My Name Is Why

£1.00

At the age of 17, after a childhood in a fostered 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 story of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and triumph. Sissay reflects on a childhood in care, self-expression and Britishness, and in doing so explores the institutional care system, race, family and the meaning of home. Written with all the lyricism and power you would expect 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.

ISBN: 9781838854645 Author: Sissay, Lemn Publisher: Canongate Publication Date: 14th April 2022 Imprint: Canongate Cover: Paperback Dewey: 821.92 (edition:23) Pages: 160 Language: English Edition: Abridged edition Readership: General - Trade / Code: K Category: Subjects: , ,

SPECIALLY ABRIDGED FOR QUICK READS

How does a government steal a child and then imprison him?
How does it keep it a secret?
This story is how.
This story is true.

My Name Is Why is a true story about growing up in care and fighting to succeed despite the cruelty and failures of the care system.

Pre-order