Lies are used daily as a powerful social and political asset, and there is an increasingly fine line separating farce from reality. From politicians who build their popularity on lies to fake gurus who make deception and manipulation a way of life. Why does imposture have thousands of followers? What are the consequences? At a time when being successful means going viral and our self-perception is increasingly tied to external validation, what role does imposture play in the construction of our identity? Is it possible to show ourselves as we are?

Since her debut with White Teeth (2000) at the age of 24, Zadie Smith has been hailed as one of the great contemporary writers. In her work she uses witty, incisive and ironic writing to explore the contradictions of the human condition against a constant backdrop of British colonialism. In this conversation, following her latest novel, Smith explores the fragility of the notion of truth.

This activity is part of the CCCB's "Talks for high school students" sessions and prior registration is required.