In Black and White: A Young Barrister's Story by Alexandra Wilson - Non Fiction - Hardback

Details:
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781913068288
Publisher: Endeavour (Octopus Publishing Group)
Age Range: Adult / 16+

Overview:
In Black and White is Alexandra Wilson's searing debut memoir, tracing her journey from a teenager who witnessed the fatal stabbing of a family friend to a determined junior barrister working within Britain's criminal and family courts. Told with honesty and urgency, it exposes how race and class shape outcomes in the justice system. Perfect for readers of memoir, social justice, and true stories of resilience, this hardback is a compelling, thought-provoking read for anyone wanting to understand the human cost of institutional inequality.

About the Book:
Alexandra Wilson was still at school when she witnessed her family friend Ayo fatally stabbed, an event that set her on a path towards the law. Years later, as a young mixed-race barrister working criminal and family cases, she found herself navigating a profession and a justice system built by and for a privileged few. In Black and White moves between courtroom and chambers, recounting cases involving teenagers pulled into county lines drug networks, families torn apart by the care system, and clients failed by assumptions about their race and background. Wilson writes candidly about being mistaken for a defendant, about colleagues' casual prejudice, and the small moments revealing how deeply bias is embedded in supposedly impartial institutions. Her prose is direct and unflinching, yet also warm and hopeful, driven by her belief that reform is possible if enough people are willing to see the system clearly. The memoir doesn't shy away from difficult truths, but it is also a story of determination, of a young woman who refused to be discouraged by an unwelcoming profession and instead used her position to advocate for those least likely to be heard. Readers praise its readability and emotional honesty, making complex legal and social issues accessible without feeling like a lecture. This hardback delivers a vivid, necessary account of race, class, and justice in contemporary Britain.

• An unflinching first-hand account of race and class bias within the UK justice system.
• Ideal for readers of memoir, social justice non-fiction, and current affairs.
• Written by a practising barrister, giving genuine authority and insight.
• Sparks meaningful discussion, making it a strong choice for book clubs.
• A thoughtful gift for anyone interested in law, equality, or personal memoir.

About the Author:
Alexandra Wilson is a junior barrister practising criminal and family law. Raised in Essex, the eldest of four children, she has a White British mother and a Black British father whose parents were part of the Windrush generation. Her mixed heritage and early experiences of loss and injustice inform her passionate advocacy for young people caught up in the justice system. In Black and White is her debut book, drawing widespread critical acclaim for its honesty and insight, and has been optioned for screen adaptation.

Why You'll Love This Memoir:
Honest, urgent and beautifully observed, this hardback memoir turns a barrister's daily reality into a gripping, page-turning read that will change how you see the justice system.

Please Note: Cover image shown is the UK edition with the stated ISBN; dispatched brand new.