Sugar and Slate

Charlotte Williams' memoir, "Sugar and Slate," explores the intertwined history of Wales, Africa, and the Caribbean, revealing the nation as home to one of the first interracial marriages in Britain in 1768 and a site of Britain's first major race riots in 1919. It offers a unique insight into the complex Black history of Wales and the experience of being racially marginalized within a community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

In its exploration of geographical, racial, and cultural displacement, Sugar and Slate stands as a remarkable testament to the rich artistic legacy of the black diaspora in recent times. Gary Younge, writing for the Guardian, praises the memoir as a powerful and radiant work that delves into the intricate connections between Wales, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Charlotte Williams, the author, weaves a captivating narrative that explores the multifaceted history of her upbringing. Born to a white Welsh-speaking mother and a Black father from Guyana, Williams' childhood was characterized by a sense of being caught between two worlds, never fully belonging to either.

Sugar and Slate takes readers on a journey of self-discovery as Williams navigates between the small north Wales town where she grew up, Africa, and the Caribbean. Through a blend of memoir and historical research, the book delves deep into the rich tapestry of Black Welsh history, unveiling the nation as the site of one of the earliest interracial marriages in Britain in 1768 and a witness to Britain's first major race riots in 1919.

Williams' personal experience is rendered poignant and illuminating, shedding light on the experiences of racial marginalization within a community that itself faces marginalization within Britain. Her memoir offers a unique perspective on the complex Black history of Wales, providing a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Black individuals in this region.

Published as part of the Black Britain: Writing Back series, curated by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, this series seeks to rediscover and celebrate pioneering books that portray black Britain and redefine the nation's narrative. Sugar and Slate proudly stands among these remarkable works, contributing to the ongoing exploration and celebration of diverse voices and experiences within British society.

Weight: 213g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241999530