My Name Is Why

by Lemn Sissay

THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

INDIE BOOK AWARDS NON-FICTION WINNER

'EXTRAORDINARY' - The Times

'BEAUTIFUL' - Dolly Alderton

'SHATTERING' - Observer

'INCREDIBLE' - Benjamin Zephaniah

'UNPUTDOWNABLE' - Sunday Times

'ASTOUNDING' - Matt Haig

'POWERFUL' - Elif Shafak

At the age of seventeen, after a childhood in a foster family followed by six years in care homes, Norman Greenwood was given his birth certificate. He learned that his real name was not Norman. It was Lemn Sissay. He was British and Ethiopian. And he learned that his mother had been pleading for his safe return to her since his birth.

This is Lemn's story: a tale of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and triumph. Sissay reflects on his childhood, self-expression, and Britishness, exploring the institutional care system, race, family, and the meaning of home.

Written with the lyricism and power expected from one of the nation's best-loved poets, this moving, frank, and timely memoir is the result of a life spent asking questions and a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity.

Details:

• Pages: 224
• Published: 02/07/2020