Book Review: The Fraud by Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith’s latest novel, The Fraud, takes readers on a journey through Victorian England, where class, race, and the concept of identity are explored through a real-life legal case that captivated the British public in the 19th century. The novel, as complex and layered as any of Smith’s previous works, is a masterclass in historical fiction, weaving together facts, imagination, and incisive social commentary.

Plot Overview

At the heart of The Fraud is the Tichborne Trial, a famous 19th-century legal dispute in which a working-class man claimed to be the long-lost heir of a wealthy aristocratic family. He was either a fraud or a tragic figure denied his rightful place in society. Smith masterfully anchors this legal drama through the lens of Eliza Touchette, the housekeeper to the famed but largely forgotten writer William Ainsworth, who was once a celebrated figure of the literary scene but whose star had long faded by the time of the trial.

Eliza’s story is one of sharp observation and wit, a woman navigating Victorian society’s strict limitations while offering pointed reflections on truth, art, and morality. Through her eyes, Smith examines the societal obsession with authenticity and the fluidity of identity—questions as relevant now as they were in Victorian times.

Themes

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its thematic depth. Smith deftly explores the performative nature of identity, particularly in a society built on rigid hierarchies of class and race. The novel’s title itself, The Fraud, invites readers to consider the nature of truth and deception. Who gets to determine the truth, and how do societal structures uphold or dismantle it? These questions pulse at the novel’s core.

Smith also highlights the disparities of the British class system, bringing into focus how easily the lines of identity and legitimacy can be blurred depending on one's social standing. The Tickborne claimant’s story parallels today’s discussions about race, identity, and social mobility. Through the character of Andrew Bogle, a formerly enslaved man from Jamaica who becomes a key witness in the trial, Smith also brings colonialism and the racial undercurrents of the empire into sharp relief. Bogle’s story echoes through time, a reminder of the human cost of Britain’s imperial project.

Characterization

Eliza Touchet is an exceptional protagonist—intelligent, fiercely independent, and unafraid to question the social norms of her time. Through her interactions with the faded literary circles of Victorian London, as well as her keen interest in the Tickborne case, she acts as a lens through which readers observe the hypocrisy of those in power and the shifting cultural landscape. Smith’s rendering of Eliza is both compassionate and cutting, allowing her to stand as a fully realized woman of her time while also resonating with modern sensibilities.

William Ainsworth, though a less central figure, provides an interesting commentary on the fickle nature of fame. Once a celebrated novelist, he now finds himself increasingly irrelevant, a condition that is contrasted against the public frenzy surrounding the Tickborne claimant. This juxtaposition cleverly underscores the novel’s exploration of who gets to tell stories and how society values certain narratives over others.

Andrew Bogle, whose life story is intimately tied to the legacy of slavery and colonialism, offers a profound counterpoint to the novel’s more privileged characters. His presence injects a powerful exploration of race and the legacies of empire into the heart of the novel, making The Fraud not just a work of historical fiction but also a meditation on the impact of Britain’s colonial past.

Style and Writing

Zadie Smith’s prose is, as always, sharp and deeply evocative. Her talent for capturing the rhythms of dialogue and the inner workings of her characters’ minds is on full display here. The narrative weaves through different time periods and perspectives, moving seamlessly from historical fact to literary invention. This blend of fact and fiction allows Smith to reflect not only on the specific events of the novel but also on the broader cultural shifts happening in 19th-century Britain.

Her attention to historical detail is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of Victorian London, complete with its bustling literary scene, crowded courtrooms, and rigid social structures. Yet, the novel never feels bogged down by its historical setting—Smith keeps the narrative lively and engaging, with moments of humor and sharp social critique that feel incredibly relevant to today’s world.

Final Thoughts

The Fraud is a thought-provoking and richly layered novel that uses history as a mirror to reflect on issues of identity, race, and truth that resonate deeply in our contemporary world. Zadie Smith has crafted a work that feels both timeless and timely, inviting readers to question the stories we tell about ourselves and the society we live in.

For fans of historical fiction, or those looking for a novel that challenges and engages, The Fraud is a must-read. Smith’s ability to blend real historical events with her own narrative brilliance makes this novel a standout in her already impressive body of work.