I've just read a wonderful book called Small Island by Andrea Levy. It describes the history of West Indians coming to the UK, while at the same time painting a wonderfully vivid and poignant picture of two families brought together by circumstance. It also sadly highlights the racism that was, and still is, commonplace within the UK.
Before the second World War, West Indians considered themselves as belonging to the Mother Country, such was the influence and pull of the British Empire. Yet on arriving in the UK, many having served in the war, the same inclusivity of the Empire was not shared, few even knowing where Jamaica was (Africa?)
I encourage you to read the book in its entirety, but if nothing else, read page 116: click on the link above, hover over the book image and search for 116. Use your Amazon credentials if necessary to authenticate. It paints a desperate picture.
