Windrush by Mike and Trevor Phillips is a book that will undoubtedly stay with me and horrified me at the recent history of my country. 

I knew about the arrival of people from Britain's colonies in the years after WWII, however I didn't know the extent of racial hatred and abuse many endured and for how long the extreme levels of it would continue. I learned so much from this book and was left shaken and disgusted by so much of the behaviour of so many for so long. 

I did question over and over about why we aren't taught about the Windrush era in schools and from conversations with family? All I can think is that we aren't because Britain never likes to look like they're the villain. I f,r one, after reading Windrush, strongly believe that we are indeed the villain of the story an, it's horrendous that this isn't a part of our education. 

The book is split into many facets of a British life that the many Caribbean migrants would face from the moment they landed in the docks across the country. The authors include parts of interviews both from the first years of immigration, and then throughout the decades with many talking about the institutional racism in schools and the workplace, or how it was near impossible to find anywhere to live after travelling so far. I thought it was fascinating to hear about the true symbolism of the Notting Hill Carnival (and others like it) which may have grown in so many ways but still holds true in so many ways to its origin of celebration and strength. The blend of first hand recollections and the views seemingly through media shows so many views, often differing greatly. From the man on the street to famous faces to many such as Diane Abbott MP and Sir Lenny Henry; all voices are important in this book and the history it explores.

Windrush made me experience so many emotions, many as a white citizen of this country; being aspects of anger and shame. I can not recommend this book enough - these voices should be heard, their experiences acknowledged, and, sadly, victims of ignorance, racism and anger?  Should be mourned and never forgotten.

There are recollections and reading of events that I will caution you are graphic and haunting- stories of murder etc but whilst awful? They will highlight how decades after the invitation to come here to help Britain recover from the loss of so many in the World War? Ignorance led to loss of innocents.

We need to do better, we need to remember and accept we were indeed the villain to so many.