Coming to England

The 25th-anniversary edition of Baroness Floella Benjamin's Coming to England memoir, which chronicles her journey from Trinidad to London as part of the Windrush generation, is now available. The book is beautifully illustrated by Joelle Avelino and is perfect for readers aged 9+. Benjamin was shocked and distressed by the rejection she experienced in England, but she soon realized that the only way to survive was to work twice as hard and be twice as good as anyone else. This inspirational story reminds us of the power of courage and determination in overcoming adversity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The 25th-anniversary edition of Baroness Floella Benjamin's iconic memoir, Coming to England, is now available. This captivating tale follows Floella's remarkable journey from her birthplace in Trinidad to her arrival in London as a member of the Windrush generation. With a foreword penned by the author and additional historical insights, this edition presents an extraordinary account of Floella's ascent from a young girl to the esteemed House of Lords.

Illustrated beautifully by Joelle Avelino, this book is perfect for readers aged 9 and above.

In 1960, when Floella was just a young girl, she, along with her sister and two brothers, set sail for England to reunite with their parents, whom they had not seen for fifteen months. Their departure from their island home of Trinidad was part of a larger movement of West Indians who were encouraged to relocate to Britain in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of contributing to the country's rebuilding efforts.

Upon their arrival in England, Floella was initially overwhelmed by the cold weather, the noise, and the dirt from the bustling traffic. However, as her new life unfolded, she faced a significant setback—the rejection she encountered. It was a harsh reality that left her feeling shocked and distressed. Yet, Floella quickly realized that the only way to thrive in this unfamiliar environment was to work twice as hard and surpass everyone else in her endeavors.

This inspirational story serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of courage and determination. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Baroness Floella Benjamin's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hard work and perseverance.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529045444