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What's in a Name?

Friendship, Identity and History in Modern Multicultural Britain

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What's in a Name?

By: Sheela Banerjee
Narrated by: Sheela Banerjee
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About this listen

A sharp and timely examination of Britain's history, through the prism of something intimate and everyday - everyone's name tells a story, no matter how ordinary

'Our names reveal a multitude of stories, reveal feelings, states of consciousness and lost histories that embody who we really are and where we come from... This is a personal journey to reveal the worlds which gave rise to what we are called.'

Our names are so mundane that we barely notice them. Yet each contains countless stories of tradition and belonging - be that a legacy of colonialism or persecution, the desire to fit in, or the complex cultural inheritance from one's parents.

In What's in a Name?, Sheela Banerjee unravels the personal histories of friends and family through their names. And while tracing their heritage across centuries and continents - from west London to British India, and from 1960s Jamaica to pre-Revolutionary Russia - Sheela also tells the story of twentieth-century immigration to the UK.

Blending history, memoir and politics, What's in a Name? is a celebration of Britain's rich multiculturalism, an ode to friendship and a testament to all the stories held within our names.

©2023 Sheela Banerjee (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Europe Great Britain Linguistics Social Sciences Words, Language & Grammar Social justice Latin American Africa
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Beautiful narration of a fascinating book. Part memoir, part social and political history, Sheela Banerjee traces personal and political history by pulling on the threads of names and their meanings. Just brilliant.

Beautiful narration

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Five stars, without a doubt!
"What's in a Name? by Sheela Banerjee" is a perfect read for anyone interested in personal histories, identity, and politics. Not only is it informative but also deeply moving and inspiring. If you've ever been intrigued by the stories behind names or have been questioned about your own, this book is a goldmine of fascinating information.
Listening to the audiobook, narrated by the author herself, added an extra layer of connection to the material. Sheela's voice is warm and engaging, bringing each story to life with a personal touch that makes you feel like you're part of the conversation. Her narration truly enhances the experience, making it feel even more personal and heartfelt.
"What's in a Name" is a beautifully written, insightful, and compelling read. Can't wait for more of Sheela Banerjee's writing.

This book is a goldmine of fascinating information

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Very interesting and informative
Really enjoyed this
Beautifully narrated as well
Thank you Sheela- just fab.

Amazing book

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Family, culture, immigration, racism, politics. Names lost and names found.

Narrated by the author, these personal stories are very powerful.

I'll be going back for a second listen.

A thought-provoking book, beautifully narrated.

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