children Jerome, Zora, and Levi grapple with their cultural identities. The family's complexities are heightened by Howard's feud with Monty Kipps, a conservative academic whose values clash with the Belseys'.

Contemplative / Humorous / Emotional / Bittersweet / Romantic

- Zadie Smith's novel On Beauty won the 2006 Orange Prize for Fiction, which celebrates excellence, originality, and accessibility in women's writing worldwide.
- On Beauty is inspired by E.M. Forster's novel Howards End, and Smith has mentioned that this classic work served as a template for her exploration of family and cultural dynamics.
- The novel was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005, marking it as a critical favorite soon after its publication.

**Howard Belsey**  
An English academic living in America, navigating personal and ideological conflicts while attempting to escape his past.

**Kiki Belsey**  
Howard's resilient and empathetic wife, who provides stability for her family amidst personal challenges.

**Monty Kipps**  
Howard's academic rival, a conservative scholar whose personal and professional life contrasts with Howard's ideals.

**Jerome Belsey**  
The eldest Belsey son, who finds common ground between his family and the Kipps, embracing aspects of their differing worldviews.

**Zora Belsey**  
A college sophomore and the Belseys' daughter, dedicated to academia but grappling with personal and social identity issues.

**Levi Belsey**  
The youngest Belsey son, who explores his identity as a young Black man while navigating influences from culture and his privileged background.

Zadie Smith

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore On Beauty reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read On Beauty | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore On Beauty and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

On Beauty

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read On Beauty?

Reading Age

Book Details