International Authors' Stage: Zadie Smith (UK)
Since Zadie Smith debuted with the novel White Teeth in 2000, she has established herself 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, J.K. 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 DKK 500,000.
Since her debut with White Teeth in 2000, Zadie Smith has established herself as one of the defining literary voices of her generation. Her writing spans essays, short stories, drama, children’s books and novels. Now you can experience her live in The Black Diamond.
Strong literature on cross-cultural encounters
One of the defining features of Smith’s writing is her unrivalled ability to speak across generations, cultures and classes. In sharp yet always humorous prose, she draws readers into multicultural environments populated by characters from different social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. At the heart of Smith’s writing are people shaped by their roots and surroundings.
Her novels are filled with misunderstandings and conflicts rooted in cultural and social differences. Yet Smith insists that people can always act despite the structures that shape them. This gives her writing both strength and courage.
“You simply become wiser by reading Zadie Smith.”
– Katrine Sommer Boysen, Jyllands-Posten
In the Queen’s Hall at The Black Diamond, Zadie Smith will be interviewed about her writing. During the conversation, readings from her novels and essays will also be included.
Participants
Zadie Smith (b. 1975) is one of the most important British writers of the 21st century. Her most recent Danish publications include the Danish translation of The Fraud (2024) and the essay collection Feel Free (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 audiences across the country. Check your local library’s programme to see whether the interview with Zadie Smith will be livestreamed there.
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.
