I wrote the book ‘Coming to England’ in 1994 because my children asked me what it was like when I was a child. I realised then that there was very little information about Caribbean history especially for children and young people, so I decided to write the book. It is now read by children all over the world and is on the National Reading Lisit for Schools in Britain. In 2003 I adapted the book into a film for BBC Television and it won a Royal Television Society Education Award in 2004.
Here is a synospis of ‘Coming to England’. I hope you will discover part of our history and want to find out more. If you want to buy a signed copy of the book or the film or both go to my shop where you can make a purchase.
‘Coming to England’ is a sixty minute film adaptation of Floella Benjamin's highly acclaimed book which was first published in 1994. It tells the story of a her journey as a ten year old from her home in Trinidad to London in the 1960's.
Floella's story is typical of many young West Indians of that time,
when many of them encouraged by enticing adverts, left their homes in the Caribbean and migrated to Britain. They came in the belief that England was a promised land of golden opportunities. But instead of happiness they found a cold and hostile welcome when they arrived in England.
The film, told from the child perspective, captures in pictures and words, some of the feelings and sensations experienced by Floella and her fellow travellers as they arrive in this strange and unfamiliar place. It depicts what England, particularly London was like in the early 60's.
The story begins in happier times as Floella and her three brothers and two sisters grow up as part of a family rich in culture, love, happiness and freedom in a small town in Trinidad, it reflects the close family life they led.
But when the news that her parents have decided to leave for England is announced Floella and her siblings’ lives are turned upside down. They are left in the care of family friends, who they had to call Auntie and Uncle as a sign of respect, while their parents went to England. The idea being that their parents would send for them as soon as they had secured work and accommodation. This was the most unhappy time of Floella’s life because she found herself living with a family of strangers who treated her like a servant and expect her to do all the dirty and menial tasks whilst the money her parents send each month was kept by the unscrupulous 'aunt'.
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This is a familiar story for many West Indian children and the film describes her feelings and unhappiness of that time.
Finally the glorious news arrives that their parents are sending for them. They make the two week journey to England, unaccompanied by adults on a passenger ship, across the Atlantic Ocean. They have little idea of what to expect in the far off land they have been educated to believe was the greatest, most wonderful land on earth, the land of hope and glory.
Dressed in thin clothing, best suited for the Caribbean climate, they embark on the long sea trip. They enjoy their new found freedom and make friends with the sailors who encourage them to help with work below decks.
Gradually the seas turn from blue to grey, the temperature falls and Floella, for the first time in her life feels the damp chilly hand of the British climate grip her heart and soul.
But as the ship docks at Southampton they are united as family once again and are warmed by the sight of their beloved mother who is waiting with embroidered cardigans and jumpers for them. The pretty cardigans however cannot protect them from the shock of discovering that they are about to start a new life in a cold, misty and unwelcoming place, half a world away from the beautiful island home they have left behind.
The last part of the film shows how Floella, her brothers and sisters adapt and begin to build a new life in England. It shows their experiences of a hostile society at school and in everyday life and depicts the realisation that they are going to be treated differently because of their colour.
But their mother instills confidence in them and repeatedly tells them that education is their passport to life.
Floella realises that in order to survive in Britain she has to work twice as hard and be twice as good.
The film ends on a high note as Floella breaks through a personal barrier and realises that she must excel and achieve in order to be accepted in England.
If you would like to purchase this book, DVD or video please visit our shop.
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