Growing Out: Black Hair and Black Pride in the Swinging 60s

Growing Out is a fascinating and enjoyable read that provides a dazzling, revelatory depiction of race and womanhood in the 1960s from an entirely unique perspective. It is a title in the Black Britain: Writing Back series, selected by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A truly captivating and vibrant narrative, this writing exudes a natural and lively essence. It offers a captivating and immensely enjoyable reading experience. Bernardine Evaristo, from the Introduction, highlights the remarkable journey of Barbara, who relocates from Jamaica as a teenager. She establishes herself in the television industry and flourishes, covering captivating celebrity stories, exploring diverse destinations, and encountering notable figures such as Germaine Greer and Michael Caine. Barbara's life shines with brilliance. However, the immense responsibility of being the first black woman reporting on television comes accompanied by a surge of hateful letters and complaints from viewers, ultimately leading to her job loss. In the aftermath of this setback, Barbara embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This process enables her to carve out a new and distinct space for herself, initially in the UK and subsequently back in Jamaica. It allows her to embrace and celebrate her black identity, rather than feeling constrained by her attempts to emulate whiteness and conform to the prevailing culture.

Growing Out presents a captivating and revelatory portrayal of race and womanhood in the 1960s, offering a unique perspective. This title is part of the Black Britain: Writing Back series, curated by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo. The series aims to rediscover and celebrate pioneering books that depict black Britain, reshaping the nation's narrative.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241993767