Rainbows of the Gutter

A book of this caliber is always welcome - the more so when it deals sensitively with the problems confronting ethnic minority groups in Britain Today. Philip Browne is the narrator and the story he tells is about his immediate family and friends. Browne is an artist, his sister, Colette, a journalist on a radical black paper. He takes us from their early childhood to maturity, detailing the tragedies which befall his family with clarity and restraint. Those qualities are the hallmarks of the book. The writing is graceful and intelligent and never seeks to overwhelm with sensationalist detail but instead offers experiences and leaves the readers to draw their own conclusions. After reading the book I felt as if I had been compelled to stand back and examine my own preconceptions: it does not leave the reader feeling comfortable. Thus, it is highly recommended as a wider reading text for more able GCSE students.