Description

**A BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BIG JUBILEE READ PICK**

‘A milestone in the campaign for racial equality’ Guardian

In 1945, Rick Braithwaite, a smart, highly educated ex-RAF pilot, looks for a job in British engineering. He is deeply shocked to realise that, as a black man from British Guiana, no one will employ him because of the colour of his skin. In desperation he turns to teaching, taking a job in a tough East End school, and left to govern a class of unruly teenagers. With no experience or guidance, Braithwaite attempts to instil discipline, confound prejudice and ultimately, to teach.

‘Moving and inspiring’ New York Times

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY CARYL PHILLIPS

Publisher Review

A book that the reader devours quickly, ponders slowly, and forgets not at all-Moving and inspiring * New York Times * E.R. Braithwaite's postwar novel about a black teacher fighting to win the respect of white pupils in a school in the East End of London is a milestone in the campaign for racial equality * Guardian * It is the noblest, most moving, least sentimental account of life in a modern school and of a teacher's struggles with his pupils and with himself that I have come across -- Michael Croft * Observer *