Sajid Javid’s memoir offers mixed reflections on his journey
Sajid Javid’s memoir, The Colour of Home: Growing up in 1970s Britain, presents a complex portrait of his life, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of a British Pakistani boy navigating the landscape of 1970s Britain, reports BritPanorama.
The narrative details Javid’s experiences as part of a migrant family, capturing both his emotional struggles and achievements, yet it is punctuated by a sense of disconnect between his personal journey and political beliefs. Though he weaves a compelling story of love and adventure, certain political decisions, such as his support for Liz Truss in her leadership bid and his controversial revocation of Shamima Begum’s citizenship, remain glaring omissions.
Javid recalls the joy of receiving free school milk, a poignant detail overshadowed by his party’s policies that dismantled such support. His strict stance on immigration, including his opposition to his own parents settling in the UK, further complicates his narrative, reflecting a conflict that resonates throughout his memoir. In an interview, he revealed this position, underscoring the personal transformations that shaped his beliefs.
Born in 1969, Javid’s upbringing in a predominantly white, working-class town exposed him to the realities of racism and integration. His father, Abdul-Ghani, emigrated to the UK in the 1960s, becoming a bus driver, while his mother, Zubaida, struggled with the English language, which rendered her an outsider. This history of dislocation informs Javid’s views on integration yet remains an area underexplored within his book.
Javid’s next move saw his family relocate to Bristol, where they faced economic challenges and racial prejudice. Throughout his childhood, he experienced both moments of joy and harsh discipline from his father, which he later resolved to reject in his own parenting. His academic journey culminated in a degree from Exeter University, paving the way for his eventual political career.
In the memoir, Javid poignantly recounts the resistance he faced when he sought to marry Laura, a white woman he fell in love with during university. His defiance against familial and cultural expectations marked a significant turning point in his life, illustrating a theme of challenging societal norms that pervades his narrative.
While Javid’s memoir is at times reflective and insightful, it occasionally falls into the realm of political posturing, leading to a disconnect between his lived experiences and his political philosophy, particularly his alignment with Thatcherite principles. Ultimately, The Colour of Home encourages readers—especially children of immigrants—to aspire for greatness, while also shedding light on the nuances of identity and belonging in contemporary Britain.
The Colour of Home is published by Abacus, £25
