Swing Time (novel)

Swing Time is a 2016 novel by British author Zadie Smith. It explores themes of race, class, identity, and the complexities of female friendship. The novel follows the lives of two unnamed biracial girls growing up in northwest London in the 1980s who share a passion for dance, particularly tap. While both girls dream of becoming dancers, their paths diverge significantly.

One girl, who serves as the narrator, lacks the natural talent of the other but becomes involved in the world of dance through a famous Australian singer, Aimee, for whom she works as an assistant. The other girl, Tracey, possesses exceptional talent but struggles with self-destructive tendencies and the limitations imposed by her social and economic circumstances.

The narrative shifts between the narrator's childhood in London and her adult life traveling the world with Aimee, particularly her work in a West African village where Aimee is funding a school. The novel contrasts the experiences of the two girls, highlighting the different opportunities and challenges they face due to race, class, and personality.

Swing Time also examines the complexities of cultural appropriation, particularly in relation to dance and music. It explores the ways in which African American and African culture are consumed and sometimes misrepresented by the Western world. The novel also delves into the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships, the impact of history on personal identity, and the search for belonging and purpose.