The literary environment of her youth had a profound impact on Zadie Smith's writing. Growing up in London, she was exposed to a diverse array of cultures and ideas, which influenced her narrative style and thematic choices. The multicultural aspects of her neighborhood allowed her to explore themes of identity, race, and class in her work. Additionally, her early love for literature led her to study at Cambridge University, where she honed her craft. The unique blend of influences from her family background and the literary figures she admired helped shape her acclaimed novels, including *White Teeth*.