The Golden Thread: Asian Experiences of Post-Raj Britain - hardcover

The Golden Thread is a testament to and celebration of the lives, experiences, philosophies and achievements of post-Raj Asian women who, coming from many countries and cultures, have made Britain their home. Zerhanoo Gifford draws upon her conversations with over one hundred Asian women and men, uncovering the stereotypes and popular mythologies often favoured by our media-wallahs to offer us the rich and complex realities of their lives. The book gives us, for the first time, the opportunity to perceive Britain and the British through Asian eyes, in accounts which are both critical and positive, humorous and affectionate. Asians, including the contributors to this book, have brought diverse heritages to Britain, infused with European, African, Middle Eastern, Oriental, or West Indian cultures.
With the author, they tell us stories: of life for Asians living in Britain, the realities behind the promise of Britain the 'Motherland' and the experiences of immigration and integration into British society. They describe what they value highly in their private and public lives, making known their thoughts on politics and prejudice, on marriage, relationships and family life, and the place of spirituality and religion in their own philosophies. The golden thread has many meanings; Zerbanoo Gifford is the golden thread who succeeds in her endeavour to draw the many threads of Asian womanhood together and produce a book which speaks with a challenging and fresh voice.