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Maybe I Don't Belong Here
- A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery
- Narrated by: David Olusoga, David Harewood
- Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
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Maybe I Don't Belong Here
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Summary
This audio edition is read by the author, and includes an exclusive conversation between David Harewood and historian and writer David Olusoga.
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 23, 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, 30 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?
Critic reviews
"A heartfelt memoir about race, identity and mental illness. Read by the actor himself, it makes for moving listening." (Fiona Sturges, Guardian)
"Such a powerful and necessary read.... Don't wait until Black History Month to pick up this book, it's a must-read just now." (Candice Brathwaite, author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother)
"David Harewood writes with rare honesty and fearless self-analysis about his experiences of racism and what ultimately led to his descent into psychosis.... This book is, in itself, a physical manifestation of that hopeful journey." (David Olusoga, author of Black and British)
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What listeners say about Maybe I Don't Belong Here
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- Daniel T.
- 28-10-21
Incredible
I’m not one for books however when I see an interview on TV talking about the book and how David Harewood opens up mental health, I knew I had to read or in this case hear it.
This book is without any doubt phenomenal.
The way it has impacted me and opened my eyes about how people of different race are treated and how certain words said can stay with people for life has made me realise how much things in the world need to change and have changed over years.
This book also has related to me opening about mental health as it has touched many of feelings once lost.
I’d recommend this book to everyone as I believe this will help raise mental health awareness and also assist in tackling racism and the unfair treatment of which society allows
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jax
- 13-10-21
Thought provoking…awesome
I’m a black British woman, born and raised in Brixton South London. I accept I definitely had it a lot easier than our young black men, but I understood the struggle and see that it hasn’t got much better. Even down to the description, love and attentiveness of David’s Mum, I recognised that in all of the elders I was raised around and those I met when I became grown. This was a great listen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and particularly liked the Poem at the end…wonderful…and superbly read.
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- Fred
- 18-09-21
Brilliant, gripping and moving listen
David Harewood masterful and emotive narration is a compelling listen.
David's personal struggle with what it is like being Black and British and his personal experience of psychosis is so moving, enlightening, and courageous.
In his story David invites the listener to travel from Hollymoor to Hollywood (you have to listen to find out more). it is a rollercoaster of emotions laughter, anger, frustration, shame and discovery.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Grace
- 28-10-21
Emotional and Funny
I really enjoyed this book. It made me look back at my life as a black woman born in the UK. David’s honesty was breathtaking. I especially loved the poem at the end ‘You Don’t See Me’.
I hope everyone addresses their mental health. As I have just started to do.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Koyeli D Solanki
- 05-11-21
Powerful stuff
Not always an easy listen, this is a deeply personal look at growing up Black in Britain. I grew up in London during the same period and the open nature of the racism I faced is mirrored here. Often heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting, this all the better for the narration from David Harewood.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Genita
- 03-07-22
Fantastic never a dull moment
Loved this from start to finish you will not be disappointed very interesting thank you David
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- Vernon
- 06-02-24
Vibrant narration from the author
Love the personal insights into a condition shrouded in shame and secrecy plus grappling with the intersection of the condition with race
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- Ms C L Clarke
- 14-11-21
Great guy, great story
Heartfelt and heart wrenching without being pure bleak. A great window into the black experience, mental health and Hollywood
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3 people found this helpful
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- Bargain hunter
- 11-10-21
Critical review
I absolutely loved this book.. it was powerful, captivating, remarkable truths.. timely.. humourous in parts and emotional... from start to finish it was mesmerising.. awesome narration- it would make a great film!!!! thank you.
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1 person found this helpful
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- K.Gregson
- 15-12-21
A must listen
This book has changed me. Davids beautifully written and exquisitely read book helped me to better appreciate the reality and devastating impact of racism on a young persons developing identity and mind. My heart broke at the abuse young innocent David experienced that fateful day from that man in the street. I enjoyed hearing more about the man behind the great actor I’ve grown up with including interesting stories about Davids collaborations and achievements.
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