What Are You Doing Here?
My Autobiography
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What Are You Doing Here?
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Narrated by:
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Baroness Floella Benjamin
About this listen
This audio edition is read by the author, Floella Benjamin.
Winner at the 2022 Parlimentary Book Awards
Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration, an actress and much-loved children’s television presenter who is a member of the House of Lords. But how did the girl from Trinidad end up lunching with the Queen?
In What Are You Doing Here? Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation, and the pain caused by the racism she encountered every day. It was offset by the love of her parents, who gave her the pride in her heritage, self-belief and confidence that have carried her through life. From winning a role in groundbreaking musical Hair (while clearly stating she would not take her clothes off) to breaking down barriers on Play School, from refusing to be typecast in roles to speaking out for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, she has remained true to herself.
She also reveals how she met husband Keith, became a mother of two, was befriended by Kenneth Williams, hugged President Obama, and found a purpose that would underpin everything she did – campaigning for the needs of children. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.
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What listeners say about What Are You Doing Here?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sonya G.
- 26-01-23
Everyone should listen to this
As one of her play school babies it’s just wonderful to learn more about her early life and life of service to the UK since Playschool. I strongly believe I as a white Brit who grew up in such a normalised racist society need to read and learn about what people experienced then so that we can ensure our children and our society never repeat these awful crimes. Floella’s book is an enjoyable way to do this.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paulette Johnson-Harrison
- 17-07-23
Very inspirational
Love how honest Florella tells her stories of her life. Can relate to aspects of her life. She’s an inspiration.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jerry A
- 01-07-23
Enlightening to say the least.
Thoroughly enjoyed Floella’s story and was as shocked as most to hear of her treatment at all times of life. I can’t believe the “ not for me’s” on here, her enthusiasm and doggedness is a lesson to us all.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A Scott
- 18-03-23
What an amazing life
Some people have said that they found this quite "Shouty". I did too, so sped it up to 1.2. This sounded so much better and more like Floella.
I'm a 70s Playschool Baby and vividly remember Floella on the programme. She doesn't seem to have lost her energy ay all!!
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K. Beck
- 01-06-23
Inspiring Read
I loved listening to this book, written by my favourite Playschool presenter. BUT there's much more to this woman than Playschool. She has dedicated her life to working for children. She came to the UK from Trinidad as a child and has ended up in the UK's House of Lords and was made a Dame. Her tenacity, taught by her marmee, is what has kept her going through life's set backs and she's had plenty of those. Keep smiling, Floella!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mikey C
- 26-11-22
Interesting listen but…
Great life story, well written.
Shame that the narration is a little shouty… I don’t remember Floella being like this on TV. She spoke much softer back in the day.
All respect to her for her work - both professionally and her social work (for want of a better phrase) - but the self-congratulatory tone (especially in the second half of the book) gets a little grating.
Overall though, recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike Liff
- 07-06-24
Her story is even more amazing than her smiles and hugs
I was a “play school baby” and I loved floella (who didn’t). But I don’t think I’m alone in being ignorant to just how much Floella has quietly worked to change our world since.
This book has undoubtedly made her one of my heros, and I send her a huge smile and a big hug.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A. E. Wray
- 30-09-22
I’m a playschool baby
As one of Floella’s 80’s playschool babies, I have been waiting for this book for a very long time and I loved every second, Floella’s lovely, comforting voice and endearing chuckle made listening an utter delight, and although the book was over 14 hours long, it didn’t feel like it. It seems that no matter what was thrown at Floella, nothing could break her spirit. A truly wonderful book.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kim B.
- 23-11-22
you should be here
loved it, i really learnt a lot it was informative,it is ,a good read.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 02-12-23
the tough start to life in the UK the had and especially how Flo was treated growing up and stillin adulthood
A wonderful story told just how I remember she used to on playscholl. From the struggles arriving in the UK to the hard work she has pit in and still does for the many good causes and her believes. The loving family and wonderful parents and husband and the tough times starting a family. Highly Recommend the listen to see how a Windrush child has given so much to this country
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