Essential reading

Loved it. Skilfully a vast and forgotten topic. I can't even pinpoint a specific moment as my mind is awash with new information and new insights into parts of Black British history I though I already knew. So easy to listen to at times I forgot I wasn't listening to a novel so involved was I with the forgotten histories being retold. I would say essential ready for anyone interested in British and Colonial history not just Black History.

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16 people found this helpful

Best book I've read all year.

What an amazing book. The story of Black British History from Roman times until the present day. This is a book every schoolkid should read.

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Brilliantly put together and narrated.

Much of the information was already known to me but this is essential reading for those wishing to know Black British history. A wonderful book

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A great read though a little repetitive

Fantastic overview of British history and attitudes. At times it stuck too closely to its TV episodic origins

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interesting take on black history

I found the book interesting and intriguing. I will listen to again for more information.

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Inspiring and informing

This book, although extensive, gives a compelling account of a complex British history which is neglected in the classrooms of the Uk. Through this book I was able to understand issues and change my perception of the current political issues in the Uk. I would recommend this book to any person who seeks to educate themselves on British involvement in the geopolitical racism experienced by many BAME people in the world today as well as in the Uk.

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Fantastic! A story I longed for...

Olusoga gives you a concise and detailed look into the some what unknown history of black people in Britain, a people who whilst they are themselves a consistant thread in the very fabric of the British Empire their presence is often and readily omitted from the chapters of Britain's extremely colourful historical records.

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A history book of utmost importance

I bought this book because as a mother of a home educated mixed race child I wanted to know how his ancestors and mine shared their history. As is mentioned in the book, people of colour are not mentioned in the generally taught history of England and my intuition told me that this cannot be the truth, so I was curious to find out more.

This book must be read by everyone in England. We are brought up with the notion that we are a ok, post colonial nation who are generally accepting of people of colour and where the direct racism of the type that is experienced in America does not exist. This is what we are told, at least, though I have witnessed and experienced direct racism, and have benefited from the white privilege that I was born with.

Even though I am Caucasian and maybe because I am Caucasian I have been witness to numerous aggressions and microaggressions, and have been involved in some pretty heavyweight conflicts when I have challenged these. This has shocked and appalled me and I have lost friends and been deeply saddened by people's views.

The next book on my reading list is entitled "why I am no longer talking to white people about race" (though I probably will, because I can't not).

This book has educated me, shocked and surprised me and taken me on an important journey through the history of my homeland. I have travelled through time and a whole range of emotions. I will be sharing it widely, this is definitely a great Christmas present for book lovers, paper or audio versions.

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Enlightening, well read

I found this book very enlightening regarding black history I was never made aware of. Nor how distant the relations go.

I recommend this book or a simplified version be used within the children's secondary educational sector (history) to marry up with what's already taught.

It's a good listen thank you for the educational and historical journey.

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Great book on black history in Britain, must read

must read for every black person, need to know your history. otherwise you will believe the lies.

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