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Maybe I Don't Belong Here

A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Maybe I Don't Belong Here is a deeply personal memoir by acclaimed actor David Harewood, chronicling his journey through mental health challenges and the complexities of growing up Black and British. Following a psychotic breakdown at twenty-three, Harewood candidly explores his experiences of racism, family trauma, and recovery, revealing how these shaped his identity and sense of belonging in Britain.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in mental health, race relations, British identity, and memoirs that offer deep personal insight and social critique.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A groundbreaking account of the effects of everyday racism on the identity and mental health of Black British men, explored through the lens of Homeland and Supergirl actor David Harewood's personal experience.

A groundbreaking account of the effects of everyday racism on the identity and mental health of Black British men, explored through the lens of Homeland and Supergirl actor David Harewood's personal experience.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As a Black British man I believe it is vital that I tell this story. It may be just one account from the perspective of a person of colour who has experienced this system, but it may be enough to potentially change an opinion or, more importantly, stop someone else from spinning completely out of control. - David Harewood

Is it possible to be Black and British and feel welcome and whole?

Maybe I Don't Belong Here is a deeply personal exploration of the duality of growing up both Black and British, recovery from crisis and a rallying cry to examine the systems and biases that continue to shape our society.

In this powerful and provocative account of a life lived after psychosis, critically acclaimed actor, David Harewood, uncovers devastating family history and investigates the very real impact of racism on Black mental health.

When David Harewood was twenty-three, his acting career beginning to take flight, he had what he now understands to be a psychotic breakdown and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was physically restrained by six police officers, sedated, then hospitalized and transferred to a locked ward. Only now, thirty years later, has he been able to process what he went through.

What was it that caused this breakdown and how did David recover to become a successful and critically acclaimed actor? How did his experiences growing up Black and British contribute to a rupture in his sense of his place in the world?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its honesty and emotional impact, the book has been called one of the best on mental health, race, and identity in Britain by Stephen Fry. Historian David Olusoga commends Harewood's fearless self-analysis, while MP David Lammy highlights its moral courage illuminating the interplay between race and mental well-being. Readers have found it a heartwarming and eye-opening testament to resilience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529064148

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bluebird

Contributors:

  • Foreword by David Olusoga

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 256

About the Author

David Harewood was born in Birmingham, England. His parents are originally from Barbados and they moved to England in the 50s and 60s. He grew up in Small Heath. He trained as an actor at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is best known for his roles in Homeland and Supergirl. His critically acclaimed BBC documentary Psychosis and Me received a BAFTA nomination for best documentary. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointed David a 'Member of The Most Excellent Order' of the British Empire for his services to acting in 2012, giving him the title David Harewood MBE. David is married, has two daughters and is an avid Birmingham City FC fan. Maybe I Don't Belong Here is his first book.

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