The Fraud by Zadie Smith was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I picked this up because it mentioned chattel slavery in Jamaica, and I am working to learn more about my ancestry. The book was based on historical events, centering around the trial of Arthur Orton, who attempted to claim the estate of Sir Roger Tichborne. Andrew Bogle, a formally enslaved man from Jamaica, testified on Arthur Orton's behalf. Smith used many historical references to develop and flesh out this fictionalized account and explored various themes - can you be considered a fraud when you genuinely believe in what you're saying? If you have to essentially become 'a fraud' to survive as Andrew Bogle did? Pertaining to Eliza, are you being fraudulent to yourself when you don't fully live in your truth, particularly when you would have to fight against so many norms to do so?  

The story also addressed mob mentality in such a fantastic way. One statement summed it up so succinctly:  "But such dry and inconvenient facts were of no consequence here, in the ocean of feeling." 

The mention of Hope Plantation and Sam Sharpe led me to research further some prominent figures in Jamaica's history of slavery rebellions, which I appreciated. I understand that the plot structure may not have worked for many readers. At times it was offputting how often the story seemed to boomerang between past and present. But overall, I enjoyed the story, once I got through the first several chapters. I did NOT like most of the characters BUT the way the story was developed kept me engaged.