Intimations

Intimations is a collection of six essays written by Zadie Smith during the early months of 2020. The book was composed between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in the United States. The essays explore Smith's observations and experiences during lockdown in New York City, examining daily routines, personal interactions, and social dynamics. Smith combines personal narrative with broader cultural commentary, addressing topics from creative writing to systemic inequality. Each piece stands as an independent reflection while contributing to a larger examination of time, privilege, and human connection during crisis. The slim volume maintains a concise focus, with proceeds from the book's sale designated for charity. The collection captures a specific historical moment while engaging with universal questions about how individuals and societies respond to upheaval and change. Through these essays, Smith considers the relationship between personal experience and collective responsibility.

Readers describe Intimations as a raw, thoughtful reflection on the early months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Many note its brevity (under 100 pages) and intimate, diary-like quality. Readers appreciated: - Clear, precise observations about race, class, and privilege - Honest examination of writing during crisis - The essay "Contempt as a Virus" resonated with many - Short length made it digestible during difficult times Common criticisms: - Too short for the price point - Some essays feel underdeveloped - Content can feel scattered and disconnected - Several readers wanted more depth on personal experiences Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,000+ ratings) Book Marks: Positive Reader quote: "Like having a long conversation with a smart friend about what we've all been through" - Goodreads review Critical quote: "Beautiful writing but leaves you wanting more substance" - Amazon review

Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie A meditation on loss during COVID-19 that pairs personal experience with cultural observations about mourning in a time of global crisis.

The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack Scientific reflections on cosmic doom mesh with human-scale contemplations about finding meaning in uncertain times.

Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald Essays weave natural history with personal experience to examine human relationships with nature during times of environmental and social change.

Had I Known by Barbara Ehrenreich Social commentary essays tackle systemic inequalities and cultural shifts through both journalistic observation and personal narrative.

Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong Poetry and prose fragments capture the essence of loss, family, and identity during periods of personal and societal transformation.

🖋️ Smith wrote Intimations in just two weeks during the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. 🎓 The author donated her royalties from this book to charity, specifically the Equal Justice Initiative and The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. 📚 This was Zadie Smith's first essay collection since "Feel Free" (2018) and marks a significant departure from her usual fiction writing. 🌍 The book was written while Smith was unexpectedly stranded in New York, away from her native London, due to pandemic travel restrictions. 🏆 Intimations won the 2020 Pen/Audible Literary Service Award, recognizing Smith's contribution to literature during a critical moment in history.