I Belong Here: A Journey Along the Backbone of Britain

I Belong Here is a powerful and inspiring book that explores identity, nature, place, and belonging through the natural landscapes of the North. It was written by Anita Sethi, who was the victim of a race-hate crime and experienced panic attacks and anxiety. The book is a journey of reclamation, saying that this is her land too and she belongs in the UK as much as a white man does. It offers hope and beauty after brutality and transforms her personal experience into one of universal resonance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winner of the 2021 Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Non-fiction, Shortlisted for the 2021 Wainwright Prize, Anita Sethi embarked on a transformative journey through the enchanting landscapes of Northern England. Filled with a deep sense of purpose, she embarked on this journey not only for her own healing but also to prevent others from experiencing the same trauma she had endured. With unwavering determination, she refused to remain silent or still, determined to walk through the world with unwavering courage.

A journey of reclamation through the natural landscapes of the North, Anita Sethi's book, I Belong Here, brilliantly explores identity, nature, place, and belonging. Beautifully written and truly inspiring, it heralds a powerful and refreshing new voice in nature writing.

On a fateful day, Anita Sethi found herself on a journey through Northern England when she became the victim of a race-hate crime. This vicious attack not only shattered her sense of security but also deeply impacted her mental and emotional well-being. The aftermath was a whirlwind of panic attacks and anxiety, leaving her with a crushing sense of claustrophobia. Anita yearned for the freedom to travel freely and without fear, longing for the vast open spaces that would allow her to breathe deeply and reclaim her sense of self.

The Pennines, known as the backbone of Britain, runs through the north, connecting the north with the south, the east with the west. It is a place of borderlands, limestone, rivers, scars, fells, and forces. Despite facing a racist's warning to leave, Anita's connection to the Pennines was magnetic, drawing her deeper into the area she regarded as her home. Anita's journey through the natural landscapes of the North was a testament to her resilience and determination. It was a way of reclaiming her right to exist in a place that had been violated by hate.

Through her exploration, Anita discovered that the Pennines held a profound significance for her as a brown woman and as a member of the UK community. She realized that her identity was not defined by the color of her skin but by her connection to the land and the people who inhabited it. Anita's journey transformed what began as an ugly experience of hate into one offering hope and finding. It was a journey of self-discovery, of embracing her heritage, and of recognizing her place in the world.

I Belong Here is a testament to Anita Sethi's unwavering spirit and her commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in nature writing. It is a book that will inspire and resonate with readers from all walks of life, reminding us of the power of connection and the beauty of the natural world. Anita's journey through the North is a reminder that we all have the capacity to heal, to grow, and to find our place in the world, no matter what challenges we may face.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472983930