White Teeth is a multicultural tapestry set in Northern London from the late sixties to the early nineties. Figuring prominently, are several families – two of whom are headed by WWII veterans who nurture a most unlikely friendship: Archibald Jones, a hopelessly indecisive white Brit and Samad Iqbal, a Bengali-born immigrant clinging to his Muslim heritage. The novel follows the lives of Archie and Samad, their extended families, and associates as they, haunted by the past, face some of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that life unleashes – including: racism, anarchy, adolescent drug abuse, bioengineering fears, changing sexual behaviors, and cults. At book’s end, a decades-old lie resurfaces to Archie’s dismay. Warning: gratuitous use of the “f-word”. Somewhat weak plot - but sharp, witty dialogue makes this a winner!

Reviewed by Susanne W., South County Regional

See more titles featured in ALA Notable Books

See more titles featured in Best Novels of the Decade (2000-2010)

Add your comments about this book