Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

Author: Penguin Books UK November 6, 2025 Duration: 56:01

Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth? Where does Zadie Smith turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your reading dilemmas - whether you're after fascinating memoirs, this year's pick of prize-winning books, or stories perfect for Autumn. 


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Zadie Smtih is one of the most distinctive, exciting and widely loved writers of her generation: she’s the twice shortlisted, once winner of the Women's Prize, also shortlisted for the Booker and has been twice named among Granta’s Best Young British Novelists. Her debut, White Teeth, blazed onto the best-seller lists, and established her as a defining generational voice. Her follow-up work includes the critically and commercially acclaimed NW, On Beauty, and Swing Time. Zadie Smith’s latest work is Dead and Alive: the keenly awaited new collection of essays, in which she brings her unique skills and observations to bear across a dazzling range of subjects.


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Ever find yourself staring at a bookshelf, utterly paralysed by choice, or finishing a masterpiece only to feel that peculiar emptiness of not knowing where to go next? Ask Penguin is for that exact moment. Guided by host Rhianna Dhillon, this podcast from Penguin Books UK transforms those universal readerly dilemmas into lively conversation. Each episode tackles real questions from listeners-the quirky, the tricky, the desperately urgent-about what to read next. The answers don’t come from an algorithm, but from genuine dialogue with bestselling authors and the editors, designers, and passionate insiders who help bring books to life. You’ll find yourself revisiting beloved classics with fresh eyes and being introduced to hidden gems you might have otherwise missed. It’s a warm, insightful space that feels like having a brilliant friend in the publishing world, one who knows that a great book recommendation is about more than just plot; it’s about connection, mood, and the next perfect story waiting to crack open your world. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that celebrate the sheer breadth of literature, from page-turning fiction to groundbreaking non-fiction, all within the vibrant landscape of arts and culture. This is where curiosity meets its match, and your next favourite read is always just an episode away.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Ask Penguin
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 26:37
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Duration: 24:40
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Duration: 30:22
Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best ho…
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Duration: 43:48
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