Zadie Smith’s The Fraud is a captivating historical novel that weaves fact and fiction to explore the intricate web of identity, justice, and morality in 19th-century England. Set against the backdrop of the infamous Tichborne trial, the story follows Eliza Touchet, a sharp and observant housekeeper, who becomes entangled in the unfolding legal drama. Eliza, caught between the rigid expectations of her time and her own intellectual curiosity, observes as a young servant, Andrew Bogle—who claims to be the rightful heir to a wealthy family—becomes the focus of national attention. Through Eliza’s eyes, Smith delves into the trial’s impact on questions of race, class, and truth. As the narrative unfolds, the novel also explores Eliza’s relationships, including her complicated bond with the struggling novelist William Ainsworth. With meticulous historical detail and Smith’s characteristic wit, The Fraud examines the ways in which stories are shaped by those who tell them, and how power, belief, and deception collide.
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The Fraud – Zadie Smith
£120.00
The Fraud by Zadie Smith is a historical novel set during the Tichborne trial in 19th-century England. It follows Eliza Touchet, a sharp housekeeper caught between her duties and her fascination with justice. The novel blends fact and fiction to explore themes of identity, class, and deception.
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