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In an author's note, Zadie Smith acknowledges her structural debt to E.M. Forster, particularly drawing inspiration from his work on class differences. She enhances this theme by incorporating race, politics, and gender, crafting a contemporary narrative rich in diverse voices. The story centers on Howard Belsey, a middle-class white liberal Englishman teaching at Wellington, a thinly veiled Ivy League school. A Rembrandt scholar struggling with his marriage and career, Howard's life is complicated by his wife, Kiki, a competent black Floridian medical worker, and their outspoken children: Jerome, Zora, and Levi. The family is open about their issues, discussing everything from Howard's infidelity to their individual aspirations. In parallel, the Kipps family represents a contrasting perspective. Monty, a wealthy conservative Christian and fellow Rembrandt scholar, is at odds with Howard. His wife, Carlene, remains emotionally detached, while their children, Michael and Victoria, navigate their own identities, with Victoria defying her father's expectations. The tension escalates when Jerome, seeking refuge from his father's scandal, becomes involved with Victoria, leading to further complications. Smith skillfully weaves together themes of class, race, and gender, offering insightful, often humorous commentary on both liberal and conservative viewpoints. Her keen observations expose the vulnerabilities of her characters, sho