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alisonoreads's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Inspiring, honest memoir by a pathbreaking educator and Black woman in 50s London.
cazinthehat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
curlypip's review against another edition
3.0
I came across this book after seeing it listed in a Guardian newspaper article about the most overlooked black writers, and this was Bernadine Evaristo’s choice.
Beryl Gilroy sounds like an amazing woman, a trailblazer in being one of the first black head teachers in the UK, and a wonderfully compassionate and understanding human being. I loved the phonetic dialogue of conversations with her students.
It’s a solid three stars rather than 4 though, because sometimes I felt she went off on such a tangent about so many peripheral characters that I felt lost and confused …
Beryl Gilroy sounds like an amazing woman, a trailblazer in being one of the first black head teachers in the UK, and a wonderfully compassionate and understanding human being. I loved the phonetic dialogue of conversations with her students.
It’s a solid three stars rather than 4 though, because sometimes I felt she went off on such a tangent about so many peripheral characters that I felt lost and confused …
polyphonic_reads's review
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Racism
emmavardy2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A wonderful memoir by a trailblazing woman.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, and Death
lilyreads01's review against another edition
4.0
Black Teacher by Beryl Gilroy is a rediscovered memoir about the author’s incredible journey and fight to become one of Britain’s first Black headteachers. First published in 1976 the book is introduced by Bernadine Evaristo who acknowledges the struggles and celebrates the success of a Black woman, teacher, mother and friend. The story is about a Guyanese woman from British Guiana who arrives in post war London in 1955 and wants to continue teaching. Denied teaching jobs because of her colour, Beryl works in an office by the East End Bob sites and as a lady’s maid to an aristocrat. She gains experiences and insights that make her more determined to teach. It is her belief in education that helps Beryl to overcome racism and prejudice from the public, teachers, parents and children and her indomitable spirit that changes opinions and heals wounds. A heartbreaking, hopeful and essential story about a woman of depth, dignity and determination. It enables the reader to see that against all odds you can achieve and excel. This books shows that not only was Beryl a fantastic teacher but also an accomplished writer who captures a society, culture and generation.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
daisyddoug's review against another edition
5.0
Inspirational, beautifully written and I'll return to this time and time again.