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Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire - The Sunday Times Bestseller Paperback – 21 Mar. 2019

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,724 ratings

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*RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK* SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE | THE JHALAK PRIZE | THE BREAD AND ROSES AWARD & LONGLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING

'This is the book I've been waiting for - for years. It's personal, historical, political, and it speaks to where we are now' Benjamin Zephaniah

'I recommend
Natives to everyone' Candice Carty-Williams

From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers - race and class have shaped Akala's life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.

Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right,
Natives speaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire.

Natives is the searing modern polemic and Sunday Times bestseller from the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning musician and political commentator, Akala.

'The kind of disruptive, aggressive intellect that a new generation is closely watching' Afua Hirsch,
Observer
'Part biography, part polemic, this powerful, wide-ranging study picks apart the British myth of meritocracy' David Olusoga,
Guardian
'Inspiring' Madani Younis,
Guardian
'Lucid, wide-ranging' John Kerrigan,
TLS
'A potent combination of autobiography and political history which holds up a mirror to contemporary Britain'
Independent
'Trenchant and highly persuasive'
Metro
'A history lesson of the kind you should get in school but don't'
Stylist

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From the Publisher

natives, akala, sunday time bestseller, grime, britain

A searing modern polemic from musician and political commentator, Akala

From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers - race and class have shaped Akala's life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.

Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, objectification and the far right, Natives will speak directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire.

Akala is a hip-hop artist, writer and social entrepreneur, as well as the co-founder of The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company.

With an extensive global touring history, Akala has appeared at numerous festivals both in the UK and internationally, and has led innovative projects in the arts, education and music across South East Asia, Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Akala has also appeared on Channel 4, ITV, MTV, Sky Arts and the BBC promoting his music and poetry, and speaking on wide-ranging subjects from music, race, youth engagement, British/African-Caribbean culture and the arts, with numerous online lectures and performances that have millions of views on YouTube.

More recently known for his compelling lectures and journalism - he has written for the Guardian, Huffington Post and the Independent, and spoken for the Oxford Union and TEDx - Akala has gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic and articulate talents in the UK.

natives, akala, hip hop, grime, bestselling author, stormzy, race and class in britain

I was not born with an opinion of the world but it clearly seemed that the world had an opinion of people like me.

I did not know what race and class supposedly were but the world taught me very quickly.

I did not particularly want to spend a portion of a lifetime studying these issues, it was not among my ambitions as a child, but I was compelled upon this path very early.

I knew that my experiences were significant but I was not yet sure how to tease meaning from them.

Product description

Review

Part biography, part polemic, this powerful, wide-ranging study picks apart the British myth of meritocracy (Guardian)

Akala is at his best destroying the comfortable myths that are invoked by white fragility to downplay attempts to correct the historical record ... Akala makes it clear that he is not brimming with optimism. But reading Natives - witnessing the kind of disruptive, aggressive intellect that a new generation is closely watching - I can't help but be just that (Afua Hirsch Guardian)

A potent combination of autobiography and political history which holds up a mirror to contemporary Britain (Independent)

A history lesson of the kind you should get in school but don't ... This is a searing, thought-provoking book (Stylist)

A book bristling with intelligence and insight (Irish Times)

In personalised chapters covering the police, education and identity, politics, sexual objectification and the far right, he confronts the issues of race and class at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire in this
fierce and articulate polemic. (The Bookseller)

An engaged and nuanced exploration of the complex interplay between race and class (Morning Star)

Fantastic (Novaramedia)

Vital (Blouin Art Info)

Book Description

The Sunday Times bestseller on race and class in the UK, from the MOBO award-winning musician Akala

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Two Roads (21 Mar. 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1473661234
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1473661233
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.8 x 2.4 x 19.6 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,724 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
9,724 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and interesting. They appreciate the author's perspective and knowledge on the subject matter. The writing style is described as witty and clever. Opinions differ on the pacing - some find it nuanced and thought-provoking, while others feel it's too one-sided and pretentious.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

356 customers mention ‘Readability’338 positive18 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They appreciate the author's perspective on life experiences from a Black British male. The book is described as entertaining, especially for white British people who think they understand black lives.

"...is powerful, unapologetic, and deeply engaging, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the legacy of empire...." Read more

"...This is a great book and recommended reading for anyone interested in the relationship between race and class and the direction of travel for..." Read more

"...Overall what an excellent read. Like his lectures, a refreshing style of communicating and a natural 'teacher'...." Read more

"...It's entertaining and well written. I rarely give 5 star reviews, but this is a book to recommend to people." Read more

322 customers mention ‘Insight’316 positive6 negative

Customers find the book informative and thought-provoking. They appreciate the author's breadth of knowledge on the subject matter, historical information presented in a very readable way, and eye-opening accounts. The book is important for better understanding this period and important yet often overlooked issues like racism. It is well-referenced with extensive notes and bibliography.

"...Akala brilliantly weaves personal experiences with sharp historical and political analysis, offering a fresh perspective on race and class in Britain..." Read more

"...commentator with his views on race, class and gender brilliantly interspersed with thoughtful, witty and often first hand evidence that leaves you..." Read more

"...Overall what an excellent read. Like his lectures, a refreshing style of communicating and a natural 'teacher'...." Read more

"...There are several eye-opening accounts, how he challenged his teachers when they said mistaken things about black people..." Read more

179 customers mention ‘Writing quality’174 positive5 negative

Customers find the book well-written, articulate, and readable. They appreciate the author's personal perspective and thoughtful writing style. The tone is enjoyable and the book is presented clearly and fairly.

"...His writing is powerful, unapologetic, and deeply engaging, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the legacy of empire...." Read more

"...down his thoughts and his own experiences side by side in such an easy to read yet thought provoking way that you wonder why you have not heard more..." Read more

"...It's entertaining and well written. I rarely give 5 star reviews, but this is a book to recommend to people." Read more

"Akala is truly a modern day inspiration and excellent author and writer. A must read!!" Read more

21 customers mention ‘Writing style’21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They find it witty, engaging, and clever. The author's words are lovely and well-spoken. The book is described as funny and thought-provoking.

"...on race, class and gender brilliantly interspersed with thoughtful, witty and often first hand evidence that leaves you wanting to find out more...." Read more

"...For all his lovely words and calm demeanor, I think he's just another angry socialist trying to divide people, shaped by his admittedly terrible..." Read more

"...The book has a readable, self aware and wry-smile style, and it presents a really well argued case. I was completely engaged...." Read more

"...It's eloquent without being polemical, a well balanced and clear explanation of the issues we should examine and how they affect us still...." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Autobiography’16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this autobiography. They find it honest and revealing, with an account of the author's life and experiences. The book is steeped in knowledge about race and class, as well as political history.

"...experience with the presentation of detailed historical and sociological facts (well-referenced in extensive notes and bibliography)...." Read more

"...In addition, he renders an account of himself, that doesn't embellish, or attempt to disguise his own flaws: he takes full responsibility for where..." Read more

"...Definitely a must read for UK Biographic accounts of prominent Authors, Social Studies, Race-Class and Black History research...." Read more

"...heartbreaking and illuminating at the same time, history and biography told with honesty and authenticity...." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Era’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and a fantastic account of British life. They appreciate the author's clever way of portraying the past and current situation of race and class in Britain. The book captures the zeitgeist perfectly and sheds light on what's underneath British imperialism.

"Akala is truly a modern day inspiration and excellent author and writer. A must read!!" Read more

"...cogent analysis takes on the global and the local: the legacy of colonialism, the relationship between the slave trade and the U.K. through to the..." Read more

"...It's also a great insight into growing up in London." Read more

"...How much more enjoyed this book simply because of the British backdrop, the use of very visceral language and how he used his story to highlight..." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Value for money’8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great value. They say it's worth reading chapter by chapter and reflecting on its content.

"...All in all, a brilliant book, well worth purchasing. I look forward to reading more from this author." Read more

"I took my time reading this book and I am glad; it pays to read it chapter by chapter and reflect on its contents...." Read more

"Nothing to dislike. Book value for money" Read more

"Great value for money I haven't read it as I bought it for my son, but I've heard it's a great read and that the Author is very smart & intellectual...." Read more

18 customers mention ‘Pacing’11 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it engaging and thought-provoking, with a unique way of explaining topics clearly. Others find it pretentious and one-sided, with too much information making it overwhelming.

"...It's a well researched & at times amusingly delivered expose of Race, Class and the now ex-'empire' of Britain that still mystifyingly exists today..." Read more

"...He is also quite pretentious, often citing his own intellectual (as well as sporting) achievements, that mostly seem to be that he got 2 star..." Read more

"...Very well linked to the mix of class and "establishment" and how that links back to race...." Read more

"...It was really helpful to connect and resonate with the contents directly...." Read more

Must read
5 out of 5 stars
Must read
I’ve been the biggest fan of Alakla since I first heard Shakespeare, The Thieves Banquet and his Fire in the Booths and heard him debate and lecture at various universities, so I knew this book would be good. I would say that Natives is in the run for my favourite book for 2020 and I would 100% recommend this book to anyone! (if you know me I’ve been going on about this book for months).Natives covers everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right. It speaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain’s racialised empire. It is written from a highly personal perspective, and it is hard to come away from this book with the opinion that it has nothing to do with you. It provides a clear history of racism and stereotyping in the UK and how # systemic racism gives an unjust amount of resources, rights, and power to white people while deny them to people of colour. This book gives you a lot to think about and is extremely readable!As Akala mentions again and again, Knowledge is Power! It is not enough to be silent on the inequalities that black populations have faced, and everyone should prepare themselves with the knowledge and tools to be able to argue and advocate for BLM and against white supremacy. Definitely a must read for everyone.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2024
    Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire is an insightful and eye-opening read. Akala brilliantly weaves personal experiences with sharp historical and political analysis, offering a fresh perspective on race and class in Britain. His writing is powerful, unapologetic, and deeply engaging, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the legacy of empire. A must-read for anyone looking to better understand the complex intersections of race, class, and identity in today's world.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2020
    Thank you for this book. It has become all too easy to slip back into lazy stereotypical thinking, especially during these coma inducing COVID times we have been forced to live through during 'lockdown'. It is so refreshing to read a book that so eloquently echoes my own lingering fears for humanity . Akala has detailed his own experiences growing up in multicultural London in the eighties and nineties with factual evidence and parallels with American and Jamaican experience happening at the same time. We have Akala the intellectual struggling to get is voice heard with bigoted school systems and racist police alongside Akala the rapper learning his craft and helping to stamp the London brand on a traditionally American music scene. Akala is also a very sharp political commentator with his views on race, class and gender brilliantly interspersed with thoughtful, witty and often first hand evidence that leaves you wanting to find out more. Akala is unapologetic for his views and demonstrates his sharp intellect to dispel many of the infuriating myths and often racist tropes that are hauled out every day in the media and on social media. Akala forces us to confront our own prejudices and lazy thinking and energises you into wanting to do something, no matter how small, to try and end the lunacy that the current political climate seems to be taking us towards. He has put down his thoughts and his own experiences side by side in such an easy to read yet thought provoking way that you wonder why you have not heard more about him or the people and stories he talks about before and that perhaps our invidious white dominated culture is affecting us on a subconscious level much more than we realise. My only gripe with this book is that sometimes he does not go far enough and that he lets some of his protagonists get away with too much, for example, he sees Trump for what he is , a white supremacist, but I would like to see more analysis of the type of person who actually supports Trump and this would help those of us who furiously try to argue with such brick walls on social media when we get accused time and time again of being 'snowflakes' brainwashed by woke liberals etc. This is a great book and recommended reading for anyone interested in the relationship between race and class and the direction of travel for humanity in the 21st century.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2024
    Reading "Natives" has been a truly transformative and inspiring experience if quite uncomfortable (as a white man) - despite the fact that I first went on an anti-racist march in 1970. (Stop the Seventies Rugby Tour by the Springboks).
    But I think it is one the most important books to come out of the UK this century!
    It is best read by reading and Audible together.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2019
    Akala is cool guy, someone id love to share a beer with. Bright and articulate too. And popular across many sections of society. As he would admit himself, hes successful and now priveleged.
    Overall what an excellent read. Like his lectures, a refreshing style of communicating and a natural 'teacher'. He's spot on about the flaws in the British education system - the omissions of non-White contributions to the ww2 etc.
    He is able to critically analyse and make sound arguments, which are hard to refute. It is a hard read - to not admit that as a white person would be dishonest. I am right leaning politically, and it did challenge me in many ways. And educate me. I suspect many people who like Akala come already from a left Liberal angle. I didn't and don't, so perhaps the challenge was greater for me.
    But that also gives me a different perspective to many a white liberal who can easily proclaim guilt (or pseudo guilt) for the sins of whiteness. I hope Akala has time to read his reviews - he seems like a guy who would consider the public's opinions.
    I did want to end with something not critical - although no book is perfect - but close to my heart. Id hpped Akala would not apply the same error of ignoring social-cultural-environment factors to white people as a whole, that he so dislikes when appied to the black community. In other words, white westerners have been huge victims too of capitalism and economic propsertity. Perhaps not financial victims, but as 'Guinea pigs' of modern capitalism, white western countries have seen our cultures, extended familes, communitues and traditional religions decimated. Unlike anywhere else in the world. Oh and Akala, like the young black boy who doesn't simply 'choose' to pick up that knife, us white westerners don't just 'choose' to not have kids anymore. Please apply the same environmental analysis to us too. My partner and I work in social care, dont earn much, and want to have kids we feel we can bring into this world, if we decide to. We spend our working life looking after kids society and their familys have neglected and abused. It takes a village to bring up a child as you know. So perhaps a little bit more thought at the end of the book - where emotions came to the fore more - that white westerners choosing not to have kids may actually be brave and arguably healthier than cultures where babies are had so easily, or because God willed it. (I come From a large religious family myself).
    Ultimately I don't begrudge Akala, and black British people resentment. How could I? Akala in this book was overall restrained. If i were black (i can't know though), the Haiti question alone would be hard to swallow, let alone many other atrocities historically, without even mentioning the TA slave trade.
    We may have more money as white westerners, and more privelege Akala, but perhaps id swap that for soul, community, cultire, 'love' . Not just my words, many brilliant writers, have written about this.
    Keep it up akala - you are a role model to all communities.
    34 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Martina
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
    Reviewed in the United States on 22 March 2022
    This book is a fantastic, enjoyable, informative and enlightening read. The personal accounts and experience combined with the extensive research and reference to historical accounts, culture and contemporary events creates a multi-dimensional understanding of the workings, perceptions and experience of race and class in Britain. I would recommend this to everyone.
  • Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Important
    Reviewed in Spain on 24 June 2023
    Excellent work.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottima condizione
    Reviewed in Italy on 5 December 2022
    Da leggere! Molto interessante, scritto molto bene
  • Barry James Mccarthy
    5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK!
    Reviewed in Canada on 11 September 2018
    I love Akala, his music is incredible, The Thieves Banquet is a masterpiece in itself, he is an erudite, brilliant guy whom it's hard not to admire. This book should be added to school curriculums, it should be taught to children to show them the racist past of imperialism and to emphasize the impact that still remains. It teaches how the history we are taught really is written by the victors, how the profundity of suffering that built the 'empire' is still not acknowledged by the ruling classes and how young black men and women, boys and girls, are still treated as outsiders in the country they call home, the references and other books quoted make you want to discover a plethora of literature that is out there to help educate anyone who wants to be informed. Search any talk on YouTube given by Akala, (as well as his Fire in the Booth sessions) and you will not regret it, he just excites you to learn more, and be aware of race and class, just like the title says. He is a genius. Love the man, love the book
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Reading!
    Reviewed in Japan on 8 July 2024
    A jog for Britain’s selective amnesia. As well as an education to anyone alive, and to be born. Eloquently and poignantly written. Akala hasn’t missed a beat. A well worth purchase and time spent.