The Fraud

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death, racism, and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Had you read other novels by Zadie Smith before reading The Fraud? How would you compare this book to her other novels, such as White Teeth or Swing Time?

2. The Fraud is set in Victorian England. How familiar were you with the history and cultural norms of this era? Have you read literature from this period? If so, how was it different to read a work of historical fiction by a 21st-century author?

3. What, if anything, did you know about the Tichborne case prior to reading the novel? Why do you think this historical incident was interesting to Smith?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. In the novel, William Ainsworth finds some success as a novelist but is not able to maintain a successful career in the long term. Can you think of other examples of individuals who seemed to have talent but lack the ability to cultivate a sustainable career? What seems to differentiate someone who can maintain success over a long period of time?