At first glance, the lives of Mrs. Eliza Touchet, a kind Scottish housekeeper who is skeptical of her surroundings and mad at the man she works for, William Ainsworth, and Andrew Bogle, a man who escaped slavery in Jamaica who is largely skeptical of people, are vastly different people. However, The Fraud tells both of their stories, which become inexorably linked with each other. Their stories are similar in one profound way; however, they are both members of marginalized classes and have that working against them.
Through the lens of the so-called Tichborne Trial, a real historical trial wherein a poor man from Australia claimed that he was the rightful heir to a sizeable estate and Nobel title, author Zadie Smith explores a society that is consumed with drama and getting justice no matter the costs. Touchet and Bogle's interactions with society at large, much of which takes place in a courtroom, provide readers with a snapshot of the socio-political dynamics of the time. In particular, the dynamics between rich and poor and the dynamics between white people and members of marginalized communities. Through this snapshot, readers also glean information about the true nature of humanity and the seemingly ever-blurring line between authenticity and fraudulence, which the trial is ultimately about.
The novel is structured in such a way that demonstrates a keen understanding of the historical and societal nuances of the period the novel is set in. This creates an authentic atmosphere and mood which entices readers to continue reading. As the novel plays out, the characters’ insightful, albeit cynical, examinations of societal norms and personal identities challenge the readers to navigate through a labyrinth of moral and existential questions. Both Bogle and Touchet don't feel connected to the world around them, and that is reflected by their trepidation surrounding the aforementioned moral and existential questions.
Finally, through the inclusion of real-life historical figures like Charles Dickens, readers are rooted in a sense of history and place. Invariably, readers will know Dickens and his contributions to literary and social circles. It is also through Dickens' inclusion that the novel explores class. Bogle and Touchet are poor, whereas Dickens is a wealthy and powerful man. Because of Dickens' wealth, he is afforded certain opportunities that Bogle and Touchet are not given. Their lack of wealth also makes their quest for truth (to convict the defendants in the trial) in a world rife with deception and pretense more difficult. But they ultimately succeed in convicting the defendant.
