We have spent the last couple of weeks reflecting on the Black Lives Matter movement. A good book is a good book no matter, but we thought what better way than to share our favourite books by black British authors that we’ve read recently.
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There’s 17 to start with that we’ve read in the last year or more recently, and as we know buying books is a massive luxury, particularly at the moment, we have also tried to link to free resources where you can experience the author at their finest too!
Akala – Natives: Race and Class in the Ruin of Empire
Up first is Natives, one of the best and most real non-fictions book that says it like it is. Written by Akala, it’s the history lesson you wish you’d had at school…and that’s coming from a History teacher! Akala’s articulate intellect explores uncomfortable truths of Britain’s legacy, covering police, the education, politics, identity and the far right. It’s not a comfortable read, but it is a necessary one. If you’re not shy of a few swear words, it’s a brilliant polemic on the treatment of not just Black Brits, but anyone that isn’t white.
Instead of the book: try his Oxford address on YoutTube.
Afua Hirsch – Brit(ish)
Afua Hirsch has a fascinating family history as it is (you can hear all about it on her Audible podcast), but this book is exceptional – again a take on British history that exposes the harmful legacy of white-centred British history. It’s a fascinating understanding of the question “where are you really from?”, a Sunday Times bestseller and a funny, warm and wise take on identity in Britain today.
Instead of the book: try her Guardian articles here.
Robyn Travis – Mama Can’t Raise No Man
Robyn Travis is one hell of a man. Inspirational to the core. His three books have similar themes but very different outcomes. Mama can’t raise no man is a captivating, authentic exploration of Black British masculinity, challenging misconceptions that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between! If you enjoy this, then try his other books “Prisoner to the streets” and “freedom from the streets”, a more autobiographical journey
Instead of the books: Freedom from the streets documentary here
Ashley Hickson-Lovence – The 392
Ashley is a superhuman, ex-teacher, PhD student and brilliant author, this is a must read for any Londoners. It’s a situation we’ve all experienced, the weirdos on the bus. The 392 documents a 36-minute bus ride through North London. It will once again, make you cry, laugh, shudder and shriek.
Instead of the book: have a look at him reading a section at the book launch here
Reni Eddo Lodge – Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race
It’s a crying shame that it took a worldwide outcry of Black Lives Matter for Black British Reni Eddo-Lodge to top the book charts. This book has sparked national, hell even international conversations about eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race. It explains, in detail, race relations in Britain today with history, anecdotes and a real feeling of understandable frustration. This is a must read, a handbook of sorts, and an exceptional insight into Britain’s problem with race.
Instead of the book: About Race with Reni Eddo Lodge Podcast
Bernardine Evaristo – Girl, Woman, Other
One of the more challenging novels I’ve read in a while, this book was nothing short of perfect. This book novel follows 12 characters, most of them black British women, moving through the world in different decades and learning how to be. Not much about them is similar in any way, from their identity, love, class, jobs, you name it. It was challenging as although it called to question many things we are aware of to do with society and race and feminism, it also made me fully aware of the failings and problems of feminism as a white movement. This clever novel is as beautiful inside as it is on the cover.
Instead of the book: Radio 4: Candice Carty-Williams in conversation with Bernadine Evaristo here
David Olosuga – Black and British: A Forgotten History
David Olosuga’s book is the most incredible and inclusive exploration of Black British history. You may have known about John Blanke the Tudor, but this goes back. Way back. It is a definitive history of Britain’s troubled history with the people of Africa and the Caribbean.
Instead of the book: Black and British on iPlayer
Nikesh Shukla – The Good Immigrant
OK, so Nikesh isn’t Black and British, but this is one of Jess’ favourite books. She talks about it every time she has to give a presentation on her PhD. It’s a collection of essays by BAME writers about being BAME in Britain. First and second generation immigrants, what that means for them and their experiences. Funny, relatable, sad and poignant, a must read.
Instead of the book: Nikesh’s TedX talk: Why Diverse Stories Matter here
Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
South London born and raised, Candice Carty-Williams’s novel set in modern Britain is a funny yet gut wrenching coming of age story. She tells the story of Queenie, a Black British woman experiencing love, hate, mental health, class and even consent. It tells of her Jamaican British family who don’t seem to understand her wants, the job that’s not what she expected and a man she wants back.
Instead of the book: Radio 4: Candice Carty-Williams in conversation with Bernadine Evaristo here
Paul Mendez – Rainbow Milk
This Black British queer literary debut is an emotional cautious tale that explores fatherhood, freedom, love and loss. A multi-generational story about sex work, lust and religion, this novel focuses on identity and connections.
Instead of the book: This wicked ID piece about Paul Mendez
Zadie Smith – Swing Time
OK, it was a hard pick for what book to go for from Zadie Smith as I’ve read them all. I am a long-term fan girl because of the fact that I can relate to everything she talks about from growing up, and continuing to live in the ends that she writes about. Swing Time is amazing. Happy, sad, funny, confusing, you name it, it’s the perfect novel!
Instead of the book: Interview: on shame, rage and writing.
Nels Abbey – Think Like a White Man: Conquering the World… While Black
A hilarious satirical take on the white-dominated working world, Dr Boulé Whytelaw III becomes your guide. A distinguished Professor of Modern White People Studies, the “self-help” dark but funny book is one to read to turn your understanding of the workforce on its head.
Instead of the book: Stories that Stick episode here
Bolu Babalola – Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World
Eighteen love stories of absolute beauty this is a book to read and treasure. Love around the world is the obvious theme of this book, but love in all forms. It’s not just a sickly romance, it’s mythological, historical, folk tales, legends and stories. Some passed through generations, some we all know, all absolutely beautiful.
Instead of the book: Follow her on Twitter, her articles and opinions are fabulous.
Caleb Femi -Poor
Caleb Femi is an incredible poet. He was the first ever Young People’s Laureate for London and this is his debut book. This book, showcasing South London and his estate he grew up on, this captivating collection of poems and prose is peppered with original photos too. It’s nothing short of exciting, chronicling longing and joy, black British issues, boyhood and desire.
Instead of the book: His entire YouTube channel full of songs and poems and beauty
Yrsa Daley-Ward – The Terrible
I picked up this book after Stormzy’s book launch, where she was a guest and announced to be a judge on his publishing panel. Sharp, searing poems, this book is full of everything Yrsa Daley-Ward, including all the terrible things too. It’s about her childhood in Northwestern England, her mum and “dad”, and her brother. It captures the magic of teenage years and discovering yourself. The Terrible is a collection of poems that tells the story of what it means to lose yourself and find your voice.
Instead of the book: Her TedX talk: Your story and you here
Precious Williams – Precious: A true story
Precious is the story of growing up black in a white community, of struggling to find an identity that fits amid conflicting messages, of deciphering a childhood full of secrets and dysfunction. Painfully honest, swerving from farce to tragedy, Precious has a spirit that refuses to be crushed.
Instead of the book: This lovely article about her life and struggle with identity
Malorie Blackman – Noughts and Crosses
The absolute queen of Black British writing, it was a tough choice again for Malorie Blackman. I opted for the classic, you may have read it at school, you may have picked it out in the library. If you haven’t ever read it, I implore you do so ASAP. Noughts and Crosses is whole novel series, but the original is still my fave. Think of it as Romeo and Juliet, but the dystopian version, race relations and young love.
Instead of the book: Noughts and Crosses series on iPlayer
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