Maybe I Don't Belong Here

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A Book of the Year in The Observer and The Times and winner of the Visionary Honours Award. ‘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.

This powerful and provocative memoir charts critically acclaimed actor David Harewood’s life from working class Birmingham to the bright lights of Hollywood.

He shares insights from his recovery after an experience of psychosis and uncovers devastating family history.

Maybe I Don’t Belong Here is a groundbreaking account of the impact of everyday racism on Black mental health and a rallying cry to examine the biases that shape our society. As a young actor, David had 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 caused this breakdown and how did David recover to become a successful actor?

How did his experiences growing up contribute to a rupture in his sense of his place in the world?

David’s compelling story poses the question: Is it possible to be Black and British and feel welcome and whole?

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What we think of this book & ideas for gifting

Actor David Harewood's powerful, earnest memoir addresses the realities of being a Black man in Britain, and the struggles with mental health and racism he has faced throughout his life.