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My Name Is Why

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My Name Is Why

By: Lemn Sissay
Narrated by: Lemn Sissay, Richard Burnip, Zoe Mills
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About this listen

At the age of 17, after a childhood in an 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.

Here Sissay recounts his life story. It is 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.

©2019 Lemn Sissay (P)2019 Canongate Books Ltd Black Creators Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Discrimination Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
What strength of character does this man show! Though this is a very upsetting ‘history ‘ I hope its’ author has found some peace and love in this world x Lemn you are a credit to yourself - and to the woman who gave you life x

Makes me SO ANGRY

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A vivid account of both beauty in Lemm’s memories of the nature around him and terrors at the hands of those supposed to care for our kids. Thanks for the glimpse into your world.

From the heart

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I loved this memoir. A few things came to mind throughout, Lemn Sissay was a small boy who should never have been put in the places he found himself in. He is my generation and while I went back from the Blackpool theatre with my dad, he went back to a children’s home and that felt very sad and very wrong. You have to remind yourself throughout that terrible decisions were made and that he was not a criminal (as you will suspect that Wood End is a prison and not the ‘care’ home it was supposed to be) but a young boy that had no say or control over his own life. I just wanted to hug the little boy, to jump in the story and take him from those people. The inspiring part comes from what Lemn Sissay has ultimately achieved, but not all children from the care system will be able to do that which makes his story and the telling of it is so important. It is also important that we listen.

An incredibly moving memoir.

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I enjoyed the book at like I said I really enjoyed Lemn as the narrator because it brought life to the story.
The only problem I had is you didn’t hear much about his feeling begin.
Everything that happened was awful but I found myself not feeling the emotional ride I was anticipated

My biggest problem was the end of the blood.
I carried on listening then bam...book was over before I imagined or expected.

This sounds so awful and if Lemn ever happens to read this, I think you are absolutely amazing and your story is horrific but the way you have changed your life in phenomenal

Interesting book, great narration by Lemn himself

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sensitive and intelligent story of hope from a writer who comes across as being both down to earth and spiritual simultaneously. Thank you. I appreciated this audio book which actually helped me to appreciate all I have had over the years

sensitive and intelligent

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