A Home From Home
From Immigrant Boy to English Man
Published on 31. August 2006
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-0-316-73016-7 (ISBN)
Description
When George Alagiah was dropped off at a Hampshire boarding school as a child back in 1967 he was confronted with an extreme version of the very private struggle faced by all immigrants - the battle to leave the past behind and fit into a new culture. His arrival in Britain coincided with the unhappy intrusion of race into politics. A key part of the ensuing fight against racism was the concept of multiculturalism. But in a closely argued and forthright chapter, Alagiah suggests that, far from improving the prospects for some immigrants, multiculturalism may be an impediment to integration. All too often these are the poor and isolated communities who most need the help of the state to break out of what is fast becoming a version of ghetto life. Above all, this book is a tender and evocative portrayal of the immigrant experience. Alagiah brings colour and life to a subject that is too often reduced to screaming tabloid headlines, and sheds light on the controversial question of British identity.
Reviews / Votes
'Courageous, controversial, compassionate' DAILY MAIL 'Part memoir, part political treatise . . . As a migrant twice over, Alagiah is better placed than most to discuss important arguments about what being British means' GUARDIAN 'Alagiah's experiences give him a unique overview of the entire argument. He urges wider tolerance, on both sides of the cultural divide. His argument is solidly supported by facts and interviews, and is very persuasive' Kate Saunders, SUNDAY TIMES 'As a migrant twice over, Alagiah is better placed than most to discuss important arguments about what being British means' GUARDIAN 'In a brave, perceptive and sometimes humorous book, Alagiah raises important questions and adds his experienced voice to a complex debate' DAILY EXPRESS 'A HOME FROM HOME does not simply rehearse... familiar issues. Alagiah laces his statistics with interviews, anecdotes and observations. It is a memoir - a confession even... After the often unsettling encounters with his Sri Lankan background, Alagiah reassuringly looks forward... he is guardedly optimistic about the future of Britain and its struggle to identify itself' INDEPENDENTMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-316-73016-7 (9780316730167)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
George Alagiah is a widely praised journalist who works for the BBC. He lives in Stoke Newington in North London.