"Feel Free: Essays" by Zadie Smith is a collection of essays that dive deep into the depths of humanity and challenge readers to see the world in a new light. These essays explore the beauty and complexity of human nature, often blending Smith’s own personal experiences with the wider philosophical concerns of today’s society.
The collection of essays opens with “Joy”, in which Smith examines the roller-coaster of emotion that comes with the fleeting experience of joy, both in its simplest forms and its largest. This essay is full of honest reflections from Smith’s own life, exploring how joy found her in her times of greatest vulnerability.
From there Smith moves onto “Feminism”, an essay that dives deep into the contemporary issues of feminism and questions how and why it has become such a powerful movement in the modern world. She highlights the need for significant improvements within the feminist movement, and how men and women alike must challenge the prejudice and inequality that still exists.
Next is “Reading”, which explores Smith’s long-standing love affair with books and literature. This essay looks at the power of reading and how books can become trusted confidants, helping us grapple with our innermost thoughts and emotions. Smith demonstrates her true belief in the power of literature to move and inspire, an idea that resonates with readers age after age.
The fourth essay is an exploration of identity and race, entitled “Race”. Here, Smith examines the long-standing battles that have been fought between those who define themselves by their race, often leading to conflict and animosity. She questions what it means to identify ourselves and how we can use this to create a more accepting and open society.
The fifth and final essay in the collection is “Writing” which muses on the mysterious power of writing and how it can help us make sense of our lives. This essay reflects on Smith’s 45-year relationship with the written word, questioning how and why it has become such an integral part of her life and how it can help us heal, express and learn.
Overall, “Feel Free: Essays” by Zadie Smith is a thought-provoking and powerful collection of essays. Full of vivid, poetic language and honest reflections, Smith’s essays take a deep dive into the complexities of human life, and serve as a reminder that every person has a unique story to tell. The messages in these essays will stay with readers long after the book is closed.
