Zadie Smith on Politics, Turning Fifty, and Mind Control

The author's new essay collection, "Dead and Alive," addresses debates on representation in literature, feminism, and how our phones have radicalized us. Since Zadie Smith published her début novel, " White Teeth," twenty-five years ago, she has been a bold and original voice in literature. But those who aren't familiar with Smith's work outside of fiction are missing out. As an essayist, in and other publications, Smith writes with great nuance about culture, technology, gentrification, politics. "There's really not a topic that wouldn't benefit from her insight," David Remnick says. He spoke with Smith about her new collection of essays, " Dead and Alive ."