Swing Time + Prospector — Drinking While Reading

Feb 21

Feb 21 Swing Time + Prospector

“Swing Time” by Zadie Smith is a realistic, somewhat slow going story revolving around a very guarded unnamed narrator and her life trajectory from low-income housing resident to the globe-trotting assistant of a worldwide phnom popstar. She is constantly surrounded by many strong and decisive characters - a mother who knows her every next step; a friend who finds identity and reason in dance; an employer who was not only famous, but is trying to make a difference. Of course, all these characters have flaws, but they all press ahead toward real change. And the narrator seem to just float along - neither impassioned nor dispassionate, maybe just passive. Thematically complex and demanding with deep commentary around race relations, class relations, 1st and 3rd world relations and much more. Get into something heavy. (Published by Penguin UK)

Such a light title for such a heavy book. In some ways, it is a bit of a trick that broadsides the reader with complexity of themes that are woven with great skill throughout the book. Blackbird in Shanghai is the place to go to find the booze that matches this book. First, it has designed a fabulous space, day or night, to read, reflect, and really dig in. Second, it has a light and summer-like drink that embodies the lightness of the title, but also has the balance of taste and a mix of flavors that drags the drinker into the depths of a surprise complexity. Perfect drink and drink name - gotta get digging for meaning.

Prospector