Maybe I Don't Belong Here cover art

Maybe I Don't Belong Here

A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery

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Maybe I Don't Belong Here

By: David Harewood
Narrated by: David Olusoga, David Harewood
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About this listen

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?

©2021 David Harewood (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Memoir Mental Health

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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)

All stars
Most relevant  
So vital and so eye-opening. David Harewood's courage jumps off the page at you. Fantastic!

I devoured this book! So compelling.

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David explains emphatically how racism is a) sadly so common and b) impacts mental well-being. His personal life and experiences are laid bare in order to illustrate this and I believe him to be incredibly brave. And as the mother of a young black man I thank you David. Sorry you had to experience it it explain it but here we are.

So brave…

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The best explanation I've ever read of how racism can impact your identity and mental health. I've recommended this book to everyone I know!

Absolutely 10/10 brilliant!

One of the best books I've ever read!

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Powerful, necessary and thought provoking. An open and honest account of David's experiences of the mental health system and Racism in Britain.

Powerful, honest and important.

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A truly great actor who bares his soul from events of his early life which arise in his later more successful life.

An Honest Confession.

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I’m glad David narrated this. His story about how he got into acting, his mental health and racism he endured is honest and vulnerable. It shines a spotlight on racism and the mental health struggles, particularly of the Windrush generation.

Honest, raw, and thoroughly moving

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Brutally honest and ultimately life affirming. I had a breakdown in my early twenties & I would have felt less alone with the experience if I had read this book.

A must read

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I was gripped throughout. Highly recommended. Love how David emphasised his experiences...Felt like I took the whole journey with him.

Great book

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I have read a lot of biographies over the years, people who have inspired me or have been a person of interest, but avoiding “celebs”. This biography is probably the most insightful and meaningful of the lot. As a British Asian of mixed parentage growing up in the 70’s, I can relate to David’s journey, especially growing up in Birmingham. But his candour on his mental health journey I feel is powerful, and I feel is a conduit to change!

Thank you David.

A deep and powerful biography

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As a privileged white person it reminds me how lucky I am. I admire his courage to talk about the difficult times in his life and the strength to get to a more peaceful place.

His honesty and strength

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