Zadie Smith's The Fraud is a historical novel set in Victorian London, exploring the true story of the Tichborne case, one of the longest trials in British history. Through the lens of this sensational fraud case, Smith examines themes of identity, authenticity, class, and the stories we tell to claim our place in the world. The novel becomes a meditation on imposture in all its forms, asking what makes someone "real" and who gets to decide.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Smith understands that fraud isn't just about lying, it's about the gap between who we are and who we claim to be. This novel reminds us that identity is always partly performance, and that the line between authentic and fake is never as clear as we'd like to believe.

DETAILS: • Author: Zadie Smith • Publisher: Penguin Books • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: September 3, 2024 • ISBN: 9780525558989 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days