I want to start this review stating I am a straight, cis, white woman. My privilege means I am unlikely to experience what Candice covers in this fantastic book, but as an ally I always want to try and learn as much as possible about the experience of Black women. I also am not a mother (altho I did work in Mothercare for many years and the section about buying a Bugaboo really got me!).

A friend of mine and I discussed the way in which mental health service for Black women are so much more complex than for anyone who is White. Her experience opened my eyes to how privileged I was to have a psychologist who could treat me and knew my cultural background - this is almost impossible for Black women receiving treatment. Candice goes further than this, with her own experience but also into the depths of provision of health care for Black women, especially in peri and post natal settings.

I also found the section about private education really enlightening. I was brought up to believe in the equality of education and do not believe in private school. Candice's experience with Esme absolutely opened my eyes - in a reality where Black children are likely to be treated differently why not give them the best start in life? Until we can change those systematic failings within the education system for Black and ethnic minority children, private education may be the only option (however it maintains that it doesn't resolve the problem for parents who cannot access it or afford private education).

Cannot recommend this more to anyone - parents or not, Black, another person of colour, white.. There is plenty to read and learn, all written with an effortless style.