jamrock's review against another edition
5.0
Brit(ish) is without doubt the best book I have read in 2020. I kick myself for ignoring this for two years thinking it was just "another version" of The Good Immigrant or Akala's Natives or Renni Eddo Lodge's (brilliant) book (that one with the title that is too long to write). I loved reading and learning from all of those books but this is my favourite, by far. Brit(ish) would pair wonderfully with Akala's Natives to provide a well rounded view on British identity in general and the existential crisis crippling Britain today.
Brit(ish) reads somewhat like a memoir but the way in which the author explores her mixed heritage which is both Jewish and Ghanaian (and more for herself than the purpose of this book) serves to provide a rich tapestry of history and associated history of racism all the way through to the current day.
The story of "Sam" alongside Afua's provides a window into the lived experience of two black people, both with Ghanaian heritage, one with a very privileged middle-class upbringing in Wimbledon and one from the mean streets of Tottenham, exploring the different ways racism manifested and motivated them but also providing an almost poetic backdrop to the main narrative.
For anyone stull unsure (or sceptical) about the basic premise of critical race theory and/or those who feel threatened by discussions of whiteness and privilege, this is the book I would want them to read.
Brit(ish) reads somewhat like a memoir but the way in which the author explores her mixed heritage which is both Jewish and Ghanaian (and more for herself than the purpose of this book) serves to provide a rich tapestry of history and associated history of racism all the way through to the current day.
The story of "Sam" alongside Afua's provides a window into the lived experience of two black people, both with Ghanaian heritage, one with a very privileged middle-class upbringing in Wimbledon and one from the mean streets of Tottenham, exploring the different ways racism manifested and motivated them but also providing an almost poetic backdrop to the main narrative.
For anyone stull unsure (or sceptical) about the basic premise of critical race theory and/or those who feel threatened by discussions of whiteness and privilege, this is the book I would want them to read.
iamahmedkhalifa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.75
mcintosholivia's review against another edition
4.0
Took me long enough to read this lmao. But super good really concise and informative and as always with books like this it is hard/uncomfortable to read but super worth it.
clairesy's review
5.0
Couldn’t put this down. Really insightful and challenging. I highly recommend. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽