But Where Are You Really From?: On Identity, Humanhood and Hope

by Amanda Khozi Mukwashi

In this thought-provoking essay, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi shares her story as a Black woman born and living in the UK. Exploring her experiences of racism and how we need to share a diversity of stories to prevent dangerous assumptions and stereotyping, she challenges polarising perceptions and offers an uplifting celebration of universal connections of identity, hope and what it means to be human.

Genres: Nonfiction, Africa

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2020

Reviews

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profoundly moving story, poignant reflections from a life very unlike my own. Some jumbled thoughts and a few things that I’m not at all sure about (the author might be disagreeing with herself?!) stop it from being a 5/5 for me.

Tackles the question in the title brilliantly - and is a valuable and well-told story of one black woman of faiths experience. Eye-opening and important.

[Priya Lukka · Rating 5 out of 5]

But Where Are You Really From? struck an immediate chord with me. There are so few commentaries on what is wrong with the system from the perspective of envisioning a morality for it to work better for all. Alongside this, Amanda Mukwashi offer a critique of the structures that govern us all along with the enriched narrative of her personal journey of faith and political understanding, especially across so many African contexts. I would say that this book is unique for its ability to weave systemic analysis alongside faith values that build on the commonality and vision that we are striving for when we think of what is positive and transformational change. Beautifully written and 'un-put-downable'.

[Steven Spriggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that has helped me on my journey towards understand race in the UK.

On one hand it has a series of truely fascinating stories that tell us where Mukwashi, CEO of one of the UK's largest and most influential charities, 'is from'. On the other hand it is a book that challenges the injustice of racism that so many experience in the UK. I am thoroughly glad I read it on both counts.

[Mbozi Haimbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving story of migration, identity and faith. The descriptions of growing up in Africa resonated with me, as did the experience of grappling with a changing identity as a result of emigrating. The author takes an unflinching look at the colonial past and how its impact reaches into the present. Highly recommend.

[Mr Timothy J Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Honest Reflection

A heartfelt book born from the inspiration of family and people who shape a life. A potent reminder of what we can all celebrate and what we must all reflect on and learn from. It challenges the negative narrative that we hear too often, sometimes in ourselves, and leaves a hopeful opportunity for each of us to change our world for good. Thank you.

[Issa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars full review to follow

[Clara Mulewa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Resonates with who I am and tackles real life issues that are encountered by many. Enjoyed every page. Even the trees know my name. So I am important

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book; you can feel the love in it.

[Jessie T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t as I expected as I was hoping the author would address the topics of identity. However, it does give some insights into the histories of Southern Africa.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written. A must-read. You an find my full review on my blog: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...

I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.