One Love Two Colours: The Unlikely Marriage of a Punk Rocker and His African Queen. Bobby Smith and Margaret Oshindele-Smith

by Bobby Smith

NO FUTURE? 'It will never work.' 'They are just too different.' 'Sleep with a white man? No thanks.' 'Look at the state of him, those clothes!' Just some of the comments directed at Margaret and Bobby Smith during their ten-year marriage. Why? Because Bobby is a white, cider-bellied punk rocker and Margaret a black, Methodist, Nigerian. One Love is a book that shows the reality of inter-racial love. Through the eyes of Mr and Mrs Smith we see how two people can conquer prejudice, intolerance and hate. A hate that comes from both sides. Written from their dual perspective, they honestly debate the issues that affect those who marry out of their culture. The result is a book that challenges previously held views about multiculturalism. Taking their relationship as a starting point, our co-authors also explore wider issues such as: segregation, self-hate, sex and identity. Crucially, the book addresses the unique problems experienced by black women/white men partnerships. A mixture of social comment and personal experience, One Love shows the true level of prejudice that exists in modern day England. It delves into the underbelly of inter-racial relationships and discusses the pain, pleasures and pitfalls of such liaisons. It is a book to make you think differently about the world we live in. It is also a sign of hope.

284 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2007

Reviews

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about their marriage and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how they met and all the obstacles they had to face being together. The things they wrote to do with politics and all their hobbies such as Bob loving punk was great too and I found myself nodding in agreement a lot of the time! This book also helped me with my anxieties about my race and helped me learn to love myself and my roots and realise it is okay that I prefer men of different races to my own. Must read book! There are also a few photos of them on their Amazon book page, really cool to see them.

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, gives an honest picture of what marriage is like...I think.