International Authors' Stage: Zadie Smith (UK)
Since Zadie Smith debuted with the novel White Teeth in 2000, she has made her mark on the literary scene as one of the sharpest voices of her generation. Now you can experience her live in The Black Diamond.
Zadie Smith receives the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Prize
Zadie Smith visits Denmark and The Black Diamond in connection with her receiving the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Literature Prize. The prize celebrates Andersen's influence on authors worldwide by honouring those whose genres or storytelling style show traces of Andersen's rich works. Previous recipients include Paulo Coelho, JK Rowling, Isabel Allende, Haruki Murakami, Margaret Atwood and others. The recipient is honoured with the bronze sculpture "The Ugly Duckling" by sculptor Stine Ring Hansen, a diploma and 500,000 Danish kroner.
Since Zadie Smith debuted in 2000 with the novel White Teeth, she has made her mark on the literary scene as one of the sharpest voices of her generation. Her writing has an impressive range and includes essays, short stories, drama, children's books and novels. And now you can experience her live in The Black Diamond.
Strong literature on cross-cultural meetings
One thing that runs through Smith's writing is her unrivaled ability to stretch across generations, cultures and classes. In sharp but always humorous language, Smith takes her reader into multicultural environments – with characters from different social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. It is precisely the human being as shaped by his roots which is central to Smith's literature.
Her novels are filled with misunderstandings and conflicts rooted in cultural and social differences. Yet Smith insists that humans can always act, despite the binding structures they are subject to. This gives Smith's books enormous strength and courage.
“You simply become wiser by reading Zadie Smith.”
– Katrine Sommer Boysen, Jyllands-Posten
In The Black Diamond concert hall, the Queen's Hall, Zadie Smith will be interviewed about her writing. During the interview, readings from Smith's novels and essays will be included.
Participants
Zadie Smith (b. 1975) is one of the most important British writers of the 21st century. Her most recent Danish works include The Deceiver in 2024 and the essay collection Frit spil in 2025. She lives in North West London, where she was born and raised.
Experience the event at your public library
Royal Danish Library is collaborating with Danish public libraries to bring live events from The Black Diamond to the entire country. Check your local public library's schedule to see if your library is livestreaming the interview with Zadie Smith.
The event is part of the series International Authors' Stage
Photo: Malthe Ivarsson / Det Kgl. Bibliotek
Meet the greatest authors of the time from all over the world for in-depth conversations in The Black Diamond's beautiful event hall, the Queen's Hall. International Authors' Stage was founded in 2008, and has since hosted more than 150 authors from around the world.
