1945, Rick Braithwaite, a smart, highly educated ex-RAF pilot, looks for a job in British engineering. He is deeply shocked to realise that, as a black man from British Guiana, no one will employ him because of the colour of his skin. In desperation he turns to teaching, taking a job in a tough East End school, and left to govern a class of unruly teenagers.With no experience or guidance, Braithwaite attempts to instil discipline, confound prejudice and ultimately, to teach. 'Moving and inspiring' New York Times WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY CARYL PHILLIPS