Author Zadie Smith has emerged as a new voice in contemporary British literature since the publication of her debut novel White Teeth in 2000, and her broad-ranging themes and admitted indebtedness to authors such as E.M. Forster have led critics to associate her work with both the British and the Black British literary tradition. Editor Walters (literature, Stony Brook U.) presents critical essays examining how Smith's stories interrogate race, postcolonialism, and identity. The publication is divided into two sections. The first examines the author's discussions of postmodernism, history, cultural alienation, and exile. The second section examines Smith's exploration of nationhood, racial and gender identity, cultural nationalism, and religious fundamentalism. Twelve contributors, all from Europe or the United States, provide the 12 essays. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)