What Are You Doing Here?

My Autobiography

By: Baroness Floella Benjamin

Narrated by: Baroness Floella Benjamin

Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Baroness Floella Benjamin (P)2022 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

A Joy to Spend Time with this Remarkable Woman

I can't say enough positive about Floella Benjamin's story. She is inspiring. The story starts with her early years in Trinidad and then their move as a family to England.

Although, I say the story is a joy, that is a reflection of her attitude toward life. No matter what happens to her, and there are some very painful things that happen, she tries to learn from it. With humility she is constantly learning about herself and how to communicate with others.

It saddened me deeply reading about how so many times she has dealt with racism. Yet, she gathers strength from the early love she received as a child from her parents. She learned to be tenacious, patient, and how to stand up for herself.

Her voice is melodic and beautiful. As an actress, she reads with emotion and heart.

I had to laugh, because one of the reasons I purchased the audible was because of her smile. I'll let you figure out the importance of that.

I purchased this book while I'm recovering from CoVid. Thank you Floella for helping me to focus on feeling compassion for you and also laughing/giggling with you as you find humor all around you.

Since I don't live in England, I didn't know who she was. She is a great advocate for children. How happy I am that I took a chance on reading this.

Please know that this book is a very clean read. Bravo (How I wish more books would cut out the swearing).