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What Are You Doing Here?: My Autobiography
Winner at the 2022 Parlimentary Book Awards Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration, an actress and much-loved children's television presenter who is a member of the House of Lords. But how did the girl from Trinidad end up lunching with the Queen? In What Are You Doing Here? Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation, and the pain caused by the racism she encountered every day. It was offset by the love of her parents, who gave her the pride in her heritage, self-belief and confidence that have carried her through life. From winning a role in groundbreaking musical Hair (while clearly stating she would not take her clothes off) to breaking down barriers on Play School, from refusing to be typecast in roles to speaking out for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, she has remained true to herself. She also reveals how she met husband Keith, became a mother of two, was befriended by Kenneth Williams, hugged President Obama, and found a purpose that would underpin everything she did - campaigning for the needs of children. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.
400 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2023
11 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 3, 2023
really enjoyed this autobiography very interesting
February 18, 2023
Even after all these years, Floella continues to educate and influence us by telling her incredible story. A wonderful book by an exceptional lady.
November 4, 2022
I found the start of this book about Floella’s early childhood and move to England very interesting. But in the end I gave up after reading just over 3/4. I’m afraid she was just too full of herself, with no humility at all. I’m sure this level of confidence is a direct result of fighting back against the appalling racism she has endured throughout her life, but I’m afraid after a while it grated to the point where I had to give up. Yes she has achieved a lot to promote children’s rights and ensure representation of children of colour on tv, but to bang your own drum so loudly meant I couldn’t hear anything else, just the ‘aren’t I brilliant’ noise. Too much.
December 18, 2022
Disappointingly arrogant!
Love Floella. She has done wonderful things. Wish someone had helped her rephrase much of the book.
It was educational, interesting, moving and made me feel ashamed at times.
Love Floella. She has done wonderful things. Wish someone had helped her rephrase much of the book.
It was educational, interesting, moving and made me feel ashamed at times.
December 14, 2023
Parts of the book as she came to England and went through bullying and hatred because of who she was were real eye opening and heartbreaking. She has led an amazing life by standing up for what she believes in but there were times when the book annoyed me and I had to skim through.
October 23, 2023
Interesting and admirable but a little too long and preachy at times and just a tad too self promoting.
February 1, 2025
I am one of Floella's playschool babies. I remember her beautiful smile on the TV when I was a little girl, and feeling like she was directly speaking to me. And so I just loved this book - her early childhood (she was fierce!), her family's experiences in coming to the UK, and how she took everything that made her who she is into everything she did.
I cried at the end - she has so tirelessly tried to make a difference, and she *has* made a difference, in a multitude of ways. Not least of which is the recent introduction for women who have experienced early baby loss to be able to apply for a certificate to mark that, and it applies retrospectively. I miscarried twice before having my children, and so I had applied for one - I'd had no idea she had worked on that. So thank you, Floella.
I cried at the end - she has so tirelessly tried to make a difference, and she *has* made a difference, in a multitude of ways. Not least of which is the recent introduction for women who have experienced early baby loss to be able to apply for a certificate to mark that, and it applies retrospectively. I miscarried twice before having my children, and so I had applied for one - I'd had no idea she had worked on that. So thank you, Floella.
November 7, 2024
What an inspirational woman!
November 15, 2024
It's a wonderful book about an amazing lady who has achieved so very much such an inspiring book..
October 19, 2024
What an absolutely amazing life Floella Benjamin has had. She is a truly remarkable woman and has achieved great things through hard work, dedication and a firm belief in her principles and in herself. An interesting read.
April 10, 2025
Benjamin shares the experience of growing up in Britain as part of the Windrush generation, people who came from the Caribbean to build new lives in the ‘Motherland’ and found a brutal uphill struggle against ingrained societal and institutional racism and prejudice. It is a battle that Benjamin has personally fought nearly every step of her career, which has taken her from being a presenter on children’s television, to producing educational programmes, to working with charities and non-profits, to authoring books, and onwards to the House of Lords. Along the way, she met many people who helped and inspired her, and together they tried to make a change and improve British society’s tolerance and inclusivity.
Benjamin’s belief in the power and value of education was instilled at a young age in Trinidad, and she brought this respect and knowledge to the UK. It found expression in her work on Play School and as a producer in her and her partner Keith’s company, Floella Benjamin Productions. Her care, kindness and passion to teach and care for children would echo through her later professional life, as many of the children who grew up watching her would later work with her and were happy to help her because of the strong and positive associations she had for them.
Benjamin strongly advocates for the inclusion of different races in all walks of life. She was often the first and only Black woman on panels, and she tried to reform perspectives and open the door to greater diversity. Often, Benjamin found that unconscious bias was the problem rather than deliberate racism or exclusion. Benjamin’s advice to those who do face direct racism, as she did, was to smile and to keep calm, even if you are raging inside. She would stand up for herself privately, and she does not name the individuals who had treated her poorly, only those who were supportive and deserved to be championed.
This is a wonderful autobiography, having watched Benjamin as a child on Playdays, her face is always associated with happy and warm memories, and to learn about this aspect of British life and the fight for children’s educational wellbeing and greater diversity of representation in our society was interesting. Things have improved, even though there is more to do, and it is good to read and celebrate those in our society who have fought to make things better for others.
Benjamin’s belief in the power and value of education was instilled at a young age in Trinidad, and she brought this respect and knowledge to the UK. It found expression in her work on Play School and as a producer in her and her partner Keith’s company, Floella Benjamin Productions. Her care, kindness and passion to teach and care for children would echo through her later professional life, as many of the children who grew up watching her would later work with her and were happy to help her because of the strong and positive associations she had for them.
Benjamin strongly advocates for the inclusion of different races in all walks of life. She was often the first and only Black woman on panels, and she tried to reform perspectives and open the door to greater diversity. Often, Benjamin found that unconscious bias was the problem rather than deliberate racism or exclusion. Benjamin’s advice to those who do face direct racism, as she did, was to smile and to keep calm, even if you are raging inside. She would stand up for herself privately, and she does not name the individuals who had treated her poorly, only those who were supportive and deserved to be championed.
This is a wonderful autobiography, having watched Benjamin as a child on Playdays, her face is always associated with happy and warm memories, and to learn about this aspect of British life and the fight for children’s educational wellbeing and greater diversity of representation in our society was interesting. Things have improved, even though there is more to do, and it is good to read and celebrate those in our society who have fought to make things better for others.
June 12, 2023
We love Floella's picture book about her journey to the UK and saw her earlier this year at a Caribbean Takeover at the Royal Maritime Museum Greenwich where I picked this up.
I didn't know much about her other than a vague memory of playdays and her picture book. I'm honestly quite floored by all she has done. I had seen the effects of her efforts in my life, but not known about the work she had put in.
Aside from her many accomplishments her spirit really shone through in this book. In recent years I've read about and talked to people about their experiences with racism in this country. The ways it makes you feel and knocks you down. Floella's approach to it all is very different to much that I have seen or heard of. I am certainly going to try and remember her open but disarming way of responding. I can only imagine that the efforts of her parents contributed to her sense of security in herself. If I can emulate it even a little it will go a long way.
Floella is a treasure and a credit to both Britain and Trinidad. Her life story is an engaging and enlightening read.
I didn't know much about her other than a vague memory of playdays and her picture book. I'm honestly quite floored by all she has done. I had seen the effects of her efforts in my life, but not known about the work she had put in.
Aside from her many accomplishments her spirit really shone through in this book. In recent years I've read about and talked to people about their experiences with racism in this country. The ways it makes you feel and knocks you down. Floella's approach to it all is very different to much that I have seen or heard of. I am certainly going to try and remember her open but disarming way of responding. I can only imagine that the efforts of her parents contributed to her sense of security in herself. If I can emulate it even a little it will go a long way.
Floella is a treasure and a credit to both Britain and Trinidad. Her life story is an engaging and enlightening read.
October 31, 2024
As one of Floella Benjamin’s “Playschool babies”, like most Gen Xers in the UK, I am guilty of not knowing what she had been up to since, and had no clue why she had been awarded a Dame-hood and was in the House of Lords. Now I know!
Floella Benjamin has been responsible for pushing the needs of children with various governments over the past 40 years, was the first female black University Chancellor, and was behind commemorations for the Windrush generation, and getting death certificates for stillborn babies. Weirdly, we had recently seen the Windrush Garden at RHS Bridgewater, which had the four different shaped windows of my childhood, as a celebration of Floella Benjamin’s time presenting Playschool.
Her achievements are peppered with stories about her family, and challenges she has faced as a black woman in the UK. One of my favourite quotes in here was from her mum, “every disappointment is an appointment with something better”. I will remember that one 🙂 With such an inspirational and supportive family instilling belief in her from an early age, I can see why she has been able to achieve so much.
Floella Benjamin has been responsible for pushing the needs of children with various governments over the past 40 years, was the first female black University Chancellor, and was behind commemorations for the Windrush generation, and getting death certificates for stillborn babies. Weirdly, we had recently seen the Windrush Garden at RHS Bridgewater, which had the four different shaped windows of my childhood, as a celebration of Floella Benjamin’s time presenting Playschool.
Her achievements are peppered with stories about her family, and challenges she has faced as a black woman in the UK. One of my favourite quotes in here was from her mum, “every disappointment is an appointment with something better”. I will remember that one 🙂 With such an inspirational and supportive family instilling belief in her from an early age, I can see why she has been able to achieve so much.
September 14, 2023
What a fascinating and thought provoking read! As one of Floella's 'playschool babies' I knew of her career in children's television and then nothing until she arrived at Exeter. So to read about the myriad of good and charitable work that she performed in the intervening years was eye-opening. Reading about the racism she endured in such detail gave me a greater understanding of those in her position and I am in utter awe that she was able to use such a difficult start to ensure no others face the difficulties that she and her generation endured. I am in awe of her strength and this book has inspired me to question myself; am I doing enough to make the world a better place? Fully deserved of the five stars, and I would highly recommend this book to fellow readers.
December 4, 2023
It is gritty, moving, inspiring gutsy.
So much more than going through "the round window" to see one of my favourite kids TV presenters.
She narrates herself (added bonus of her inflection). And the book takes you on the story of her life from earliest memories in Trinidad, being left in the colony while her parents set up in England before they brought her and her siblings to London, cotent about the windrush generation. The racism she experienced then and throughout her life, how she shifted from a trainee accountant to acting/musicals and then got into her career in television. Her entrapenural spirit and her life long fights for equality and inclusion.
It's well worth a listen/read
So much more than going through "the round window" to see one of my favourite kids TV presenters.
She narrates herself (added bonus of her inflection). And the book takes you on the story of her life from earliest memories in Trinidad, being left in the colony while her parents set up in England before they brought her and her siblings to London, cotent about the windrush generation. The racism she experienced then and throughout her life, how she shifted from a trainee accountant to acting/musicals and then got into her career in television. Her entrapenural spirit and her life long fights for equality and inclusion.
It's well worth a listen/read
August 21, 2024
Such an interesting book and probably one of the most eye opening regarding racism in the UK which I have read. Yes, Floella can come across as being quite self promoting in it - but doesn't she deserve to be?! Look what she has achieved! No need for false modesty, own it! Only one statement made me feel a little uncomfortable, and it was the use of connections with 'playschool babies' to achieve goals...I am sure this was not intended to sound as if close trusting relationships were developed for exploitation but I'm afraid that is how it read to me. Overall a very worthwhile, informative read and a lesson in how different the world could be if a little more love was shown.
October 15, 2024
Clearly I’m out of kilter with the majority of people in my rating.
It started strongly for me, with details of the author’s childhood and transition to England. The reality of that move is laid bare, with no punches pulled, reflecting the truth of the bigotry and small mindedness prevalent even today.
I was fascinated by the move into performing and appearing on tv. The author is truly a ground breaking symbol, and well loved childhood presenter.
The second half of the book waned for me, hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I found it a slog to get through. Still recommended, but lacking something for me.,
It started strongly for me, with details of the author’s childhood and transition to England. The reality of that move is laid bare, with no punches pulled, reflecting the truth of the bigotry and small mindedness prevalent even today.
I was fascinated by the move into performing and appearing on tv. The author is truly a ground breaking symbol, and well loved childhood presenter.
The second half of the book waned for me, hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I found it a slog to get through. Still recommended, but lacking something for me.,
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Floellas life story it was both interesting and varied from her accounts of early life in Trinidad ,her coming to England ,working in children’s tv ,to her charity work ,and finally her work in the house of lords.
Through out her account the racism and prejudice she sadlyfaced( and still faces ,)is there
However her Marmies message of believe in yourself, speak up when you need to and do what you see needs to done to make things right is put into action throughout making this a throughly inspiring read.
Thank you Floella .
Your Marmie certainly taught you well!
Through out her account the racism and prejudice she sadlyfaced( and still faces ,)is there
However her Marmies message of believe in yourself, speak up when you need to and do what you see needs to done to make things right is put into action throughout making this a throughly inspiring read.
Thank you Floella .
Your Marmie certainly taught you well!
February 18, 2024
As one of her Play School babies, I was interested in finding out more about the TV presenter and actress who ended up in the House of Lords. Floella's story and attitude to life is truly inspiring. Over the years she has been a driving force in trying to make life better for others. She approaches life with a smile on her face and a "can do" attitude and I hope this book motivates others to "be more Floella".
April 15, 2025
Good book. Enjoyed hearing about FB’s early life and family. I remember watching her in Play School like a lot of children from my era. She seems such a lovely lady and from the sounds of things has made some dramatic changes in diversity. Did skim the book towards the end because of the committees that were discussed. I do appreciate they were mentioned for good reason but it did get quite boring in the 2nd half of the book.
May 22, 2023
It's maybe a shame that Benjamin has only written two books of her own life and has published this in her 70s. Because she's lived a full and interesting life and some anecdotes only get single sentences in this book, whereas I'm sure she could have written whole chapters about some of them. A delightful book from a delightful woman.
July 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this autobiography, focused on Floella Benjamin’s early life and migration to the UK, but she lost me after she joined the House of Lords. It began to feel a bit like a play school lecture on children’s rights and I didn’t have it in me to listen to the last 90 minutes or so.
January 10, 2024
A wonderfully inspirational read.
I had wondered for years about her back story and how Floella went from Play School to the House of Lords. I know now and am fully convinced of her capabilities and the rightness of her being a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
I wish her all the best for the future.
I had wondered for years about her back story and how Floella went from Play School to the House of Lords. I know now and am fully convinced of her capabilities and the rightness of her being a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
I wish her all the best for the future.
November 6, 2024
Inspirational book
Loved reading this story of Floella's life. A truly inspiring lady. It always my me so sad to read of the injustices heaped on people of colour - for no reason other than the colour of their skin. I'm one of her Play School children.
Loved reading this story of Floella's life. A truly inspiring lady. It always my me so sad to read of the injustices heaped on people of colour - for no reason other than the colour of their skin. I'm one of her Play School children.
September 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. An amazing woman who has achieved so much both for children & herself
November 15, 2022
A superb read.
A remarkable life and legacy.
Thank You Floella.
A remarkable life and legacy.
Thank You Floella.
June 2, 2024
Floella writes about her life as if she were sitting having a coffee with you. I admire her commitment to optimism. A very compelling g autobiography.
January 21, 2025
Great book to me Floella Benjamin was just my favourite playschool presenter from the late 1970's I never realised that she had done so much. Truly inspiring lady. Great read
March 30, 2025
What a woman, what an inspiration. I decided to read this after watching 'Coming to England ' and it didn't disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews